Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

No matter what you drive - 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 auto repair establishment.

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 schedule.
  • 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 in question.
  • 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.

At The Shop

  • Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and look for modern equipment in the service bays.
  • Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The salesperson should be willing to answer all of your questions and offer helpful suggestions.
  • Does this repair facility make an effort to follow-up by telephone after the service or repair to ensure that you have been satisfied?
  • All policies (labour rate, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
  • Does the repair facility have computers with which to keep a recorded history of your vehicle's service work?
  • 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, memberships in business organizations ( Chamber of Commerce, trade association, etc. ), Top Shop Awards, Readers Choice Awards, customer service awards or personnel awards such as Hall of Fame status or community award presentation.

The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians - both in the tire and the mechanical departments.

  • Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications- a national standard of technician competence.

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.

Superior Satisfaction

At every Superior Tire & Auto Centre, we will make it our business to satisfy you in every way possible - with the latest in equipment, helpful and competent personnel, a large in-stock selection of brand name tires and parts - and with the finest guarantees in the business.