ASE offers the following tips to help you choose an automotive repair facility:
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
- 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 whether the repair facility specializes or whether 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. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification.
- Look for the ASE sign. Employers of ASE-certified technicians often display the blue and white 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 more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com.
