Driving in The Villages® sometimes is no easy feat. During snowbird season, the roads are so heavily congested; most days, you would rather stay home and avoid the traffic. But with the world we live in, we still have to venture into the chaos every couple of days. All that stop and go traffic eventually wears on your vehicle and inevitably needs repairs.
There are a variety of auto repair shops in The Villages® and surrounding areas. How do you know who is the best?
Here are a few tips for choosing the best auto repair shop in The Villages®:
Check for industry certifications
Look for signs around the business that say: AAA, ASA, and ASE. These may seem like confusing acronyms, but it will quickly help you know if they are truly qualified to work on your vehicle. The Automotive Service Association and American Automobile Association are all high stamps of approval for anyone in the auto repair industry. To qualify for the AAA certificate, all of the shop's technicians most be certified with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The ASE requires members to take several exams and have years of hands-on experience to qualify for their seal of approval. Shop owners proudly display these logos and signs because they worked hard to get them, and it shows accredited organizations recognize them. Technicians must re-apply every few years for the certificate to stay on top of their game.
Ask and friend and check reviews
Everyone knows the best way to find an excellent service is to ask a friend or family member who they used. That way, you have first-hand knowledge of the shop's customer service skills and work ethics. Some business service solely on word of mouth referrals and even offer referral few to customers who help them get business.
The internet has no secrets. If you want nonbiased raw reviews to look to Google, Yelp, and Angie's List for other's experiences with the business, look for companies with a lot of 5-star ratings as well as written responses from the owner. There will be low ratings sprinkled in because no business is perfect. But a good business owner will respond to low reviews and try to make the situation right.
Check for a repair shop BEFORE your car breaks down
If your car breaks down on the side of the highway, chances are you will have to get it towed to the nearest repair shop because it is an emergency, and there is no time to shop around. Take time before your vehicle shows signs of trouble to do your due diligence to find the right repair shop. This is an excellent opportunity to call or visit the repair shop and ask what the best day to bring in your vehicle. Mondays and Fridays are usually the busiest days because people want to drop off their cars before or after work.
Start small
You don't want to wait until something big happens, and you are left scrambling to find an open repair shop and hoping they won't charge you an arm and a leg. To better gauge a repair shop you have in mind, start with small services like an oil change. A good technician will give you a list of services performed and let you know of any repairs with estimates your vehicle may need soon.
Stopping by to check out the place is a perfect way to find out if they have a comfortable waiting area while your vehicle is being repaired. Don't be afraid to ask questions and request a tour of the facility.
A good repair shop owner puts his customers first to make sure their vehicles are in top condition while also offering competitive prices. Stop by Accurso Auto Repair to meet Jason Accurso, the owner, for any questions you may have. Click here to request services.
