Students who are planning to attend college should make sure that their vehicle is in good condition. Routine maintenance will help reduce the likelihood of a car accident. Experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can help you do this.
“Students who commute need reliable transportation day in and day out to make it to classes on time,”Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director, notes this. “while those who live on campus and use their cars less frequently could find themselves stranded in the satellite parking lot by a dead battery in cold weather.”
These tips are from ASE, the organization that certifies and tests automotive technicians. They can help parents and students choose a repair shop.
Ensure that you start searching for a repair shop before you really need it.
Arrange transportation ahead of time so that you don’t feel pressured to pick a shop based upon its location.
Ensure that you find a clean, organized facility with vehicles in the garage equal to your own, and modern equipment in all service bays.
– Find a friendly staff with a service representative who is willing to answer any questions.
You should look for policies that cover estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees and guarantees as well as acceptable payment methods.
Ask the repair shop if they specialize in your type of work.
– Pay attention to signs of professionalism, such as customer service awards or civic, community or customer service honors.
– Seek out evidence that qualified technicians are present: certificates of advanced course work, trade school diplomas and certification by ASE.
– Look for ASE signs. This sign means that at least one technician has earned nationally recognized certifications.
For more information, please visit www.ase.com.
