Students planning to attend college have another task: Car care.
A well-maintained vehicle will last longer and be more reliable than one that has been neglected. It’s also easier to know that your vehicle has been maintained before you go off to college.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that certifies and tests automotive technicians. It offers these tips to help you choose a repair shop:
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations or consult local consumer groups.
* Arrange for transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based on its 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.
* Find out the shop’s policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
* Ask if the repair facility specializes in a certain area and if it usually handles your type of repair work.
* Check 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 course work and certification by ASE. ASE-certified technicians are adorned with blue and white shoulder insignias and have credentials that list their specific areas of certification.
Visit www.ase.comFor more information on car care and how to benefit from technician certification, click here
