If you live in Englewood, CO, you probably own and drive a car, SUV, or pickup truck. You also probably know how expensive repairs can become, especially if you can’t trust the person doing the auto repair work. Please keep reading to learn about the 10 tips and tricks to help decide on the best Englewood auto repair companies.
Outline:
- Check the Qualifications
- Consider the Workspace’s Cleanliness
- Ask Around
- Gauge the Communication
- Avail a Minor Service
- Estimate
- Warranty
- Price
- Scheduling
- Check the Reviews on BBB
- Final Thoughts
Check the Qualifications
The first thing you need to find out is whether or not the Englewood auto repair company is ASE-certified. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is America’s largest governing body for auto mechanics. So, ensure that you’re only dealing with a team of certified auto repair professionals.
What’s more, it is also important to consider the brand of your car. For instance, if you own a Toyota, then look for a T-TEN-certified company. This way, you can be sure that they know the ins and outs of repairing your car.
Consider the Workspace’s Cleanliness
While you may overlook cleanliness at times, keep in mind that it is a reflection of an auto repair company’s professionalism. If the workspace is messy, crowded, disorganized, and tiny, chances are that you won’t get excellent service and the best value for money.
It’s true that keeping an auto repair shop clean is challenging. There will always be stains and a few oil spills here and there. However, things must be clean and organized as much as possible. This goes to show that the mechanics value their work and safety.
Ask Around
One of the common mistakes that car owners make when choosing an Englewood automotive repair company is jumping the gun before asking around. A popular franchise or brand isn’t always the best. There are several family-owned car repair shops out there that are qualified enough and dedicated to superb customer service. The best part is that they offer the best value for money.
So, do your homework by asking your family, neighbors, and friends for recommendations. Better yet, narrow down the top car repair companies in Englewood and look into their customer reviews. Doing so will give you a clear picture of what to expect from their service.
Gauge the Communication
Communication is everything, even when it comes to auto repair. Never give the mechanics the green light unless you are satisfied with their explanation. You know you’re dealing with professionals if they can clearly explain in detail the scope of work required to diagnose and repair your car. They must show you the problematic part of the vehicle and its consequences if not fixed or replaced.
Always remember that a reliable and honest auto repair company will have the willingness to shed light on what’s going on with your car.
Avail a Minor Service
You can gauge the competence and professionalism of a car repair shop by trying them out with a minor service, such as wheel alignment or oil change. If they suggest extra work, just tell them that you need to get a second opinion before making a decision. The mechanic’s reaction will give you a clue whether or not it’s a valid recommendation.
It’s also essential to ask about shop warranties, payment plans, loyalty programs, and discounts. These offerings indicate their willingness to provide excellent customer service.
Estimate
If the car repair shop finds out a serious issue during routine work, they must provide you with a detailed estimate of the recommended work and its corresponding cost. It must also include the replacement parts required and the hours it will take to do the job. The labor rate is approximately $100 per hour, but it varies from one company to another. It’s also worth considering that parts can take a toll on your budget. For instance, water pump replacement might also require a range of hoses and clamps to be replaced.
The mechanics can only proceed with the repair upon your approval. So, ask around and compare the estimates to make the right decision.
Warranty
The warranty is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing an auto mechanic in Englewood, Colorado. You should also determine if it covers both labor and parts. Some car repair companies have a short warranty, while others have a discrepancy in their offerings.
It’s important to keep in mind that most dealerships only offer a 12,000-mile (12-month) warranty on repairs. However, it is recommended to go for those that provide at least a 36,000-mile (3-year) warranty.
Price
When availing a car repair service in Englewood, it’s important to know what you are paying for. Thus, the company of your choice must explain the price of their parts and services upfront. After all, it’s only right to pay once you understand the work to be done to your vehicle and for what amount.
Scheduling
Effective scheduling is another way to gauge the professionalism of a car repair company in Englewood. They must be able to provide you with a timeframe of when the repair will begin and how long it will take to finish. Of course, the turnaround time will depend on the difficulty of the repair or service.
Whatever the case may be, that doesn’t matter as long as there is clear communication between you and the mechanics. By setting realistic expectations and timeframes, the entire process will go as smoothly as possible.
Check the Reviews on BBB
If you are searching for unbiased, genuine reviews, you can count on the website of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Here, you’ll see verified information about the business owner and when it was founded. Moreover, you will also find BBB accreditations and complaints, which you can use as your guide in making the final decision. In 2016, the organization received more than 10,000 complaints from car owners against automotive repair companies.
Final Thoughts
Timely car repair is paramount to your comfort and safety on the road. This is why choosing the right Englewood auto repair company is vital. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time availing an auto repair service, the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned above will always come in handy.
Here at Z Auto Service, we aim to provide our clients with 100% satisfaction by being the best in what we do. So, you can rest assured that we tick all the right boxes. Get in touch with us today for all your car repair and service needs!