Posted Saturday, Jan 02, 2021
It’s true – no one likes having to take their vehicle into a shop for repairs, not even us! But having to get occasional repairs along with your regular maintenance is just a fact of vehicle ownership. While online reviews can help you pick out the right restaurant or retail store, they don’t always give you a thorough understanding of which repair shop is best for your vehicle. That is why we believe that it is important to do your research in order to find a reliable mechanic in advance of needing repairs. In order to help you get an idea of the quality of a shop, we’ve compiled a list of five questions you should be asking your mechanic – before you have repairs done.
Are you familiar with my make and model?
Some repair shops specialize in certain manufacturers, especially when it comes to older or less common vehicles, whereas some shops chose to take all makes and models. Be sure to ask ahead of time about your particular vehicle to ensure that the shop is familiar with it and can service it correctly.
Are your employees ASE certified?
While not required to be an auto mechanic, an ASE certification means that a mechanic is invested in their career. It also usually means that they have more experience and expertise, as it requires passing an examination and paying a fee for the certification. This is why all of our mechanics are ASE certified.
Do you provide free estimates?
Many shops offer free estimates, which gives you the advantage of knowing in advance how much your repair will be, and how soon it needs to be done. Some shops, however, charge for an estimate. If so, be sure to ask how the fee is calculated (usually flat rate or hourly), and also ask for a detailed, written copy of the estimate before any work is performed.
Do you offer a warranty on your parts and service?
All reputable repair shops offer warranties on their parts and service within a certain time frame or mileage limit. While there is no standard, it is important to ask ahead of time in case an issue arises after your repair is completed.
Will you notify me of any unexpected additional expenses?
Imagine going to pick up your vehicle after a brake change, only to find a surprise charge for additional work that you hadn’t discussed beforehand. While this doesn’t often happen, some shops don’t require their mechanics to call a customer before repairing additional issues found during the repair process. Always ask a repair shop what their policy is about notifying customers of unexpected expenses before they complete any additional repairs.
At All Star Motors, we strive to always provide our customers with the highest quality service possible. We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding our work and policies. Just give us a call, or visit our website for more information!