If you are looking for a solid, reliable locally owned and operated auto repair shop to turn to for your vehicles’ maintenance and repair needs, you’ve already made a wise decision. You’ve concluded a local, independent repair shop is a better option than the dealership. That’s wise because when you use a quality independent service provider, you’ll typically save money, receive far better customer service and essentially be entering into a lasting customer-service provider relationship that, over the years, often becomes a genuine friendship. With the decision made to “go independent,” the next question becomes, “which independent?” Here are three criteria to look for in a local repair shop.
Choose a Shop That Can Perform All Services Your Vehicle Will Need
Many vehicle owners go to one shop for an oil replacement, another for a tire alignment, another to diagnose and repair their vehicle when it stops working and yet another to perform its state-mandated annual emissions test. These folks must have an abundance of extra time on their hands. If you value your time, appreciate the benefits of streamlining your services and develop a solid relationship with one provider rather than superficial relationships with several. Why drive from point A to point B to point C when you’ve got point D that does it all? Simplify your life and consolidate. A huge bonus? Your service provider will get to know you and your car. This knowledge can be invaluable in troubleshooting complicated issues should they arise.
Choose a Shop That Uses Name-brand Products
You’ve undoubtedly read or heard plenty of stories of cheap, substandard products made in China, shipped to the United States and causing all kinds of problems. (Case in point: the ongoing hullabaloo about cheap Hoverboard batteries exploding and catching fire.) There’s a lesson here. No-name products and parts may be cheaper, but you get what you pay for. A reliable shop uses name-brand parts and guarantees and warranties on all repairs.
Only Trust Shops Where Employees Are ASE certified Technicians
Obviously, if you take your vehicle in for service or repair, you want the peace of mind only knowledgeable employees will be working on your vehicle. When employees are ASE certified technicians, you know they are committed to their profession. They’ve spent hours studying best practices and have passed rigorous certification exams proving they’ve mastered these practices. To retain their esteemed ASE status, they must be re-certified regularly to prove they’ve remained abreast of industry changes.
In addition to these three must-have attributes, make sure your favorite independent repair shop has an excellent customer service history with knowledgeable employees. If you’re located in or near Sussex County, you’ll find Deboer's Auto Sales and Service in Hamburg to be such a shop.
Contact us for testimonials and references.
