When it comes time for an oil change, new tires, or if your car is making funny noises, you want to be able to trust that the person working on your vehicle knows what they’re doing. You also want them to give you a fair price and not charge for services that aren’t needed. That’s why we’ve put together this list of important questions you can ask before getting your car fixed or serviced.
1) Ask How Long the Technician Has been with the Dealership
A longer tenure at one place means better work ethic and loyalty (which leads to more consistent pricing). Most mechanics will only last about three years before moving on; those who have stuck around for five or more years are worth considering.
The technician’s tenure can say a lot about the dealership as a whole. If they haven’t had many technicians stick around, it could be because the dealership is difficult to work for, has poor management, low pay, or doesn’t offer benefits. All of these factors could lead to inconsistency in the quality of service.
2) Ask the Car Technician if they are Certified
One way to gauge a technician’s competence is by certification status. Many automakers have their own certification programs that technicians must complete to work on their vehicles.
ASE is also a good indication of competence. ASE is an independent organization that tests and certifies automotive professionals.
If you’re still not comfortable with the technician’s qualifications, don’t hesitate to ask for another one who is qualified. Mechanics are often shuffled around from car to car based on their skill level, so there’s no shame in asking for another professional to work on your vehicle.
3) Ask if They Have Worked on the Same Model As Yours
This question is especially important if you have a rare or high-end car. Not all mechanics are familiar with every make and model of vehicle, so it’s important to find one who has experience specifically with your vehicle.
Some dealerships have their own in-house mechanics who only work on their cars. If you’re not sure if the mechanic you’re talking to has worked on your specific model before, ask them.
If they haven’t, that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker; be sure to ask what kind of training they’ve had and how much experience they have.
4) Ask about the Shop’s Warranty Policy
Even if you’re confident in the abilities of your mechanic, things can still go wrong. It’s important to know what kind of warranty the service center offers on their work. A good warranty will cover parts and labor for a certain amount of time (usually 12 months or 12,000 miles).
Our dealership service center at Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is an excellent resource for all your auto needs. If you need a reliable, trustworthy, and certified car technician, we can help! Schedule your car service today.
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