Make certain the company you’re dealing with has Automotive Repair Dealership (ARD) licensing through the Bureau of Automotive Repair. In addition to licensing, ask if its technicians are ASE-certified. The ASE certification program is the largest, most comprehensive course in which a technician can participate. It demonstrates an auto repair shop’s commitment to quality and great service for its customers.
It also helps to find out when the business was established. Is it time-tested? “It’s good to consider one that’s been around for a while,” says Ken Benhamou, owner of SAS German Auto. “Of course, you can’t always rule out new businesses. But the longevity of a business speaks not only to the competency of its work but the value its customers receive. You can’t base the value of service on price alone. You also need to consider the quality, timeliness and ease of repairs,” he explains.
Be wary of a business that advertises a service at a very low price. “When they quote you a low price at the beginning, it almost always comes with extra fees on the back end,” warns Mr. Benhamou. “They’re just trying to get you in the door. So, the quoted price isn’t always indicative of the final one.”
Some people don’t trust mechanics because they don’t understand cars and don’t know the right questions to ask. “The goal is to find someone who’s willing to discuss the repairs with you and help you understand what they’re going to do to your vehicle,” say’s Mr. Benhamou. People don’t only want to know what their car needs, but also why it needs a particular part or service. And speaking of parts—if there’s any question in your mind about the repair, don’t hesitate to ask to see the old parts so you can verify the technician did the correct work. “If you don’t trust the repair process, you can definitely ask for your old parts back. That’s the law,” says Mr. Benhamou.
Asking to see old, worn-out parts can serve an educational purpose as well. “It’s difficult for auto mechanics to deal with people who are ignorant about car repairs. Many times, looking at an old part can help a technician explain to a customer what the part does and why it failed. And, hopefully, we’ll educate the customer in the long run and help them become a better driver and car owner,” says Mr. Benhamou.
