Your car is one of your most valuable possessions, not only because of the cost but because of the value it has to your family. Whether it’s going on camping trips in your RV, dropping the kids off at school, taking you to work, or traveling across the country, a lot of great memories are made in your vehicle. When it’s time to take care of it, who can you trust?
Here, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service in San Jose, CA, gathered the Top 5 signs you’ve chosen the best auto repair shop to take your baby to.
1. Great reputation
A number one sign you’ve chosen a great auto repair shop is the reputation they have in your community. Ask your friends and family who they trust with their cars and check out some reviews online to see what people have to say. Word of mouth is a great resource, and if the shop’s website has a testimonials page with a form to submit your story, that shows confidence in their work and allows you to get some feedback from previous customers.
2. Certifications
The second thing you should check for are the certifications of the shop’s technicians. Most shops will either proudly display their certifications in their customer waiting lobby or on their website. The ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) seal for technicians is something to keep an eye out for because, while not all reputable shops will have this seal, it’s still a good indication of a professional repair shop. If they don’t have the ASE seal, look for other certifications in specialty areas or for particular manufacturers of vehicles or products. If they’re certified for the brand your car or faulty automotive part is, then you’re probably in good hands.
3. Guarantees, warranties, and pricing
A shop that offers service guarantees or warranties is a shop that is confident in their technicians and their work. Not only do guarantees and warranties protect you from shoddy service, but they give you peace of mind that the shop knows what it’s doing. Pricing is another important indicator because you usually get what you pay for—though it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when finding a great auto repair shop. Look for prices that aren’t dirt cheap but are still reasonable, and if the shop offers deals or specials, it means that they’re reliable and popular enough that they can afford to give back to their customersؙ—a good sign of a great shop that you should take advantage of.
4. Community involvement
If your shop is involved in the community, it means they care about the people they provide service to and want to give back to the area that they call home. Service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, civic involvement plaques, and certificates handed out by the community (like “Voted Best Local Auto Shop in 2018”) are pretty good indicators that the shop you’re considering is community-friendly. Such recognition is usually displayed in the lobby or reception area.
5. Friendly, professional staff
Finally, you want your shop to make you feel welcome and reassured, not confused, stressed, or in doubt about their service. The shop’s technicians should be able to explain things to you in layman’s terms so you can understand your car’s issues and how they’re going to fix it, without them being demeaning or condescending. They should also be professional and friendly, encouraging you to come back again.
The big picture
While it may not be easy to find a shop that has all of these qualities in your area, it’s important to go by your gut instinct. Look for these signs of a good shop, and canvass the lot to see if they’re working on other cars of the same value as yours. If the staff members are unsmiling and the place seems unorganized or overly dirty, you might want to keep looking. Places like Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service, with great service and exceptional value, can be few and far between, but this list of things to look for should help you find the best shop in your area.
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