So, it happened again! Your trusty steed, your car, your friend, you named him “Brad”, has broken down again. 
Some of the first things that may go through your mind revolve around your last experience at the repair shop where you feel like you were taken advantage of. Let’s face it, there are some bad apples out there but in reality, most shops operate in an ethical and professional manner. So how do you find the right one? Do you need to learn everything about cars so you know you’re getting the straight scoop? The short answer is no, however, you may need to invest some time into getting that comfort factor with your repair provider.
Tip #1: The lowest price is not always the best deal.
When we go to the doctor or dentist we will typically want to understand what the problem is and be involved in the treatment plan. This same theory goes for when you are taking Brad to the car repair shop.
Tip #2: Look for shops that employ ASE Certified technicians. 
Most of the better repair shops employ ASE Certified technicians. This is a certification process where the technician displays their knowledge through a series of tests, so this is a good thing to look for. These same shops will employ experienced Service Managers and Advisors who have the know- how to explain the problems with your vehicle in a manner that you can easily understand. Sometimes, we explain what is needed on a vehicle and the customer doesn’t quite understand what is going on and what the repercussions are of not getting a particular repair done. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to help clarify what is needed and WHY.
Tip #3: If the shop you are going to seems reluctant or unable to explain things thoroughly, you might be in the wrong place.
Occasionally, we will have a customer come in who has only been doing the basic maintenance on their vehicle at the quick lube shop. There is more to vehicle maintenance than the quick oil change. The other shop has not been properly inspecting their vehicle and there are multiple items that are worn or in dire need of repair. When taking your car to a good shop, they perform a more detailed inspection of your vehicle every time it comes in. The goal of this is to help you keep your car safe, dependable and on the road. So what happens when you suddenly go to this new shop for an oil change and they come back with this laundry list of repairs that are needed? This doesn’t necessarily mean the shop is trying to snow your or take advantage of you. As we depend on our cars so much these days, the shop wants to help you keep from breaking down.
Tip#4: Choose a auto repair shop the will prioritize repairs.
If the shop doesn’t already break it down for you, ask them to group the repairs as “needs” (what is broken right now), “should haves” (items less critical but found to be failing or near failure from the inspection), and “maintenance items” (these are based on mileage intervals on your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations).
Tip #5: Look for auto repair industry associations.
Shops that are AAA Approved go through a stringent approval and monitoring process to be able to obtain and maintain AAA status. Check their BBB rating. The Better Business Bureau rates businesses on their complaints and how they’ve handled them. Being a BBB Accredited business is a good sign as well.
Tip #6: Ask friends for referrals.
This is one of the best ways as your friends have had a genuine experience with the shop and sometimes will even tell you who they work with and feel most comfortable with. The bottom line is do your homework, ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with whoever you are dealing with. Sometimes you have to pay a little more to get the quality, attention and care that you deserve. Addison Auto Center is proud to be your choice in automotive repair since 1982.
