There are many things to consider when finding a shop you can trust. Personal recommendations are a great place to start, but it’s also essential to do your research. Read online reviews of different shops and pay attention to recurring themes or grievances. It’s also helpful to compare quotes for the same repair at multiple shops.
Ask for Recommendations
Asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues is a great way to find a shop that you can trust. However, don’t stop there — look at online reviews, get estimates, and check out the shops’ certifications.
You should also find out if they provide complimentary transportation, like a shuttle or car rental. This isn’t a deal-breaker but it shows they care about giving extra service. Please find out how much experience they have working on your make and model of vehicle, as well.
A repair shop with more experience should be able to diagnose and fix your problem quickly, efficiently, and correctly. Finally, it’s essential to ask how they price their work and whether or not they have a diagnostic fee.
A good shop will be willing to give you a written estimate, itemizing parts from labor and explaining any discounts. If a shop is unwilling to do this, that should be a red flag.
Ask for a Warranty
The best auto repair Exton shop offers warranties for their work. These guarantees help consumers feel confident that their cars are in good hands. To find a shop with solid warranties, consider checking online reviews.
Sites provide customers with a platform to share their experiences with local businesses. Read positive and negative feedback from past customers to get a balanced perspective. Many shops specialize in specific models and brands of vehicles.
These facilities have technicians with the proper credentials, knowledge, and skills for their preferred brands. It is also easier for them to keep up with technical service bulletins and parts information for one type of car than multiple makes and models.
Ask each shop you’re considering to explain the problem and needed repairs in layperson’s terms. This will give you a better idea of their expertise. They should also be able to provide you with an estimate for the cost of the repairs with labor and parts broken out.
Get a Written Estimate
Obtaining a written estimate is a great way to ensure you get top-notch service without overpaying. A written estimate will provide you with the breakdown of the costs of parts and labor for your repair, and it can be a good indication of the overall quality of work to expect.
A high-quality mechanic should take the time to explain the repairs needed and their prices, and they should be willing to answer your questions. They should also be able to provide a timeline for when your car will be completed and any potential delays or additional costs that may arise.
If you are still looking for the answers to your questions or feel uncomfortable negotiating a price, consider seeking another shop for a second opinion. You can learn more about a particular shop’s reputation by checking out their reviews on social media or consumer websites and looking into the number of complaints filed with the state Department of Business and Industry or the local consumer affairs office.