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Does My Technician Know What He's Doing?

The backbone of any shop is the competence of its technicians. ASE is well known as the industry-leading certification program for automotive professionals. ASE certification means that an individual has passed tough industry-developed exams and meets experience requirements. ASE Blue Seal of Excellence goes a step further by identifying those establishments that have a large percentage of certified professionals and a certified professional in each area of service offered.                                                          It's a commitment that earns only the best establishments the recognition to stand out from the crowd.

Establishing a good relationship with a repair shop you can trust provides peace of mind throughout the life of your car. It's a proven fact that motorists who build such a relationship, along with learning more about proper maintenance, typically enjoy a more satisfactory vehicle repair experience.   

Why Choose ASE?
The only national certification available in the auto repair industry is through ASE or the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence .
Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to a national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
 
Certification Benefits Motorists
ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.
 
No matter whom you decide to use, make sure they employ ASE certified technicians who are certified in the area your car needs the repair in. You would never go to a nose doctor for a foot problem, so don’t go to a shop for brake work that doesn't have a tech who is certified in brake diagnosis and repair.

Choosing the Right Technician
As with other professionals, automotive technicians often specialize. So it's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes, engine repair, or air conditioning.

Choosing a Repair Shop Checklist
Here are some tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on finding a good repair establishment:
  • Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
  • Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
  • Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
  • Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
  • Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
  • Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
  • Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
  • Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
  • Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
  • Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty.