Knowing which local auto repair service to take your car when disaster strikes is a stress reliever when you need it most. Readily available transportation is central to most people's lives, and when your vehicle is out of commission it's at least a small comfort to know where to take it for fast, reliable repairs at a trustworthy shop. Harsh winters can only serve to increase the need to get your repairs sorted out quickly, while at the same time possibly increasing the necessity for them.
The experiences of family and friends are probably the best place to start, since many families have their traditional go-to mechanic or shop that knows both them and their vehicles, with records to show past problems and service. The Better Business bureau is a valuable resource for checking on a repair shop's reputation, but only if there have been complaints. Many times the BBB has no complaints filed for a business, which cannot be necessarily taken as a recommendation. If all else fails, look for ASE Certified technicians, the appearance of the shop, and the professionalism of the employees, as well as how your questions are handled.
When you take your vehicle in to the repair service, it will help speed repairs if you can give the mechanic a detailed account of what the symptoms of your problem are, such as pulling to the right or left, a high pitch screech when applying the brakes, a shimmy when accelerating, or whatever prompted you to bring the vehicle in for service. Even if you experience a total breakdown, relating what happened prior to the car becoming nonfunctional can help the mechanic find all the problems and do it more quickly.
Regular maintenance can help avoid larger problems, and even though many people try to avoid the cost of oil changes, tune-ups, brake inspections, and tire rotations, the cost of these can all help prevent much more expensive repairs and the inconvenience of going without a vehicle while they are performed.
Auto body repair is, of course, not part of regular maintenance, since it's usually needed as the result of a collision. Since most people have an accident at some point, whether it's their fault or not, family and friends are still a good place to seek a recommendation for a reputable shop.
These days you should expect a computer printed estimate, with figures on both repair cost and the time repairs will be completed. The auto body shop should also be able to deal with getting approval from your insurance company, since it's possible that more damage may be uncovered as the repair work progresses, requiring additional approval. Experts also recommend that if you are considering the purchase of a used vehicle, having the car inspected by an auto body shop in addition to your regular mechanic can catch potentially costly damage that would otherwise remain hidden.
Take the time now, before you really need repairs, to find a reliable local repair service and establish a relationship with them. As their valued customer, you can retain some peace of mind, even when you're suffering through the stress of an accident or breakdown, knowing you'll get fast service at a fair price.
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