There You Are Driving To Work When You Hear Your Car Start To Make A Weird Clunking Noise. Or Maybe You're Picking Up The Kids From School When The Steering Wheel Becomes More Difficult To Turn. Whatever The Case May Be, It's A Good Idea To Get Your Car Checked Out Immediately. Here Are Three Questions To Ask Your Mechanic BEFORE Your Car Is Repaired.
1. Can You Explain The Details Of The Repairs My Car Needs?
It goes without saying, you should be asking about the details of the repair BEFORE it gets done. A good mechanic should be able to break it down for you, and explain why these repairs are necessary. If there is any hesitation, you should reconsider where you get your car repaired.
By finding out the details, you'll have a better grasp on the project as well as what exactly the costs are for. In addition, you should be asking what options you have in terms of repairs.
2. Will You Provide A Written Estimate?
It's important to have a written estimate of the repair before they get to work! The estimate should contain everything from the necessary parts to the estimated cost of labor. This will help protect you from any unnecessary costs. When asking for a written question, you should also ask them to call you if any unexpected costs arise before they continue.
3. Are Your Mechanics ASE Certified?
Thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), much of the guesswork of finding a great mechanic has been eliminated. ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With more than 300,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition.
ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. If the auto shop doesn't have an ASE certified shop, it might be a good idea to look for one that does!