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(NewsUSA) - Spring is a perfect time for automotive maintenance. You can undo the wear and tear of winter driving and get ready for the busy summer season ahead.
Trouble is, with today's busy lifestyles and complex vehicles, many car owners have neither the time nor inclination to perform car care. Instead, they will be shopping for professional auto services.
The following tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians, will help vehicle owners choose wisely among the many automotive repair facilities out there.
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. This way, you will avoid having to make a rash, on-the-spot decision when your vehicle needs repair.
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations, and consult local consumer groups.
* Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
* 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 consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions.
* Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
* Ask if the repair facility specializes in a certain area or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community or customer service awards.
* Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and certification by ASE. Shops that employ ASE-certified technicians will display the ASE sign.
Visit www.ase.com for more information and seasonal car care tips.