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(NewsUSA) - Fall is always a popular time for car care. It allows vehicle owners to undo the wear and tear of summer's stop-and-go conditions while getting ready for harsher weather ahead. Because of today's busy schedules and complex vehicles, most people hire professionals to do automotive repair and service rather than trying to do it themselves.
Here are some tips on choosing a repair facility from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians:
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations and consult local consumer groups.
* Look for a neat, well-organized facility with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and with modern equipment in the service bays.
* Look for a courteous staff willing to answer all of your questions.
* Ask about policies on repair cost estimates, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
* Ask whether the repair facility specializes in or frequently handles the kind of repairs you need.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer-service area such as civic, community or customer-service awards.
* Look for evidence that technicians are qualified such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced coursework and ASE certification.
* Look for the ASE sign.
Founded in 1972, the ASE is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of autmotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicians wear the blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.
For more information, including additional car care tips, visit www.ase.com.