Many people spend their time looking for a good repair shop, or perhaps taking the car back to the dealership which the vehicle was purchased from. Unaware that they could be saving money by taking their car to an independent repair shop. Sometimes finding a good repair shop can be a bit of a challenge. Knowing the signs to look for that make a good repair shop will definitely help. Or knowing the right questions to ask when you get there. Even going into a well run repair facility without knowing what to look for can result in a unpleasant experience. Poor service can result from not knowing the right things to be on the look out for, the right questions to ask, or the right info to give the service writer behind the counter.

Poor service can come from several different factors. I would not say that poor service is the customer’s fault, in fact it is quite the contrary. Most of the time when a customer receives poor service, it is because the shop is not managed well. There are things you as the consumer can learn to spot when a shop is not managed well. Many times a shop can appear well run and put together on the surface. If someone is not looking, they might miss some of the biggest signs. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask will help the customer. It always helps to know what to be on the look out for and what information is the best to share with the service writer. You should also pay close attention to what questions the service writer is asking you. Informing yourself will help you. Educate yourself by asking people about their experiences. Where they had good service and what made it good. Online research can be very useful. Looking for articles written by someone in the repair industry would be a great help. They will know what kind of information will be needed and what will be useful. All of this will help you know what to be prepared with.

Pay close attention to the way that the service writer makes you feel. Your intuition is very important and you should count on it, trust it. Is this some one you feel you can trust? Someone that you feel wants to work with you to accommodate your automotive needs? After all, it is your hard earned money that you will be spending. You should feel comfortable with the recommendations that the repair shop is giving you about your vehicle. You should also feel confident in the work that is being performed.

A well informed consumer will be be able to spot a well managed shop. They will also be able to know what kind of questions to be asking at the repair shop. As well as what kind of information to be prepared with when walking into the repair facility. It is important to be aware of what kind of questions the service writer is asking you. With all of this information, a customer will be able to find a good automotive repair shop. One that will value them as a customer as well as fill all of their automotive needs. Keeping all of this in mind will help you as the customer find the right repair facility.

Tony Bentley is an automotive technician and a service writer.
He has put together some of his ideas on how to go about finding a quality automotive repair facility. As well as some good tips for those that like to do the work themselves. To read through some of these ideas and tell him what you think, and give some topic ideas check out the link below.

This world of ours has tremendous ways of expressing its expansion in terms of science and technology. Inventions are sprouting out of any part of the world and discoveries of today could baffle the minds of many people. Top 10 inventions of the year 2010 are:

- Huge Panoramic High-Res Display – a German invention that provides high quality sound and detailed picture.
- Soundproof Panels Made of Latex Membranes – an invention to noise proof your house or building.
- Software that Captures Sports Games Robotically – an invention that films sport games automatically
- Technology that Harnesses Electricity From Fluorescent Light – turns fluorescent light to power
- Small, Handy Ultrasound Scanner – an invention which enable medical professionals to o diagnose patients more promptly in an emergency
- Nano-Generators Used in Clothes to Power Gadgets – energy scavenging technology that can harness energy from clothes.
- See-through Protective Spray-on Liquid Glass – invention that makes your clothing or tiles scratch and stain resistant
- System that Conveys Sound Waves Via Teeth – invention used to treat single sided deafness
- Water-based Material – Replacement for Plastics
- Table that Makes Music Lessons More Fun – an invention to make children learn music much easier.

But as what I can see, they haven’t much invented a gadget to make automotive repairs easier for me. I am still on my hard times when my car needs repairs. Without the sentimental value of this car to me, I would have sold it already. But just for old time’s sake, I’ll just keep it one more year. This just made me realize how an important automotive repair is. You can’t just go ahead on buying a new car you’re your old one needs repairs. All of us should consider the financial aspect of our decisions. Which choice will cost me lesser money? Is it having my old car repaired or is it by buying a new car instead?

Sometimes our impatience can get the best of us and before we knew it, we just bought ourselves a new car because of it. But before you get to that position, let us first consider the value of automotive repairs could have on our decisions. Although not included in the top 2010 inventions, no mention of any invention that relates to it even, but technology today have already reached a high enough potential that can certainly turn your doubts of having your car function like new after repairs. The professions of our mechanical and automotive engineers have also advanced hand in hand with the new trends and technology of the world today. This means that small problems on your cars carburetor, your cars battery, your cars breaks and the works should be no problem in the hands of our mechanics.

Another way I view automotive repair is that it is a wonderful opportunity to show how you value your car. I am definitely on of the few that gets my car repaired because of its sentimental value to me but I am also one of those which truly benefits from it not just financially because I get to keep my sentimentally valued possession up and running.

Knowledgeable on various auto parts.

This is perhaps the most basic characteristic that any auto mechanic should have. Lots of different auto parts are out in the market today. And because we, as car owners, do not necessarily possess the sufficient knowledge when it comes to vehicle parts, we will inevitably depend on the expertise of our mechanic. A simple trick to determine if your chosen car specialist really knows his business is to ask him to differentiate a few parts and gauge whether he is confidently answering your question or is just making his way around.

Diverse background on automotive repair experiences.

Years ago when the makes of our vehicles were much simpler, any mechanic would have been okay. But with today’s high-tech and complex vehicles including family sedans, sports and luxury cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks, we need someone who has a diverse background in automotive repair services. Mistakes have no room when it comes to automotive repair as these will only make things even more costly. Choose a mechanic who has certifications of training programs and classes that he has attended. The mechanic’s time spent in studying as well as in the actual practice of automotive repair is very advantageous for us car owners.

ASE certified to be an automotive repair professional.

Speaking of certifications, perhaps the most famous and widely recognized one, when it comes to professionals in the automotive industry is the ASE certification. Annually, an estimated 100,000 automotive technicians take ASE certification exams each May and November at over 750 locations.

With an ASE certification, we are assured that our mechanic has good background in all automotive services because an ASE certification requires a minimum of two years work experience in addition to passing a series of examinations that include Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions for auto technicians alone. There are separate tests for those who want to be collision repair technicians, engine machinists, parts specialists, and others.

Furthermore, all ASE certifications have expiration dates which requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified.

Works in a reputable auto center.

Unfortunately, ASE certifications apply only to individuals and not to auto centers. However, an auto center with at least one ASE certified mechanic is allowed to display the ASE sign. Furthermore, an auto center that has 75% ASE certified mechanics among its employees are given the Blue Seal of Excellence from the ASE.

Aside from the ASE recognition, other signs that we should look for an auto center include neat and well-organized facility complete with modern equipment, courteous staff, and good policies (regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, etc.)

Highly recommended by family and friends.

Nothing can attest to the quality service that any auto center and mechanic can give than testimonials of our family members, relatives, and friends. Ask for referrals and recommendations. Local community organizations and business listings are also good sources of information.