| Qualified technicians with ASE certification |
| Understanding the complexity of today's automotive systems |
| Accurately diagnose your vehicle's problems |
| Listening to our customer saves time in diagnosing the problem |
| Integrity in providing quality parts and service |
| Technicians trained to use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment |
| Your vehicle fixed right the first time |
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EVALUATING AN AUTOMOTIVE
SERVICE
FACILITY
Have you ever needed an automotive service facility but didn't
know where to go?
The Automotive Service Association (ASA),
the largest non-profit national trade association of its
kind, recommends that you follow these guidelines when evaluating
an automotive service business.
1 |
 Ask if technicians are ASE-certified or
I-CAR trained. If technicians are ASE-certified, it means
they have passed a voluntary competency test offered
by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE). If body technicians or painters are I-CAR trained,
it means they have attended a course or series of courses
offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision
Repair (I-CAR) to help upgrade their repair skills. Businesses
with trained personnel are likely to display these and
other certificates or diplomas in their customer waiting
areas.
|
2 |
Ask about the facility's industry and consumer affiliations.
For example, a business that is a member of ASA has agreed
to uphold the association's Code
of Ethics, which sets the standards for professionalism
in the automotive service industry. In addition, consumers
may wish to check the business' affiliation with AAA or consumer
organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). |
3 |
Expect the automotive service facility to be neat,
clean, and well-organized. The flow of existing work
should be almost unnoticeable. |
4 |
Note whether employees are helpful and courteous.
This will give you an idea of how you will be treated
throughout the service of your vehicle. |
5 |
Ask the business to provide a list of references and
be prepared to contact these customers. |
6 |
Ask how long the facility has been in business. How
long has the business been at its current location? Does
the business usually perform the type of service your
vehicle needs? Remember too, that some businesses specialize
in repairs for certain vehicle makes and models. |
7 |
Gain an understanding of the equipment that will be
used to service the vehicle by asking plenty of questions.
A business must have the proper equipment to correctly
diagnose and perform the needed repairs. |
8 |
Check what guarantees the business offers. Most automotive
service facilities guarantee their parts and labor, and
these guarantees are usually posted. |
9 |
Make sure a written estimate is provided prior to
letting the business begin the repair. Any changes to
the estimate that exceed 10 percent should have your
approval. After the repair, ask to see the parts that
have been replaced. |
10 |
Last, but not least, a good service facility can usually
be found by asking family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
for their recommendations. |
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