What To Look For in a Good Mechanic Shop
If you are faced with finding a new auto mechanic for your family because of a recent move, or you are merely looking for a new shop that you can trust, there are specific indicators that can help point you in the right direction. Be sure to take a look at a variety of things to ensure the shop you plan to bring your car to is reputable. At Foothill Auto Service, we understand that finding a trustworthy auto repair shop is important, which is why we have put together this list of tips you can use to find the right auto repair shop for you, in your area.
Online reviews
Check out what others say about the shop you are considering trusting with your car or truck. Are most customers satisfied with the shop? If you see a lot of poor reviews, look at what people are unhappy with. If a shop has over 50 reviews, take a look at the review responses from the shop. How are they responding to unhappy customers? If you like how they deal with an unsatisfied customer, and most reviews are positive, then it is a reasonably safe bet that this shop will provide good service.
Certifications and Memberships
Verify the auto repair shop is registered with the Better Business Bureau, and has ASE-Certified auto mechanics on staff. If the shop is AAA-approved, that is also a bonus. ASE-Certifications are the most important of these three. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence; this institute sets the standard for training and ongoing educations within the auto repair industry. If the shop you are looking at is AAA-Approved, and you have AAA coverage, their name will be on a preferred shop list. That doesn’t mean a whole lot. The BBB is an excellent resource to verify that a business is on the up and up; however, it is important to note that the BBB is only a place to look for official complaints.
Interview the Shop
It is a good idea to find out about the shop’s history before you drop off your car for repairs. Questions like:
- How long have they been in business?
- How many years of experience do they have?
- Do they guarantee their work?
- What type of warranty do they offer?
- Are their auto mechanics ASE-Certified?
- What type of parts do they use? OEM? Aftermarket? Used?
- Can you bring your own parts for your car? - Most shops will not allow customer supplied parts
- Do they offer free shuttle services or a loaner car?
- Do they stand by their estimates?
- Are you a drug-free workplace?
- What are their payment policies?
Once you have settled on the shop you would like to take your car to, start with a small service or repair. It is best to be proactive and build a relationship with your auto mechanic shop before you require a major service or repair. Building this relationship with your auto repair shop will offer peace of mind, knowing that you have a trustworthy shop that knows your car when something unexpected does come up.
If you are looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop, look no further than Foothill Auto Service. Our trustworthy auto mechanic team provides thorough professional auto repair services to each of our valued customers. Our team prides themselves on keeping you updated throughout your service. Customers from Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto De Caza, Mission Viejo & Trabuco Canyon have come to trust our commitment to quality auto repair. If your vehicle needs preventive maintenance or repairs, call us today or schedule an appointment online so we can take great care of you and your vehicle. or with us, today to experience the Foothill Auto Service difference. We are located at 26911 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630.
We look forward to your visit!