What Should I Expect from the Repair Facility I Choose?

By Karen Johnston June 14, 2019

Quick facts

A reputable shop provides a written estimate before performing any diagnostic or repair work.
Shops should proactively note upcoming maintenance needs, not just fix what you came in for.
A business that competes only on price may not be financially stable enough to honor its warranty.

You should know by now where to look for referrals and how to research an automotive repair business. We've also discussed the questions that you should ask of the repair facility about their warranties, training, and equipment. Additionally, there are some things that you should be able to expect as a customer from the repair facility that you choose:

A full explanation of the repairs and/or services that are needed on your vehicle
A full description of any diagnostic procedures, tests performed, and their results
A disclosed estimate on all diagnostic tests and any subsequent repairs should be quoted prior to performing the tasks
The repair facility should show interest in maintaining the factory warranties, vehicle longevity, and reliability by providing information on proper maintenance services

Don't choose a shop based solely on price. Good things aren't cheap and cheap things aren't good. Remember: if you go with a shop on price alone, that business may not be around to honor their warranty if that time comes.

There are a lot of repair facilities that are doing great work and using quality parts, where the owners and staff have a lot of integrity. Once you find a trusted repair facility, have them perform all the maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. They will have complete records on what has been performed and what needs to be done on your vehicle for preventative maintenance. I hope this series of articles helps you to find your trusted repair facility.

Happy Motoring!

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

What does a full explanation of needed repairs actually look like, and what should a shop tell me?

A thorough explanation includes what system or component is failing, what the failure mechanism is, what the consequence of not repairing it will be, what parts and labor are required, and a specific dollar estimate. You should also be told whether the repair is urgent or can be monitored, and whether any related components should be inspected or replaced at the same time. If a shop cannot or will not explain the repair in plain terms, that is a meaningful signal about how they operate.

Am I entitled to get my old parts back after a repair?

In most cases, yes. You can request your replaced parts be returned to you, and reputable shops will accommodate this. Some parts are returned to suppliers on a core charge exchange program (like alternators and brake calipers), which means they may not be available for return. If you want your old parts, say so before the work begins. Reviewing the replaced parts can confirm that the repair was actually performed and give you a sense of the wear condition that justified the service.

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All About Automotive — 1850 NW Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR · (503) 465-2926

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