Visiting Atlanta’s charming turn-of-the-century squares and relaxing in its parks is one thing, but getting a car repaired or serviced can be another. Finding the right mechanic is essential when you need expert auto repair services in Atlanta.
Look for a shop that offers a comprehensive service list and a wide range of perks. They also price out upcoming maintenance so that customers can plan accordingly.
Ask for Recommendations
Even the most careful drivers find themselves in need of auto repair services now and then. Finding a shop that provides quality work and fair prices can be challenging, whether due to an accident or regular wear and tear.
An excellent place to start is by asking friends and family members for recommendations. This is a great way to get an honest opinion about a particular shop and its customer service.
Also, when comparing shops, be sure to take into account the type of work you need. For example, some repairs are more complex than others and may require higher expertise. Ask each shop how much they charge for a particular type of repair to gauge whether their price is reasonable.
Another thing to consider is the perks offered by each shop. For instance, some shops offer a free shuttle service or a car wash as part of their service. This can be a nice bonus, especially regarding more extended repairs.
Look for Certifications
Whether your vehicle needs significant repairs or routine maintenance, it’s essential to find an auto shop in Atlanta certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). More than 40 tests are available in different fields like cars and light trucks, auto parts, heavy vehicles, collision repair, school buses, and medium-heavy truck equipment.
An ASE-certified shop will be staffed by qualified technicians in the specific field of your vehicle’s needs. For example, an Atlanta auto repair shop is staffed by ASE-certified technicians who consider open communication and transparency.
Many ASE-certified auto body shops provide mobile car repair services in Atlanta. Their experienced team of mechanics will travel to their client’s locations to fix dents and scratches, replace windshields, glass, mirrors, and lights, and paint exteriors. They’re also committed to providing quality work and affordable prices, so you can be sure your car is in good hands.
Look for a Warranty
Many shops offer warranties on their services, but you must look for a solid warranty program. Shops with an excellent 2-year/24,000-mile warranty will give customers confidence in their services and help take them out of the price-comparison game with competitors.
Many car dealerships and financial service companies sell extended warranty contracts (mechanical breakdown insurance, vehicle protection plans, and auto service agreements). While these may have some value, they often limit repairs to their shops or those they have exclusive deals with.
When shopping around for warranties, it’s essential to choose a provider that makes it easy to see contract details before purchasing. A solid warranty provider should be able to post sample contracts online, and any provider that refuses to do so should be considered a red flag. Also, be sure to consider who backs the warranty – a company with a strong BBB standing and face in your community is far more likely to approve your repair than one with no name to speak of.
Get Written Estimates
While it may be tempting to get your car repaired as quickly as possible, you should take the time to shop around and find a shop that offers you the best service. This includes getting a written estimate and making sure that the mechanic clearly explains what the repairs will entail. It also means ensuring the shop contacts you for authorization before performing additional services or incurring extra costs.
A good mechanic will happily provide an estimate in writing; a written one will prove invaluable if there is a dispute over a service or repair price. A verbal estimate could be misinterpreted or distorted, but an itemized written one will leave no room for confusion.
You can also look for shops that offer other amenities like complimentary transportation, which is sometimes a deal-breaker but is a nice perk that helps set them apart from the competition. However, it’s important to remember that the most important factors when choosing an auto shop are reliability, quality, and trust.