Complete Guide to Finding a Trusted Shop

Complete Guide to Finding a Trusted Shop

Table of Contents

We all want a trusted shop we can take our vehicles to. We have a step by step approach to help you find one.

With vehicle repair complexity increasing, it is important for motorists to have a shop they trust to keep their vehicle on the road.  There are a few factors to consider when determining whether or not a shop has the traits that best represent a trusted shop.

Transparency:

Transparency plays a major role in a trusted shop. A shop that is transparent about their process and makes you part of the vehicle service journey ensures you will be communicated to along the way to help you make an informed decision. The shop should also be transparent with their pricing and you should approve any recommendation prior to the service so there should be no surprises once you get your bill. Lastly, the shop should be transparent about future service needs. This will help you plan for those future expenses.

Customer Service:

Costumer service has changed quite a bit over the years because our expectations have changed dramatically. For many of us, we want to feel important, we want the shop to think about the repairs on our vehicles as if they are thinking about the repairs on their own vehicles. We want to be part of the process, we want to know the person working on our vehicle has the expertise to repair it. And if we are waiting at the repair shop we want to be connected through Wi-Fi to stay engaged with works, family etc.

Convenience:

Having an issue with your vehicle can be a big inconvenience to your life so looking for a shop that is close to your work or home maybe important. Some shops offer free transportation or a loaner car so you can still make it to work, pick up the kids or enjoy the weekend. Some shops have expanded hours so you can stop by for the oil change on your way home or open on weekends to better fir your lifestyle.

Process:

A shop that follows a process is likely to have checks and balances in place to ensure you have the best experience possible.  As part of the MAP process, prior to any work being performed on a vehicle, an inspection of the appropriate system must be performed. The results of the inspection must be documented on the inspection form and explained to the motorist. The inspection may indicate that service or parts replacement are “Okay” and performing as designed, “Required” because the part in question is no longer providing the function for which it is intended, or does not meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended design. The inspection may indicate that service or parts replacement are “Suggested” because the part is close to the end of its useful life or addresses a customer’s need, convenience or request. If a customer’s vehicle has one of these conditions, the team member may only suggest service. The Customer may decide not to follow some of the suggested recommendations, however, when a repair is “Required” a MAP Participating Shop should refuse to perform partial service on that system if, in the judgment of the service provider, proceeding with the work could create or continue an unsafe condition.

If you have a shop you trust, you are in a great position. If you are looking for a shop. We suggest using our Find My Shop feature below!

Jeffrey Cox

Jeffrey Cox is the President of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association and has been in the automotive industry for 25 years. As a teenager, Jeff knew he would spend his career in the automotive industry and has been tenacious about learning every aspect of the industry. He started his career as a technician and has spent most of his career in leadership roles in Training, Operations and Marketing.

Jeffrey joined the AMRA staff in April of 2017 after being a Co-Chair of their technical Committee for the previous 5 years. He is an ASE Master Certified Technician with a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology from Southern Illinois University and has earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University.

As the President at AMRA, Jeff’s relentless approach at serving their membership has been instrumental for the associations ability to recruit and retain membership.

Jeff has spent the last 20 years in the Chicagoland area with wife and dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring clasic Mopars, hunting, and golfing.

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