- 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.