Foreign auto repair can be more difficult and time consuming than domestic auto repair. The reason for this is simple: With the original auto parts and repair expertise located in another country, you’ll often pay more and wait longer for your car to be fixed.
Fortunately, due to the increasing number of foreign vehicles on the road, auto mechanics and repair shops that specialize in foreign auto repair are becoming more common. But what should you look for when choosing a repair shop for your foreign car?
First, make sure a shop has the proper certification to service the make and model of your car. Foreign cars contain electronics and engines that are very different from their American counterparts. If a shop isn’t certified to repair your model, there’s a good chance it’ll be worse off when you bring it home than when you brought it in.
“It’s very important to make sure a shop is properly licensed,” says Eduardo Porta, owner of Fremont Foreign Auto. “You should also look into its history. Find out where the shop owner came from. To be a good shop owner, you have to first be a good mechanic, so make sure they know what they’re talking about.” Also, look for repair shops that provide warranties on the parts they install. This is especially important if your car’s parts aren’t OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). OEM parts are federally licensed and, therefore, required to carry warranties.
Many costly car repairs, whether on foreign or domestic vehicles, can be prevented by following a routine car maintenance schedule. It can also be helpful to join an online foreign auto repair blog, which will notify you of issues common to your vehicle and provide you with a second opinion regarding repairs.
When you finally do have your car repaired, obtain written estimates from several service centers instead of just one. Sadly, some shops depend on the ignorance of their clients and mark up their parts and labor accordingly. If you have doubts about a shop’s validity, consult the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints filed against it.
