Auto Repair Shop Selection—What You Should Look For?

You may have heard or told someone recently that automotive mechanics are not to be trusted and that they will rip you off. A couple of bad seeds can give the whole automotive industry a bad rap. Just like any other industry, there are people who are trustworthy and people who are not, and you the consumer need to educate yourself before selecting a company, service or individual to conduct business with.

Consumers who educates themselves on what it takes to be an ASE Certified Auto Mechanic—or ASE Certified Master Auto Mechanic—will be better off in the long run, and eventually will find that hidden gem. An automotive mechanic that is trustworthy has a passion for repairing automobiles and sincerely wants to troubleshoot/solve your engine's problems.

1. Choose an Auto Repair Shop that Employs ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics

All of us at one point have tried to assume the role of "Mr. or Ms. Fix It" when it comes to repairing your engine. In most cases, it usually does not turn out the way you were hoping, and you eventually realize that you need to take your automobile to an ASE Certified Mechanic to put the pieces back together. An ASE Certified Mechanic is a mechanic who has taken that extra step to fulfill the voluntary requirements for certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.  

To become ASE certified, a mechanic has to demonstrate at least two years of work experience, and pass at least one specialty test. ASE testing is offered twice a year to candidates who are interested in certifying. When a test-taker passes the test, he or she becomes an ASE Certified mechanic, with a requirement to renew every five years. Mechanics can take tests in a wide variety of systems, such as heating/cooling systems, brakes and suspension, or drive train.

Mechanics can also pursue Master Certification. An ASE Certified Master mechanic has taken a series of subject tests to demonstrate competence in an array of vehicle systems. ASE Master Certification is offered for automotive, collision repair, engine machinist, medium-heavy truck, school bus, transit bus, and truck equipment areas of specialty. Each area includes a number of ASE exams which must be successfully passed by the candidate in order to achieve Master Certification.  ASE Certification can also be reassuring for individual consumers who want to ensure that their vehicles receive work from competent, highly professional mechanics.

More detail can be found: https://www.ase.com/Home.aspx

2. Choose an Auto Repair Shop that is Clean and Orderly.

All of us have walked into an auto repair shop that is dirty, and/or smells.  The owner and or employees may be wearing dirty uniforms, they are worn down and tired, and treat you the customer as a nuisance. Presentation is everything, regardless of the industry. A clean and orderly shop indicates how well your automobile will be taken care of when it is in the shop being fixed. A clean auto repair shop is an indication of a culture of attention to detail. Attention to detail is essential when you are dealing with an engine and its repair.

3. ASE Certified Mechanic that Displays Patience 

Finding an ASE Certified Mechanic or better yet an ASE Certified Master Mechanic that can troubleshoot your engine's problem, explain why you experienced this engine issue, why it went bad and then why it needs to be replaced to a consumer is a great quality. This is where trust is formed between the ASE Certified Mechanic and the consumer.  

4. Choose an Auto Repair Shop with a Reputation 

These days the internet provides consumers with more than enough information regarding local businesses. If you cannot find any information on the internet, ask the ASE Certified Mechanic for references.  If they have nothing to hide and a good rapport with their clients you should be able to speak with a happy consumer.

Tony Rudny
ASE Certified Master Mechanic
Auto Therapy-Full Service Automotive Repair
560 Lark St. Geneva, Il 60134
1-630-208-1111

Website: www.automotivetherapy.com

Facebook: Tony Rudny or Auto Therapy

Twitter: @TonyRudnyASE