Hi, this is Rick Kersey with Accurate Auto., thank-you very much for
your interest. I’m
grateful for the opportunity to provide you with the information about auto repair and
help you choose the right company.
I’ve been in the auto repair business for over 10 years, and in that time ,
I’ve learned that choosing the right repair shop can be confusing. In fact, people
have so many misconceptions about auto repair shops that I decided to offer this consumer
information message so when you need to select an auto repair company, you can make an
informed, intelligent decision.
In just a moment, I’ll share with you 6 costly misconceptions about getting your
car repaired, offer a few suggestions to help you save time, and then I’ll give you
questions you should ask every auto repair company before you set up an appointment.
Misconception #1: Your car manufacturer specifies regular maintenance schedules
just to get you back into their shop to make more money off of you.
NO. Although manufactures are making cars that last longer and require less overall
maintenance, they do require some preventative maintenance. If maintained properly, you
can expect your new car to go over 100,000 miles without major service. For instance, most
engines have timing belts that must be replaced before they wear out, break, and cause
even more expensive damage.
Misconception #2: A shop can give you an accurate price quote over the
phone without seeing your car.
NO. You can waste your time calling 20 different shops and get 20 different price
quotes and chances are every one of them will be wrong. Unless the shop has had a chance
to examine or test drive the car in person, there is no way to accurately diagnose your
problem and give you an accurate quote. Beware of any shop that is willing
to give you a quote over the phone without seeing the car. Most likely they’ll quote
you a real low price just to get you to set up an appointment. Then they’ll probably
hit you with a much higher price once you get there.
Misconception #3: Most repair shops will recommend extra work just to get you
to spend more money.
The fact is, any repair shop that doesn’t look for potential problems is actually
doing you a great disservice. Quality repair shops do a safety inspection on every car
that comes into their shop to uncover those inexpensive repairs that may be needed now,
before they turn into major expenses later.
Something as simple as discovering and then changing a worn belt may save you the
danger and embarrassment of breaking down on a busy highway and an expensive towing
charge.
Misconception #4: All repair shops are the same.
No. In fact there can be a huge difference between repair shops. The new car technology
requires constant training to keep up with all the changes. It also requires the shop to
have the latest diagnostic equipment available.
The repair shop with the best trained and certified technicians and most up to date
equipment will usually do the best repair for you.
Misconception #5: If I fail DEQ, it should be a simple adjustment!
No. Most of today's newer vehicles have no authorized adjustments. If you fail DEQ
there is a failure that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
Misconception #6: The diagnostic machines that hook up to my vehicle will tell
the technician exactly what's wrong with the vehicle.
No. The self diagnostic system that is built into your vehicle can be helpful in
finding a fault but it has limitations. In most cases the system detects no faults, even
though the vehicle runs poorly, or the faults detected are incorrect. This is where a
highly trained tech can interpret the diagnostic results and perform an accurate repair!
Here are a few suggestions that will help you choose a good, reputable repair shop.
First, ask around. Has anyone you know had a good or a bad experience with a particular
repair shop?
Next, try to find a shop that has a lot of repeat customers. Customers are more likely
to stay with a repair shop that they trust and one that does a good job for them.
And finally, make sure they guarantee all their work with a 5
year/50,000 mile warranty.
Now, here are the 6 questions that you must ask any auto repair shop before you set up
an appointment.
- Do they have the most up to date training and diagnostic equipment for your particular
make of car?
- If they give you an estimate over the phone, will they absolutely guarantee the price?
- If performing DEQ repairs, do they have a 5-gas analyzer & emission certified
technician to perform these repairs?
- Are their technicians ASE certified?
- Will they provide you a list of satisfied customers?
- Do they Guarantee all their work with a 5 year/50,000 mile
warranty?
By following my suggestions and asking the repair shop these questions, you’ll
gain all the information that you need to make an informed, intelligent decision.
If you are just looking for the cheapest repair possible, many companies in the phone
book can help you.
But if you’re looking for an honest, ethical, professional auto repair company to
protect your valuable investment-then I invite you to call me at the shop - (503)
693-8366.
Thanks for interest. I hope you found this information helpful.
On behalf of Accurate Auto, I thank you for your kind
attention.
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