In recent surveys, the Car Care Council found that:

• 83 percent of the women asked said they are responsible for the maintenance of their cars.
• 73 percent said they were interested in information concerning automotive maintenance and repair.
• In a similar study, 49 percent of those taking their cars to service stations to have the fluids changed are women.

Yet, for women, choosing an auto mechanic can be a stressful experience.  We've all encountered situations where we left feeling like we paid too much, or weren't taken seriously. 

Girlslovewheels.com offers the following tips for choosing the right repair shop.  We also suggest that when you do find a repair shop that you trust, tell every woman you know, spread the word.  Reward reputable and women friendly auto related business by sending them customers, while being an asset to your friends too.

Choosing the Right Repair Shop

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies individual technicians—not repair establishments. But it stands to reason that shop owners who encourage their technicians to become ASE certified should be equally concerned about the other aspects of their business. Here are some tips on finding a good repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations; consult local consumer groups.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced courses, and ASE certification.
• Look for the ASE sign.

Facilities with a high percentage of ASE-certified professionals may also be members of the elite Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program.

Article Provided by:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
101 Blue Seal Dr., S.E., Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-669-6600

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