There are two truths to owning a car, and the first truth is your vehicle will need maintenance. Unlike cars made twenty or thirty years ago, today's vehicles are technological, involving a variety of sensors and computers. Consequently, it is nearly impossible for the average driver to successfully service his or her own vehicle. Although it is not impossible to identify a quality auto shop, it is not always easy. The second law of owning a vehicle is that there is a difference between finding an auto center you want to use for life and an auto shop that tricks you into being a customer for life.
1. Certification
An auto center should be certified in the service areas it offers, and the certification should be issued by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Following are some common types of certification to look for.
- A series: the focus is on vehicles and light trucks
- B series: collision and body repair
- E series: equipment for trucks
- P series: parts specialist
2. Warranty
You will want to look for an auto shop that guarantees its work. A warranty will provide some protection for the workmanship. Although a quality warranty might mean you will be unable to save money by providing, for instance, your own brake pads for a brake job, the work done on your car will have the highest quality parts and be covered should anything go wrong.
3. Versatile schedule
You should look for a mechanic that is sufficiently staffed to accommodate your needs. A versatile schedule does not necessarily mean you will get your vehicle repaired the same day you bring it in for repair, but you should not have to wait a month. An understaffed shop could lead to overworked mechanics making mistakes.
4. Online reviews
satisfied customers leave great reviews. Dissatisfied ones do not. It does not get much simpler than this.
Of all the focus areas to look for, these are the ones that are most important because they cover such areas as expertise, customer service, service guarantee, and social proof.
Looking for a reliable auto center? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
There are two truths to owning a car, and the first truth is your vehicle will need maintenance. Unlike cars made twenty or thirty years ago, today's vehicles are technological, involving a variety of sensors and computers. Consequently, it is nearly impossible for the average driver to successfully service his or her own vehicle. Although it is not impossible to identify a quality auto shop, it is not always easy. The second law of owning a vehicle is that there is a difference between finding an auto center you want to use for life and an auto shop that tricks you into being a customer for life.
1. Certification
An auto center should be certified in the service areas it offers, and the certification should be issued by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Following are some common types of certification to look for.
- A series: the focus is on vehicles and light trucks
- B series: collision and body repair
- E series: equipment for trucks
- P series: parts specialist
2. Warranty
You will want to look for an auto shop that guarantees its work. A warranty will provide some protection for the workmanship. Although a quality warranty might mean you will be unable to save money by providing, for instance, your own brake pads for a brake job, the work done on your car will have the highest quality parts and be covered should anything go wrong.
3. Versatile schedule
You should look for a mechanic that is sufficiently staffed to accommodate your needs. A versatile schedule does not necessarily mean you will get your vehicle repaired the same day you bring it in for repair, but you should not have to wait a month. An understaffed shop could lead to overworked mechanics making mistakes.
4. Online reviews
satisfied customers leave great reviews. Dissatisfied ones do not. It does not get much simpler than this.
Of all the focus areas to look for, these are the ones that are most important because they cover such areas as expertise, customer service, service guarantee, and social proof.
Looking for a reliable auto center? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
