Before considering where to take your vehicle for maintenance and repair, you must know the difference between the two. Maintenance is for items that are listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual as part of the service schedule. It is meant to keep your vehicle in top operating condition. But repairs are service that is performed to fix a problem. Now where to take your car, for at home car repair may depend on what has to be done.

Maintenance can be done at any dealership and for that, you do not have to go to the one from where you have bought the vehicle.

Same way, you can take your vehicle to any independent auto repair center or franchise that is typically less expensive than dealerships. Those mechanics who are in the dealership’s service department are specifically trained and certified for the model’s service needs, and the shop would be well equipped with all of the necessary diagnostic equipment. As we know that maintenance items are basic, any professional auto shop can do the necessary tasks.

Wherever you go for service, you must check they have access to the manufacturer’s latest technical service bulletins, it has the instructions on how to fix common problems of any model. Most of the time, an automaker will do repairs for free, but you have to go to a dealership for getting the work done.

Repairs can include tasks such as a brake job or auto-body repair to complicated services like overhauling a transmission or diagnosing an electronics-system problem. You must visit the dealership if your car is covered by the original warranty. Also use a dealership, if your car has been recalled in which the automaker offers to correct a defect. Having an extended warranty requires checking the terms to see who should perform covered repairs.

If your vehicle is out of warranty, the problem determines where you take it for repair. Any reputable independent shop must be able to handle common repairs. Specialized shops for any vehicle’s brand do have the proper training, equipment, and up-to-date information. Any good technician will let you know when a problem requires a trip to the dealership or auto repair shop.

If you are experiencing a problem with a system that is in your model or automaker especially such as a navigation or multi-function control system then you must consider taking the vehicle to a dealership.

Finding A Great Car Mechanic

According to annual surveys, we have found consumers have a higher level of satisfaction with independent shops over car dealerships.

But identifying a mechanic for your car takes a lot more. You have to do a little effort. There is no single clue that makes a good repair shop, but here we are sharing some things you should look for:

  • Find a shop for your brand: Most the garages specialize in certain makes. Those focused on your type generally have the latest training and equipment to fix your vehicle.
  • Ask your family and friends: Seek recommendations from those who have a vehicle the same as yours.
  • Search the Internet: Look for information about local mechanics.
  • Check for certification: Your mechanic and shop should be certified.
  • Give the shop a tryout: Before getting your car a big repair, you must try out some local shops having smaller repairs or maintenance items.
  • Ask about warranties: Type of guarantees the shop give on repair work. Warranties vary greatly among shops.
  • Make sure the shop is convenient: It would be the best if you get the auto repair at your home as the best shop might not be worth the effort if it’s hours far.

Deciding where to take you can be challenging, especially when you are surrounded by different chains and dealerships that beg for your business. Here are some more tips for choosing an auto repair shop.

1. Ask for referrals

For finding a trustworthy mechanic you must ask your close friends and family for their recommendations. It can be your aunt or best friend who might know the perfect mechanic that can give you straightforward advice and repair your car quickly. On the other side, your friends can also warn you against any bad mechanics from whom they might have come across in the past.
You can ask your local friends directly, or post on social media to ask for recommendations.

2. Check out online reviews

In today’s digital age people tend to buy items be they small or large after reading reviews online. The same goes for choosing a mechanic. Check out Google, and Facebook, for reviews (both good and bad) from real customers with the help of this you can choose a quality mechanic from eFetch.
If you have a repair shop in mind, then check on the website to see if there is any complaint against them. Most of the time, the business would have resolved the issue. This is necessary to see because no business can have 100 percent satisfied customers, so it will help you to see how they handle disputes. Also, you can check on review sites and see how the repair shop tends to respond to negative reviews.

3. Look in advance

It will be good if you start looking around in advance and find a mechanic as soon as you buy your car or move to a new location. Deciding under pressure such as when your alternator is busted then you are more likely to rush your decision and end up going to a place untrustworthy.

So you must keep in mind that you need to be taking your car to a mechanic for regular things such as oil changes and tire rotations to help prevent future issues, now this shows that it is important to have a plan for where you will take your car for all the services.

4. Visit the repair shop

Look for technicians who are diploma holders or have training certificates on display in the waiting room. Also, check home auto service cost, payment information, guarantees, and also fees should be deposited in the front office. You must also look out for any plaques or certificates naming awards, projects, or affiliations.

5. Start small

Once you have chosen a repair shop that you think is reputable, you must take your car in for something minor, such as an oil change or tire rotation. With this you can check whether you are satisfied with the price, quality, and time of the service, and also will be more confident if and when you need to take your car in for a more serious issue.

Car Maintenance Myths

There are so many misconceptions when it comes to auto repair home service and keeping your car running smoothly. You might have seen that on any show where an expert tells the truth behind some of the biggest maintenance myths.