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Find an Auto Tech, Before You Need One

How to Find the Right Auto Technician BEFORE You Need One 

Moving into a new area, who’s the most important professional you seek out? Your family doctor, of course, a dentist, your pharmacist and, somewhere down the road… your auto mechanic.

The decision on your car care professional, while not a critical as selecting health care professionals, nevertheless is important. It’s a decision that should be made when you’re in control of the situation, not when the car breaks down and can’t be driven.

This way, you can avoid a scenerio like this:
Tow Truck Driver: “Where do you want me to tow your car?”
You: “Gosh, I don’t know?!”

Whether you’re a college student headed to a strange town or a senior citizen moving to a retirement community, finding the right service shop warrants research. Making that selection sooner rather than later helps.

Most car owners, being concerned about repair costs, want to deal with facilities in which they have faith. The problem arises when “blind” faith gets in the way of good judgment. The answer, of course, is to know your car and its needs — a message that long has been espoused by NASCAR and strongly supported by the Be Car Care Aware program.

“You don’t have to know HOW to fix your car,” says a Goodyear Gemini automotive technician and member of the NASCAR Performance Network. “You just should know something about things like brake pads and air filters and other parts that need periodic attention. If your mechanic says you’re overdue for an air filter, it’s good to know what he’s talking about.”

So how should you go about finding this “good” mechanic, the honest guy who will help you through the maze of car care?

There are many ways to begin the search, but NASCAR offers a shortcut: Log on to NASCAR Auto Service. Here, the NASCAR Performance Network lists of over 8,000 repair shops that can be helpful to any motorist seeking maintenance and repairs. Enter your zip code to find a quality repair shop in your neighborhood.

Beyond that, your neighborhood welcoming organization, such as Welcome Wagon, may offer a list of local business contacts which usually includes automotive service facilities. Because most of us tend to procrastinate on auto repairs, much less the search for someone to do them, you may find yourself rushed into this discomfort zone. It’s a case for researching early. Even long-time residents of a community may benefit by learning what’s new in the car care business in their area.

When the time does arise, how do you know who’s the best shop to call? Your phone directory may help, especially if it lists the shop’s certifications and affiliations. Word of mouth at community get-togethers usually provides excellent feedback as well.

Another excellent source is via listings on the internet. Among sources are ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and Automotive Service Association. Additionally, the Car Care Council provides a listing of over 60,000 auto parts retailers, repair facilities, body shops and engine installers.

Sometimes the local parts store can lead you in the right direction. As always, bias can enter a recommendation, so it’s wise to patronize a service facility as early as possible after having made your selection. If for some reason the relationship doesn’t work out you can continue your research.

A few questions to ask yourself as you seek you your tech:

  • How was the phone rapport?
  • Did I find the shop clean?
  • Was I treated courteously?
  • Was my car’s problem explained to me in layman’s language?
  • Did the shop walls display certificates of achievement?
  • Was this shop recommended or did you find it via research?

Then, after the repairs:

  • Was the invoice explained?
  • Did it compare favorably with the estimate?
  • Was warranty or guarantee of satisfaction discussed?
  • Would you recommend this shop to a friend?

When you find repair experts that meet your standards, stick with them. They can make your life easier, possibly saving you time and money. If you need car maintenance, they can be your best friend.

Visit NASCAR.COM and click on the NASCAR Perfomance logo to find a listing of NASCAR Performance Network shops near you.

Source: NASCAR Performance