Every gas station used to have a garage on-site. Those were the days before self-service at the pump. The garage depended on your patronage, and they would often extend credit, come to your house, or work to fit the fix to your budget.
Those were the days before cars became mobile computers posing new and complicated challenges for local mechanics. Some of the best survive on their reputation for specializing in older models and custom cars. And these old school mechanics continue an admirable skill.
Consider Local Mechanics
ne advantage of working with
a local proprietary repair garage is that the mechanic is the owner. You
can develop a relationship as you pursue regular inspection and care. You can
confirm the local reputation by checking Yelp and Yellow Pages reviews online; these
provide a broader (though still limited) picture of a garage than
word-of-mouth. If you have doubts or more questions about a garage, check their
Better Business Bureau and/or AAA affiliation.Search the Web
Angieslist.com, carrepairtalk.com, cartalk.com, and related forums carry individual user reviews and open conversations that can prove very informative. Of course, many participants take to the web with negative comments, so you might still be left with questions.
Ask Friends and Family
Your friends and family have the same needs and different experiences. Their opinions can help, but you will need to take them with a grain of salt. Loved ones’ perceptions may not be yours, but they might have had experiences with brake or radiator specialists that are worth hearing.
Check for Affiliations
Good mechanics should run
good businesses. One sign of a mechanic’s performance is the certifications and
affiliations they post. Look for signs that they are recognized by the National
Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the American Automobile
Association (AAA), and/or the Automotive Service Association (ASA).Ask about Guarantees
Good mechanics will formally or informally guarantee their work. Investigate their warranty to see how long it runs and if it covers labor and parts. Do not be afraid to ask to watch the work, and always ask to see the broken or replaced parts.
Inspect the Shop
Quality work and a clean and organized work environment usually go hand in hand. Cleanliness and order are testament to straight thinking and good order. Observe how much volume the garage handles, what lines of cars, and how hands-on they are. You’ll want to see them working actively on cars like yours.
Request OEMs
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are likely to serve your car’s needs better than rebuilt or aftermarket supplies. The latter may be priced lower, but they are often not so fine a match. OEMs may be difficult to replace on older cars, but be wary of salvage or junkyard parts.
Return to Your Dealership
Few people know your car like those at the dealership where you bought it. Modern dealerships are under heavy pressure from their manufacturers to provide good service. The car makers set performance benchmarks and survey customers on their satisfaction with the garage.
Dealers also want to retain your business and build relationships with quality service that extends beyond the warranty. They train their mechanics heavily with support from the manufacturer.
Take the service center at McCafferty Hyundai of Langhorne, PA, for example. McCafferty has served customers from Philadelphia, Trenton, Bucks County, and beyond for more than 50 years at its 1106 E Lincoln Highway address. They continue to do business that testifies to their quality performance and professional standards both in the showroom and in the garage.
Categories:
Service
