Today, most people can’t afford to buy a new car every couple of years. That means they must maintain their vehicles correctly so they last for as long as possible. Auto industry experts report that roughly two-thirds of vehicles on the road are over five years old. Proper maintenance is even more critical as cars, light trucks, and SUVs age. Here are a few strategies car owners can use to find the top repair shop in their area.

Check Online Reviews

Today, most top repair shops have websites and a presence on social media platforms. That means drivers looking for a quality Everett auto repair shop can check out those sites and see what other vehicle owners say about a repair shop. Remember that no one can satisfy every customer, so don’t be put off by one or two negative comments. However, if a shop has numerous negative reviews, consider looking elsewhere for service and repairs.

Checking the local Better Business Bureau is another option, as disputes are routinely filed with local BBBs when customers experience issues with a service provider. Again, look for patterns rather than one or two complaints. See how the shop resolved issues, as that’s a solid indicator of their overall service.

Check Out Local Shops in Person

Another way to identify a quality shop is to research them yourself. Start by driving to local shops to see how busy they are. Usually, busy shops are more trustworthy than ones with empty service bays and no cars parked in the lot. Once a few prospective shops are identified, stop in and say hello. Ask about the shop’s service hours, their labor rates, and whether they use OEM parts when possible. Top business owners or managers will gladly answer questions and show prospective customers around their shops.

Shops should be well-maintained and clean. No customer wants to pick up their car after servicing only to find the seat or floor mats covered in grease. In addition, ask about the shop’s diagnostic equipment used to identify problems. All modern vehicles use multiple computers, and the diagnostic equipment shops use must be compatible with those systems.

Ask About Technician’s Qualifications

Today’s vehicles are incredibly complex, which means technicians must be trained to diagnose problems and provide appropriate repairs. Look for ASE certifications, which most shops proudly display where customers can see them. Each certificate should outline the technician’s qualifications and specialized training. Of course, some technicians have other credentials and training, but ASE certifications are the most common.

In addition, ask about ongoing training that keeps technicians up to date on the latest diagnostic and repair techniques. Remember that new systems are introduced to vehicles every year, which means a technician that hasn’t had any training recently may no longer have the skills needed to work on the latest vehicle models.

Try Out a Shop

Once a likely shop is identified, schedule routine servicing to see how the shop’s personnel perform. For example, if a shop does well with an oil change, consider using them for other services and repairs. Remember that a quality shop keeps track of completed vehicle work and recommends appropriate service based on the driver’s driving history and habits.