Steps to Take After a Car Breakdown

How to Spot a Dishonest Auto Repair Shop in San Diego

If you are searching for a good auto repair shop in San Diego for your next vehicle repair, you should be sure that you pick the right place. There are many dishonest and shady auto repair shops out there, and sadly, they are all over the place. So, what is it that you should be looking for? There are many potential signs that the shop you are dealing with may be a problem. 

Dishonest Car Repair Shops Often Use Similar Tactics

How to Spot a Dishonest Auto Repair Shop in San DiegoIf you go to a San Diego auto repair shop and the first thing you feel is an unexplained fear, you should turn back around and out the door. They should not be trying to persuade you into hiring them on the spot. If the auto technicians are doing all they can do make you scared fro driving anywhere else to get your car checked, this is a serious red flag, and you should go find another auto body repair shop. 

Another thing you should be looking for in an auto repair shop is certifications that are hung on the wall. If you are looking at an auto body repair shop with little on the walls except for grease and tires, then you should look elsewhere. While it is true that a good mechanic does not require a degree, staying up-to-date in the field is a crucial aspect of running a good auto repair shop. 

If you do not want to do business with a repair shop that has questionable motives, then you should be sure that you are asking all the right questions. Do you want to know about their education or prior experience? Then ask the auto technicians. Find out how long the business has been around. If you are dealing with an established auto body repair shop, they will take the time to answer all your questions. While they do it, they may be working on something else, but they will make the time to speak with you. 

Getting Verification Can Possibly Prevent Being Affected by Dishonest Car Shops

Another way you can avoid dealing with a dishonest mechanic is to ask for your broken parts back after the repair is finished. If they took off a belt and put on a new one, ask them if you can have it back. If they did change it, they will have no issue handing it over. However, if they did not do the repair, there will be no parts to show for it. 

Avoiding a dishonest San Diego auto repair shop can also be as easy as getting everything in writing. You need to have your mechanic write down all the required repairs and how much they are going to cost. Be sure that the total is written down at the bottom before you agree to have any work done. If the auto technician attempts to charge you more, this will offer you some level of protection. 

Probably the easiest way to avoid dealing with a dishonest auto repair shop is to find out the specific repairs that need to be done from your dealer beforehand. If you have a list of the repairs your car needs, then you can go to the shop and compare. If there are one or two small things, it is possible they were just overlooked. However, if there are many new repairs that were not included in the initial list, then you need to find a new auto repair shop. Your pocketbook will thank you later.

What Should I Be Looking for in a Mechanic?

We have compiled five signs that can help you determine if you have found a good auto repair shop in San Diego:

  • The shop offers a vehicle repair warranty. A good auto repair shop in San Diego will always stand behind the service they provide. Check to see if your auto technician can guarantee their services with a warranty. 
  • They have ASE Certified Technicians. When the shop has professionals mechanics on staff, you know the shop is top-level. ASE-certified mechanics have gone through training and testing to be experts in their field.
  • The shop has been in business for many years. It is harder these days for an auto repair shop to say in business because many people are choosing to trade their cars in rather than have them repaired. San Diego auto repair shops that can say they have been open for some years are more likely to have a loyal customer base and provide excellent customer service. 
  • They have many years of experience. This point is connected to the last. If a shop has been open for twenty years or more, that means that they have more than twenty years of auto repair experience on top of that. That means what they have seen it all when it comes to repairing your car. It is a skill to be able to quickly and properly diagnose your vehicle issues, and it can potentially decrease the amount of time required to repair your car.
  • They communicate openly. A San Diego auto mechanic that is friendly and communicates easily with you is a real asset. This can help build trust and provide a better level of customer service. Looking for a good mechanic is not the most fun activity, but your auto repair shop should be friendly and helpful in order to make your auto repair experience comfortable and convenient.

 

San Diego Auto Repair Shop

Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experiences. We will offer you hassle-free auto repairs starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.