No matter what you drive - SUV, sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment.

*I. Preliminaries

Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.
* Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedules.
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
* Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
* Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop.
* If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location.

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later.

* 2 At the Shop Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
* Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.
* Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
* All policies (labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
* Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
* Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program status, customer service awards.

The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.
* Look for evidence of qualified technicians by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.
 

3  Follow-Up

* Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
* Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
* If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

How to Choose the Right Body Shop
Your chances of needing the services of a collision repair and refinishing facility are greater than you think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or an automobile accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know how to select a body shop.

People often think "the insurance company will take care of it for me. In fact, it is your responsibility to choose who will do the repairs for you. This is not a choice that should be taken lightly.

I. Preliminaries


Start shopping for a body shop before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.


Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.


Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the facility in question. Ask about the number of complaints, if any, and determine how the complaints were resolved.
* Try to visit the shop before making the decision on who will repair your vehicle.


2. At the Shop


Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Ask how long the shop has been in business.


Look for a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procecures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Ensure that the facility you choose is trained in these procedures and has the proper equipment.


Professionally run establish meets will have a courteous staff willing to answer all of your questions.


Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program status, customer service awards.


Are you impressed by the type of vehicles the company is repairing and the way the vehicles are being handled?


Look for signs that the staff is technically competent, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from I-CAR (the Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision Repair). Also look for ASE certifications—a national standard of technician competence.
* Policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or explained.


A Word About ASE

Perhaps years ago, a shady-tree mechanic whose only credentials were a tool box and busted knuckles was enough. But today's high-tech vehicles need more... and today's quality-conscious consumers demand more.

The independant, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) conducts the only industry-wide, national certification program for automotive technicians.

Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program since it takes much of the guess-work out of finding a competent technician.

ASE certifies the competency of individual technicians through a series of standardized specialty exams (brakes, transmissions, engine repair, etc.)

Certified technicians are issued pocket credentials listing their area(s) of expertise and usually wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia, while their employers often post the ASE sign on the premises. There are more than 400,000 ASE-certified professionals at work in every type of repair facility.

ASE: Certifying the Automotive Professional.

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  Topics covered in this article include; auto repairs, auto parts, auto manual repair, auto repair service, auto glass repair, auto body repair, car upholstery, auto detailing, car repairs, car body shop