How to Find Certified Car Repair Shops Online

When it comes to taking a vehicle in to be repaired at a local mechanic shop, some drivers want to be sure they select certified car repair shops that will not jeopardize the investment that they put into their vehicle. Finding the right auto repair shop is part of the responsibility of owning a vehicle, and the more work you do, the more assurance you'll have that the work done on your vehicle will be of good quality and will keep your car humming down the road. When you're looking for certified car repair shops online, some basic tips apply.

Figure out Your Desired Certifications

Although nationwide nonprofit organizations and consumer advocate groups have come up with some very standard certifications for mechanic shops, you'll want to zero-in on what you're looking for in a shop. Perhaps the most popular certification is the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. Shops are ASE certified if they include at least one professional mechanic who has been through a battery of tests that the organization uses to prove skill level. You can see more about ASE certification at ASE.com. Another popular certification is "AAA certified auto repair"—specific AAA approved locations have conformed to the high standards that the AAA uses to serve its customers.

Use Online Tools to Locate Certified Auto Shops

It's the nature of the Internet: often, specific search targeted sites will produce some useful results for getting what you want online. In this case, sites like Certifiedautorepairs.com can be instructive. Take advantage of any shortcut sites that will help you find the specific certifications are looking for.

Visit the Shop's Website

Many reputable shops have a website. If so, you can browse it to see more info on the certifications that shop has, as well as hours, pricing, guarantees and much more.

Call the Shop

If your selected auto repair shop does not have an extensive website, you want to go on to the next step and pick up the phone. When you contact the shop representative, you can ask directly about their certifications. Ask the shop how many professionals are certified, when they secured the certification and other relevant questions to determine what kind of work the business will do on your vehicle.

Collect More Information When You Visit the Shop

Although ASE and AAA ratings and certifications are generally trustworthy, you won't want to neglect your best tool: direct observation. Take a look at the garage area when you visit, and see how it looks, who is working there and what they are doing. Keep track of what you are charged, and research to see if fair pricing is being offered. Whatever you do, stay involved with the ongoing care of your vehicle; when it comes to auto repair, you are your own advocate.

The above will help drivers looking for good solid work from local repair and maintenance shops.