Did you know that the average American spends nearly $400 on car repairs each year? When you’re investing that kind of money into your car, on top of all the other expenses that come with vehicle ownership, you want to make sure you’re taking it to a good mechanic that you can trust.
With so many different auto collision shop options to choose from, how can you feel confident choosing the right one? We’re here to help. Keep reading to learn tips on how to choose the best car repair shop for your needs.
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Ask for Recommendations
As you begin your search, start by asking friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations on where they take their cars for repairs. By talking to the people you trust, you’ll get an unbiased viewpoint that can help you narrow down your decision.
You can also ask them about pricing, so you have a better idea of what to expect when you take your own car into the shop. This can help prevent you from feeling like you’re being taken advantage of as well.
Do an Online Search
If you don’t have any local people to ask for recommendations, or they don’t have a mechanic shop they love, then it’s time to turn to the internet. Do a search for collision repair shops in your area and take a look at the websites for a few of the top results.
From there, look to see what kind of services they offer and whether they work on your particular make of car. Then, take a look at some of their online reviews to get a better sense of what their previous customers think. Check their Google listing and social media profiles to read through both good and bad reviews.
When you read negative reviews, check to see if the company takes the time to respond to help make things right. This speaks volumes about how they treat their customers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
As you narrow down your search, take time to contact a few of the repair shops you’ve been researching. Then, when you do, ask them as many questions as you need to feel secure in making your decision. You might ask them questions about the type of experience they have working on cars like yours if they offer any warranties, and what kind of credentials they have.
You might also ask them if they provide written estimates and whether they’ll wait to get your approval before doing any work on your car. If the shops you talk to are hesitant to answer your questions, that could be a red flag that they have something to hide or that they don’t prioritize customer satisfaction.
Find the Right Car Repair Shop for Your Needs
After reading through these tips on how to find the best car repair shop, you should feel more confident that you know how to make the right decision for your vehicle. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or a seasoned vehicle owner, this can help ensure that your car is in good hands.
Looking for more content like this? We have a variety of articles on all things cars. Check them out before you go!