The Good Life – July-August 2015

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Car Care How to Choose an Automotive Service Center BY: MATT LACHOWITZER No one likes to think about needing an automotive service center, but selecting a good one is like having good health insurance: you hope you never need it, but you have it “just in case.” When it comes to cars, all vehicles require service or repairs eventually. You could even say there are three things that are certain in life: taxes, death, and vehicle repairs, and having an existing relationship with an automotive service center will save time and hassle when your vehicle needs maintenance or an immediate repair. If you’re not sure how to build a good working relationship with a service center, try taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance; a well-cared for vehicle will run longer and more smoothly, as well as incur lower operating and service costs. Some things to keep in mind when searching for an automotive service center: • Less than 40 percent of new automotive service center customers are walk-ins. Most people are referred by friends, relatives, or co-workers. If you haven’t received any recommendations, make sure you ask your prospective auto service center for references. • If you travel often, look for an automotive service center that stands behind their work with a nationwide warranty. For instance, a warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles will give you peace of mind. Some centers even offer 2 years or 24,000 miles or 3 years or 36,000 miles. Some also offer road side assistance such as: towing, flat tire changing, fuel delivery, and lock outs for a certain time after services or repairs have been done complimentary. • Check the service centers range of services and whether the center has the latest technologies to properly test, diagnose, and repair problems with newer vehicles. For example, can your prospective service center handle brake systems, electrical components, transmission repairs, or dealer level services? Do they provide a loaner, rental car, or shuttle service while your vehicle is being serviced or repaired? 6
• Look for a good customer satisfaction policy, equipment in good condition, bright lighting, cleanliness in the waiting, restroom, shop areas, and general organization. Also look for the centers commitment to the community such as awards or plaques for sports teams, benefits, etc. Also check to see how long the service center has been around and take notice to how you were treated whether in person or over the telephone. These factors all contribute to the level of professionalism, gaining customers trust, and to optimal service. In today’s world, the internet is a powerful tool. Do a Google search on the automotive service center you are interested in visiting, read their reviews, how they respond to positive and negative feedback, and also visit their website and social media pages. Drive by the center and look at other types of vehicles in their lot; are they similar to yours? Are they newer vehicles or are they old run down vehicles? These are invaluable tools you can use to help make an informed decision on which service center you choose. • Look for brand names such as ACDelco and Certified Auto Repair. These names are associated with brand name parts that are engineered to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and will likely come with a warranty that is much better than off-brand parts. • Is the business associated with the Automotive Service Association (ASA), Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau? Are the technicians and staff certified by a specific auto manufacturer or by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)? If so, this indicates a higher customer approval rating and the ability to adequately perform and stand behind the services they advertise. • Whether you are considering a big name franchise or an independently owned service center, compare the usual services and fees of each center to familiarize yourself with the average price ranges. • Don’t select a service center based solely lower prices; shoddy service or poor quality parts can mean more repairs and higher costs in the long run. After you have chosen a center, try to establish a good working relationship with the staff. Since your vehicle needs preventative maintenance anyway, take it to your new service center for a trial run and have a simple service such as an oil service or air conditioning check performed. Some services may be offered free of charge; these services can provide you with a good idea of the service you will need, and the service you will receive. And most of all, ASK questions! The more you know and understand what is going on with your vehicle and why it is needed, the better decisions you can make for you and your vehicle. 7
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The Good Life – July-August 2015

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