Settling is not always what’s best for us. If you’ve ever dated a poor match because you felt lonely, you know exactly what I mean. “Sure, we have absolutely nothing in common; but hey, maybe it will work out.” Even with a hair stylist, we stay with them because “ we don’t want to hurt their feelings.”
This sounds insane, but most people fall into that trap at least once in their life. Many drivers make the same mistake when it comes to choosing an auto repair shop. Don’t assume every auto shop is created equally because they aren’t.
Begin your search with online reviews of auto shops. DriversAutoKnow.com provides a directory that might be helpful. You can also read reviews on Google. Depending on your location, there might not be many. In that is the case, ask for recommendations from friends and family, or your connections on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Online research is awesome, but don’t make a final decision yet. You can’t really judge a shop until you experience it for yourself. Make a list of 3-5 shops that sound like a good fit. Visit them in order of metrics like how far it is from your home is or the amount of positive reviews and cumulative score.Is convenience or quality more important? Decide now. After you leave each shop, ask yourself these reflection questions.
Did I feel welcome?
You can tell a lot based on nonverbal cues. Did the front desk person smile and make eye contact, or did they stare at the ground? The first reaction is much better. How long did it take for someone to greet you? It should happen within seconds. Check out the lobby. Did they provide snacks, drinks, and magazines? Would you feel comfortable waiting for an hour or two in this environment? If not, did they provide courtesy transportation or a loaner car?
Did they ask questions?
Good doctors ask lots of questions. They need to be aware of your symptoms and medical history. How else would they be able to make a diagnosis? False assumptions could lead to sickness or worse. Mechanics are like physicians for cars. There are several potential causes for most car problems. For example, an overheating engine could be due to a burst hose, coolant leak, stuck thermostat… I could continue, but you get the idea.
Were they professional?
Look around the lobby. Were there framed certificates from reputable organizations like ACE (Automotive Service Excellence)? Talk to the front desk person. Were they genuinely interested in you and your vehicle’s needs, or did they skip straight to the hard sell? Ask a mechanic or technician about the last time they worked on a vehicle like yours. If they’re familiar with your make and model, that’s a plus.
Things to Consider
Let these reflection questions and online research guide your hiring decision. However, you can’t be 100% sure you made the best choice until after the work is complete. Did you receive an accurate price estimate? Was the repair done right the first time? Were extra services suggested? Did they do a good job of explaining? Would you recommend this auto shop to your best friend? Why or why not?
Finding a good auto shop is simple. It’s just not easy.
If your first pick fails to deliver, don’t worry. Try another option next time. Check out different shops until you find a good fit. I’m not suggesting you won’t find a good match. You will when you feel confident there. It’s wise to build a relationship with a mechanic. As they spend time with your vehicle, they’ll start to understand its unique quirks. In the long-term, this will be helpful on many levels.
