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(NewsUSA) - Winter driving creates special challenges, which can only be amplified by the long trips many Americans will take over the holidays. To avoid unexpected problems, Mom and Dad should take their vehicle to a shop before they herd the kids into the car and head off to grandma's.
The professionals at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following advice for motorists looking to pick the right repair shop.
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. You can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
- Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. You may be amazed at how much another person's experience can help.
- Consult your local consumer organization(s) regarding the reputation of the business. Inquire about complaints and the rate of resolution of complaints.
- Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
- Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer your questions. Be prepared to describe any symptoms, like noises, unusual leaks or odors, smoke or handling problems, or carry a written list to give to the service consultant.
- Ask if the repair facility specializes in certain types of repair work.
- Look for signs of business professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
- Look for qualified technicians as evidenced by trade-school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work or on-going training, and individual technician certification by ASE.
- Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
- Keep all of your paperwork. Good records will help clear up problems that may occur later on in the vehicle's life.
For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.