Looking for an auto repair shop is a lot like suddenly needing a dentist. You don’t think about it until you’re in pain (in the form of a toothache or the inability to get to work), there’s a lot of urgency and you don’t know where to begin or what questions to ask.
Many people in this position focus on one criteria … price. Unfortunately that strategy is prone to failure, as there are a few unscrupulous mechanics (and dentists) out there who give the lowest price up front because either they’re not completely competent or they will load on the costs later.
At John’s Auto Care, we strive to empower our customers with the information they need to make good decisions about their vehicle, so we’ve put together a list of questions we think you should ask a mechanic (or us) before entrusting them with your car.
1) What do you charge to figure out my problem?
While some car issues are easy to identify, often the most difficult aspect of auto repair is diagnosing the actual culprit. Reputable shops understand the difference between “guessing”, and going through a logical process to determine the actual problem. Diagnosing takes time and hence will incur a cost, “Guessing” will likely cost you more in the long run in the form of replacing a part that’s not faulty. Competent professionals charge for their time. Conducting thorough diagnostics on a vehicle demands specialized expertise, training, and often involves the use of costly precision equipment. Take that into consideration when evaluating the answer to this question.
2) What credentials do your technicians have?
The main accreditation agency for the automotive industry is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is a non-profit organization that tests and certifies auto repair technicians to ensure they have the competence and technical ability to maintain and repair your vehicle. But certification is only the beginning. Automotive technology is constantly changing, so it’s wise to ask the car repair shop you’re considering what kind of ongoing training they offer their mechanics.
3) Will you show me the problem?
Most people feel left in the dark about automotive issues. Is the shop you’re looking at willing to show you the actual problem and educate you on the effect it’s having? If not, they might be trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
4) Will I get a written estimate?
The shop you’re considering should be willing to give you a detailed estimate in writing of what is causing the problem you’re experiencing and what it will take to remedy the situation before any work is done. The auto repair shop you’re considering should be willing to take the time need to explain, in terms you understand, what it will take to repair your vehicle.
5) Why did this happen?
The service advisor should be able to explain what caused the problem, so you can avoid it in the future. Is it your driving, or a common problem with your vehicle’s make and model? Was there preventive maintenance that should have been done, or does it have to do with the age of the car?
There are so many reasons why things can go wrong with your car, and some – although not all – can be prevented by good driving and maintenance habits. Your mechanic should be able to give you good, solid advice on how to avoid recurring problems in the future.
6) Which repairs are priority and which can wait (and why)?
Not everything that’s wrong with your car needs to be addressed immediately. A reputable auto repair shop will help you prioritize the repairs that need to be done immediately, and distinguish them from others that can wait a few weeks or even months. Your mechanic should be able to explain which ones are important, which can wait and explain why, so you can budget and plan for what your vehicle needs.
7) Will you provide a courtesy car?
Some shops offer loaner cars and some don’t. The ones that do demonstrate that they are thinking about YOUR needs, as most people cannot get through the week without their vehicle.
8) Do you warranty your work?
Even the most skilled mechanics will occasionally make a mistake. And it's not unheard of for a part, even a quality, OEM part, to be bad. While those are just some unavoidable facts of life, you shouldn't have to worry about being the one left holding the bag. Shops with a high level of integrity will offer a warranty on their work. And even better are ones that offer a nationwide warranty, so you're covered in the event the repair fails while you're on the road.
John’s Auto Care is Here to Help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, talk to the experts, and get the answers you need. At John’s Auto Care, we’re not afraid to give you honest and to-the-point answers, and we’re willing to earn your trust.