There are now over 26,735 auto mechanics and service shops across Canada. Not all service shops are the same, though. It’s important to find an experienced team you can trust.
Otherwise, you could end up wasting time and money trying to get your vehicle fixed.
Instead, use these 12 tips for finding the best auto service shop around. With these tips, you can find peace of mind. You’ll know your auto shop offers the best services available.
They can help you fix small issues with your vehicle before they become major concerns. Whether you’re in a fender bender or crash, you can rely on them for emergencies, too.
Find the perfect auto shop before a crash. Start your searches with these 12 tips today!
1. Consider Their Specialty
Before you start Googling “car service shop near me,” take a moment to consider your needs.
Are you looking for a general auto service shop? Do you want to have a name in mind for the next time you’re in an accident? Maybe you require specialty services.
When searching for an auto shop, start your search based on your distinct needs. That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen a specialist for the job.
About four out of five automotive repairs are related to durability. Leaving a small problem unattended can have a major impact, though. For example, maybe you noticed your check engine light is on.
A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons the light will turn on. Missing, loose, or damaged caps are inexpensive to fix. If you don’t fix it, though, it could cost 145 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year!
Some of the most common repairs include:
- Replacing oxygen sensors
- Inspect for loose fuel caps
- Inspecting the catalytic converter
- Replacing mass airflow sensors
- Replacing spark plugs
About 85% of service shops offer general automotive repair. If you need other services, however, you might need to find a specialty shop. What if you need to repair a crack in your window?
In that case, you need an auto glass repair specialist.
Do you have a car that needs specialty parts? Make sure to find someone with experience working on your make and model.
Choosing someone inexperienced could do more harm than good to your car.
2. Ask Your Inner Circle
Once you determine what kind of car service shop you need, talk to your inner circle.
The best auto service shops have a strong professional reputation. Look for a shop that has no problem generating word-of-mouth marketing or referrals. These shops have likely earned the trust and loyalty of their customers.
If they’ve gained the trust of the people in your inner circle, it’s likely they’re doing something right!
As you speak with friends and family members, ask about their experience working with each auto shop. Did they experience any problems? Did the mechanic seem friendly and knowledgeable?
You can also ask about:
- How much the services cost
- Whether or not the mechanic was experienced
- Whether or not the mechanic communicated the problem clearly
- The quality of work that was completed
- How long it took for the mechanic to complete the repairs
Would your friend suggest you choose that auto shop, or another? Why?
Speaking with someone you trust can help you find a service shop you trust.
3. Check The Directories
If your friends and family members can’t recommend a shop, that’s okay. You can head online instead. Check a few online directories, including:
- Angie’s List
- Consumer Reports
- Cartalk’s Mechanic Files
Explore different online resources and start building a list of the best auto service shops in the area. Then, you can use the rest of these tips to narrow down your options.
4. Make Sure They’re Certified
Make sure that each auto service shop on your list has the proper licensing and certification.
A licensed, certified shop indicates the mechanic has the hands-on training necessary to work on your vehicle.
You might find mechanics that have certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This certification is specifically awarded to mechanics, not shops. To qualify, they need to pass two years of on-the-job training.
They also need to retest every five years to maintain their certification.
5. Look at the Location
Before choosing an auto service shop, consider their location. Look for a shop that’s nearby your home or work. You’ll have an easier time reaching the shop in the case of an emergency.
Some shops will even pick up and return your car after making repairs.
If they’re not located nearby, you might find it a hassle to visit them in the future.
6. Ask About Prices and Warranties
To find the best auto service shops in your area, consider your budget. You don’t want to choose the cheapest option. Otherwise, you might receive low-quality services.
Instead, call at least three shops in your area. Ask for an estimate from each one. Gathering these estimates will help you determine the local average.
If one shop charges much higher or lower than their competitors, scratch them off your list.
A shop that charges at a low price might feel desperate to find customers. They might not have certified mechanics on staff, either.
Don’t forget to ask each auto shop about their warranty, too. What happens if you’re not satisfied with their services? Can you bring your car back without having to pay additional fees?
Asking about warranties will give you peace of mind that the auto shop has your best interests in mind.
7. Read Online Reviews
About 93% of customers read reviews of local businesses to determine their quality. Another 95% read reviews before making purchases.
Head online and find reviews for each service shop on your list. These reviews can help you learn more about each shop from customers just like you.
Check each shop’s Google My Business listing for reviews. You can also find reviews on third-party rating apps like Yelp. Make sure to look beyond the auto shop’s website.
The testimonials they feature on their website were likely hand-picked. You can get a well-rounded picture of the shop by reading positive and negative reviews.
Did anyone file a complaint about the auto shop’s services? Why?
If you see a number of negative reviews, scratch that shop off your list. Pay attention to reviews that indicate the shop’s:
- Atmosphere
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Quality of service
- Average waiting times
- Services
- Specialties
- Cleanliness
- Parking
- Friendliness of the staff
You can also ask each service shop on your list for references. Speaking to their recent customers can help you answer some of your questions. You can learn from someone else’s hands-on experience before choosing a shop.
8. Ask About the Mechanic
Before you choose an auto shop, it helps to learn more about who will end up working on your car.
Ask if you can meet with the mechanic. Do they have any certifications? Ask how long they’ve worked in the industry, too.
Speaking with the mechanic will help you learn more about their experience and expertise. Make sure they’re capable of answering your questions clearly. If they seem shady, trust your gut.
Take your business to someone you can trust to remain honest and transparent with you instead.
9. Consider Their Affiliations
Some auto shops have affiliations. For example, you might find a shop affiliated with Approved Auto Repair (AAR). The AAR prescreens auto shops to determine their quality of service.
Shops that are affiliated with AAR are closely monitored. They’re required to sign an agreement stating they provide high-quality services performed by certified mechanics, too.
You might find shops associated with the Automotive Service Association (ASA). These shops offer the highest standard of customer service. They’re also responsible for adhering to a code of ethics.
Finding a shop with these affiliations can give you peace of mind.
10. Get Estimates
Remember, you don’t want to make your choice solely based on price. Choosing the cheapest option could cost you more in the long run. Once you get your estimates, ask what’s included in the price.
A higher estimate might indicate you’re paying for unnecessary services or parts. Make sure to get everything in writing.
Getting the details in writing will help you handle any disputes down the road. You can make sure the shop doesn’t incorrectly charge you.
11. Try Them Out
Try one or two of the shops on your list out. Have them complete a minor service, such as an oil change or tire rotation.
Are you satisfied with the service you received? If not, look elsewhere.
Trying a shop out for something minor can help you determine if they’re the right fit in the future.
12. Understand the Diagnosis
Ask questions. If the mechanic refuses to answer your questions in terms you can understand, look for someone else.
Then, trust your gut!
Start Your Searches: 12 Tips for Finding the Best Auto Service Shop Around
Finding the best auto service shop doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, use these 12 tips. With these tips, you can narrow down your options and ensure you receive the best service.
Do you want to help more people find your auto service shop? We can help.
Discover how it works today!
