(ARA) - Soccer practice, music lessons, ballet classes, shopping, cooking, cleaning, plus full-time employment. These are the hectic backdrops to 21st century family life. Throw in today’s advanced vehicle technology and it’s not surprising that many motorists turn to professional auto services rather than do the work themselves. The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) -- the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians -- will help you choose wisely among the many automotive repair facilities. Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations; 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, acceptable methods of payment, etc. Ask if the repair facility specializes 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: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. Look for the ASE sign.
Facilities with a high percentage of ASE-certified professionals may also be members of the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program. Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. For a free brochure, send a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope to: ASE Right Repair Shop Brochure, Dept. ARA 205, 101 Blue Seal Dr., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. Visit www.asecert.org for more information. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving 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. Courtesy of ARA Content