Tips To Find A Reliable Auto Repair Shop
Tags: autorepairshop
Published: 2024-05-15 12:51:47


Handing over your vehicle to a third party to fix it is not something you enjoy or take lightly (it is a fact though). However, if you are armed with some knowledge and common sense, you can easily find a good [auto repair shop](https://www.bodyteq.co.uk/) that will treat you and your automobile with the integrity, love and care it deserves. So here are a few top tips for you.

## 1. The Wonderful World of the Web:

The internet's a brilliant tool to find and check out garages. Here's how to use it wisely:

Review Websites: Google Reviews can be your friend. Read recent reviews to get a feel for the garage's reputation on fixing things properly, treating customers right, and keeping costs fair. Don't trust auto repair shops with only glowing reviews or a sudden burst of praise, as these could be fake. Look for reviews that mention both the good and bad.

A lot of garages have their own website nowadays. Take a look and see what services they are providing, what qualifications they have, and see the customer's experience. Check if they have any certificates to evaluate their knowledge and background.

## 2. Ask Around:

Word-of-mouth from mates, family, and neighbours is like gold. People you trust can share their experiences with local garages, giving you valuable insights beyond online reviews.

**Be Specific:** Ask for recommendations based on the type of car you have and the kind of problem you think it might have.

**Don't Just Ask One Person:** Don't rely on just one recommendation. Get a broader picture by asking a few folks you trust.

## 3. Making Sure They Know Their Stuff:

A decent auto repair shop will have technicians who are skilled and have the knowledge to fix your car right. Here's what to look for:

**IMI Certificates:** The IMI is like a qualification badge for mechanics in the UK. It shows they've been sufficiently trained and know their stuff. While not everyone has them, it's a good sign.

**Manufacturer Training:** Some garages, especially dealerships, have mechanics who are trained by the car maker themselves. This can be helpful if you have a fancy car or one with a lot of technology.

**Experience: ** While certificates are important, experience counts too. Ask the garage how long they've been around and how experienced their mechanics are, especially with your car's make and model.

## 4. Get Quotes from a Few Places:

Don't just jump at the first garage you find. Get quotes from at least 3 different places to compare prices and what work they say needs doing.
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Be Clear About the Problem: ** When you ask for a quote, explain exactly what's wrong with your car. The more details you give, the more accurate the quote will be.
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Comparing Apples to Apples:**  Make sure the quotes include the same repairs and parts. Some garages might offer a cheaper quote at first, but then use cheaper parts or add extra charges later.

**Beware of Extreme Cheap Quotes:** Cheap is not always good. The shop may just be using low-cost, inferior parts or attempting to save on labour, which could have you paying more overall down the road.

## 5. The Garage's Rules and How They Treat You:

Before you select a garage, understand their policies on estimates, guarantees, and customer service.
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Written Estimates: ** Get a written breakdown of the repairs needed, the cost of parts and labour, and how long they think it'll take to fix.

**Guarantees:** Ask about the garage's guarantee on their work. A good guarantee should cover both parts and labour for a reasonable time.

**Customer Service:** Do the staff explain things in a way you understand? Do they answer your questions patiently and properly?  A good auto repair shop will keep you informed throughout the repair process and address any concerns you have.

**Cleanliness and Organisation:** A clean and tidy auto repair shop is a good sign. It suggests they take pride in their work and keep things professional.

**Waiting Area:** Is the waiting area clean and comfortable? Does it have things to keep you occupied, like magazines or Wi-Fi?

**Chatting with the Staff:** See how the staff interact with customers. Are they friendly and polite? Do they take the time to listen to customer concerns?

Garage’s behaviour tells alot about them. Therefore, try to visit the auto repair shop before making a decision.

## Conclusion:

If you can find an [auto repair shop](https://www.bodyteq.co.uk/) that ticks most of these boxes, then  you are doing great on your findings. I’m sad to say there’s not a magic wand or any quick fix here, you have to make some effort to get the best garage that will not just repair your car but be your car’s best friend for life.