If you’re like most people, you spend tons of time behind the wheel of your car. You use it to get to work, run errands, and even just to take in the beautiful scenery. It’s how the average person puts more than 13,400 miles on their car each year.
All that mileage can take a toll on your car’s condition and, sooner or later, you’ll need to get it fixed. Unfortunately for many drivers, finding a car repair company to handle those repairs isn’t always easy.
You need to make sure the repair company will treat your car right without breaking the bank. So, what should you look for when choosing a mechanic? Consider these important factors when looking for a reliable repair tech in your area.
1. Consider Their Reputation With the People You Know
Before you start looking for a car repair company, it’s best to ask the people you know for recommendations. Talk to your coworkers, friends, family, and even your favorite cashier at your grocery store.
Ask them if they know of a mechanic in the area or can recommend an experienced professional.
Make a note of each recommendation as you go. If more than one person recommends the same mechanic or repair company, your car will likely be in good hands.
2. Look at the Quality of Their Reviews
Once you have a few names in mind, it’s always a good idea to research each company’s reputation. Start by reading reviews online.
See what others have to say about the quality of their services. If you notice any repeat complaints or issues, particularly in recent reviews, it may be best to work with a different company.
However, if most of the reviews are positive and have nothing but great things to say about the shop’s service, it’s worth getting a quote.
You may also want to check the business’s reputation on the Better Business Bureau. Look for any outstanding complaints and see what the company did to settle any complaints in the past.
The most trustworthy companies will do everything they can to make things right for their customers.
3. Find Out What Types of Cars They Work On
Believe it or not, car repair shops don’t always work on every make and model. Often, they specialize in specific brands.
Before you schedule an appointment, make sure the repair shop you’re considering works on your type of car. This will ensure that you get a mechanic that’s familiar with the ins and outs of your specific model. Even better, they’ll be able to get high-quality replacement parts more easily.
If you decide to work with a shop that doesn’t specialize in specific brands, take the time to find out if they’ve worked on cars like yours in the past. If they have, ask the repair company for references that you can contact.
Follow up with those references and find out if their previous clients would continue working with the repair shop. If not, keep looking.
4. The Location of the Car Repair Company Matters
Before you go to the trouble of getting quotes from different companies, make sure you’re comfortable with the location of the repair company itself. Ideally, the location of the repair shop should either be convenient to your home or work or in a part of town where you’re comfortable waiting.
If it’s not, you’ll need to find a way to get around town while your car gets fixed. According to the team at Allstar Chauffeured Services, rental cars and loaners from repair shops are options, but they’re not ideal.
You won’t be familiar with those cars and may not be comfortable driving them to the parts of town you need to travel to.
If you’re choosing a repair shop that is far away from your home or workplace, hiring a limo for the day may be a better choice. This way, you won’t have to worry about driving a car you’re not familiar with or deal with paying for supplemental insurance coverage on the rental.
5. Discuss How Much They’ll Charge for Services
It’s always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from several car repair companies whenever you can. Remember, different shops will charge different rates for labor and may pass more of the cost of the replacement parts onto you each time.
When comparing repair costs, look at each quote in detail. Compare the cost of labor, parts, and any other incidentals closely.
While it’s tempting to work with the cheapest repair shop, it’s not always in your best interest. Instead, consider the price each company quotes you and look at the experience they have working on cars like yours. You may pay more for more extensive car repair experience, but you’ll get higher quality repairs every time.
6. Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
Before you drop your car off for repairs, it’s worth asking if the repair shop is licensed and insured. Trustworthy professionals have valid licenses to operate in the town and state. They also have insurance policies in place to protect your car if it gets damaged during the course of their repairs.
If the repair company doesn’t have insurance or a valid business license, keep looking. The last thing you want to deal with is having to pay for the damage their mechanics caused.
Choosing the Right Repair Shop Is Possible
Finding the right car repair company can help you keep your car on the road for years to come. Look for these key factors before you schedule an appointment and choose the mechanic you’re most confident in working with.
Once you find a great shop you can trust, you’ll never have to worry about your car’s condition again. As soon as anything pops up, you’ll know who to call to get things fixed right the first time.
Taking care of routine maintenance is just one part of being a responsible car owner. Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you take care of basic maintenance tasks on your own.