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Choosing
the Right Repair Shop for Fall Car Care
 (NewsUSA)
- Fall is always a popular time for car care. It allows vehicle
owners to undo the wear and tear of summer's stop-and-go
conditions while getting ready for harsher weather ahead.
Because of today's busy schedules and complex vehicles, most
people hire professionals to do automotive repair and service
rather than trying to do it themselves.
Here are some tips on choosing a repair facility from the
non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE), the group that tests and certifies automotive
technicians:
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations and
consult local consumer groups.
* Look for a neat, well-organized facility with vehicles in the
parking lot equal in value to your own and with modern equipment
in the service bays.
* Look for a courteous staff willing to answer all of your
questions.
* Ask about policies on repair cost estimates, diagnostic fees,
guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
* Ask whether the repair facility specializes in or frequently
handles the kind of repairs you need.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer-service area
such as civic, community or customer-service awards.
* Look for evidence that technicians are qualified such as trade
school diplomas, certificates of advanced coursework and ASE
certification.
* Look for the ASE sign.
Founded in 1972, the ASE is a non-profit, independent
organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive
service and repair through the voluntary testing and
certification of autmotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicians wear the blue and white ASE shoulder
insignia and carry credentials listing their areas of
certification. Their employers often display the blue and white
ASE sign.
For more information, including additional car care tips, visit
www.ase.com. |
