What You Need to Know About Automotive Repair Near Me
The best way to keep your car running well is by taking it in for routine maintenance and repairs from time to time. This can help you avoid serious mechanical issues that could turn out to be expensive or even dangerous to drive.
A qualified mechanic is key to keeping your vehicle in good condition. You can find a list of certified mechanics on the Internet or by asking around. Technicians with certifications from organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have completed rigorous testing to ensure their knowledge of auto repair and have the skills to work on a variety of vehicles.
If you have an older vehicle that has been prone to breakdowns, a specialist may be more effective at fixing it than a general technician. These technicians are trained in specialized repairs such as brake and suspension systems. They are also more likely to have the right tools and parts for your particular model.
Your local dealership is a great option for repairs if your car is covered by a manufacturer warranty, if you're experiencing problems with an exclusive system or if it has been recalled. The dealer's mechanics are specifically trained to handle the problems associated with your model and have access to the latest information on your car's electronic systems.
Independent repair shops - These are less costly than dealerships and have the advantage of being able to perform more complex repairs on your car without impacting your warranty coverage. However, they are often not equipped to handle some types of repairs and may only do a limited number of services.
Chain shops - These are usually affiliated with a tire company, auto parts store or department store and are often located in large shopping centers or near walkable neighborhoods. These chains often advertise low prices and offer good value.
ASE Certified Technicians - Mechanics with certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence have passed extensive tests to prove their knowledge of automobile repair and are highly skilled at handling a wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. Mechanics with the highest level of certification are called Master Technicians.
A reputable repair shop should be able to complete most common repairs at a fair price and in a timely manner. They should also use top-quality parts and have a clean, professional working environment.
Some auto shops charge by the hour, whereas others quote a flat rate for labor. This means that the shop charges a fixed rate for the total amount of time it takes an experienced mechanic to do a particular job, such as replacing a wheel or changing an oil filter.
Most auto repair shops will use a computer program that calculates the amount of time it takes to do a specific job. Using this flat-rate estimate, they then multiply it by their hourly labor rate to give you an estimate of how much the service will cost.
