- Start shopping for a repair shop before you need one. Doing your homework early will help ensure high-quality repairs at the right price.

- Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. If people you know had good experiences at a particular shop, its technicians are probably worth trying.

- Look for a neat, well-organized facility with vehicles equal in value to your own on the parking lot and professional, ASE-certified technicians in the service bays.

- Start off with minor repair or service work. If satisfactory, you can feel confident having the repair shop take on more complicated work when the need arises.

- Be prepared to describe your vehicle's symptoms and supply a written list of recent problems.

- Ask as many questions as you need to, and request explanations of terms and procedures in everyday language. Avoid establishments where you feel ignored, patronized or rushed.

- Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Let them take the time to examine your vehicle thoroughly.

- Before you leave, make sure that you understand all shop policies about labor rates, guarantees and payment methods.

For more information, including seasonal car-care tips, visit www.ase.com.