"Hi, my name is Kerry Singley, co-owner of Premier Service Center and I've been in the auto repair business for over 20 years. In that time I've learned that choosing the right repair shop can be confusing. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about auto repair shops that I decided to offer the information below to help you make an informed and intelligent decision when selecting an auto repair company."
MISCONCEPTION #1: Your car manufacturer specifies regular maintence schedules just to get you back into their shop to make more money off you.
"NO! Although manufacturers are making cars that last longer and require less overall maintenance, they do require some preventative maintenance. If maintained properly, you can expect your car to go over 100,000 miles whithout major service."
MISCONCEPTION #2: A shop can give you an accurate price quote over the phone without seeing your car.
"NO! You can waste your time calling 20 different shops and get 20 different price quotes and chances are every one of them will be wrong. Unless the shop has had a chance to examine or test drive the car in person, there is no way to accurately diagnose your problem and give you an accurate price quote. BEWARE of any shop that is willing to give you a quote over the phone without seeing the car. Most likely they'll tell you a real low price just to get you to come in. Then they'll probably hit you with a much higher price once you get there."
MISCONCEPTION #3: Most repair shops will recommend extra work just to get you to spend more money.
"NO! The fact is, any repair shop that doesn't look for potential problems is actually doing you a great disservice. Quality repair shops do a multi-point inspection on every car that comes into their shop to uncover those inexpensive repairs that may be needed now, before they turn into major expenses later. Something as simple as discovering and then changing a worn belt may save you the danger and embarrassment of breaking down on a busy highway and the expensive towing charge."
MISCONCEPTION #4: All repair shops are the same.
"NO! In fact, there can be a huge difference between repair shops. The new car technology requires constant training to keep up with all the changes. It also requires the shop to have the latest diagnostic equipment available. The repair shop with the best trained and certified technicians and the most up to date equipment will usually do the best repair for you."
"To help you choose a good, reputable repair shop here are a few suggestions."
First, ask around. Has anyone you know had a good or a bad experience with a particular repair shop?
Next, try to find a shop that has a lot of repeat customers. Customers are more likely to stay with a repair shop that they trust and one that does a good job for them.
And finally, make sure they guarantee all the their work, Parts and Labor, 12months/12,000 miles perferably nationwide.
"Now, here are the seven questions that you must ask any atuo repair shop before you set up an appointment."
1. Do they have the most up to date training and diagnostic equipment for your particular make of car?
2. If they give you an estimate over the phone, will they absolutely guarantee the price?
3. Do they do a multi-point inspection for free to uncover potential problems and to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on the repair of your vehicle?
4. Are their technicians ASE Certified?
5. Do they offer you a ride to and from home or work the day your car is serviced?
6. Do they accept all major credit cards as well as 90 days same as cash?
7. Do they Guarantee their work nationwide with a 12 months/12,000 miles warranty?