Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

Here is some information you may find interesting when you need to choose an auto repair or smog check shop.
Over the years I’ve learned that choosing the right repair or emissions testing shop can be confusing. In fact, people have so many misconceptions about auto repair and emissions testing shops that I decided to offer this information guide so when you need to select an auto repairs, emissions testing or smog only shop, you can make an informed, intelligent decision.
I’ll share with you some costly misconceptions about getting your car repaired, a CA smog test only or emissions testing. I’ll offer a few suggestions on how to save time, and give you eight questions you should ask every auto repair shop before you set up an appointment.

Misconception 1 – An auto repair shop can give you an accurate price quote over the phone without seeing your car.
No. You can waste your time calling 10 different shops and get 10 different price quotes and chances are every one of them will be wrong. Unless the auto repair shops have had a chance to examine or test drive the car in person, there is no way to accurately diagnose estimate required car repairs and give you an accurate price quote.
Beware of any auto repair shops that are willing to give you an auto repair quote over the phone without seeing the car. Most likely they’ll tell you a real low price just to get you to set up an appointment. Then they’ll probably hit you with a much higher price once you get there.

Misconception 2 – Your car manufacturer specifies regular maintenance schedules just to get you back into their auto repair shops to make more money off of you.
No. Although manufacturers are making cars that last longer and require fewer car repairs, they do require some preventative maintenance in order to extend their warranties and minimize auto repair.
If maintained properly, you can expect your car to go well over 100,000 miles without major service at auto repair shops.

Misconception 3 – Most auto repair and smog test shops will recommend extra work just to get you spend more money.
The fact is, car repair shops that don’t look for potential problems are actually doing you a great disservice. Quality auto repair shops do a safety inspection on every car that comes into their shop to uncover those inexpensive car repairs that may be needed now, before they turn into major expenses later.
Something as simple as changing a worn or cracked belt, when recommended, may save you the danger and inconvenience of breaking down on a busy street or highway. Plus, you could possibly end up with more damage to your vehicle and pay for an expensive towing charge.

Misconception 4 – All auto repair and smog shops are the same.
No. In fact, there can be a huge difference between auto 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 auto repair and smog check shops with the best trained certified mechanics (ASE) and up to date equipment will usually perform the best car repairs.

Here are a few suggestions that will help you choose a good, reputable auto repair shop.

First, ask around. Has anyone you know had a good or a bad experience with a particular auto repair shop?

Next, try to find auto repair shops that have a lot of repeat customers.
Customers are more likely to stay with an auto repair shop that they trust and one that does a good job for them.

And finally, make sure they guarantee all their car repairs with a 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty.