Chances are you have a Certified Auto Repair branded repair shop within a short drive of your house. What sets us apart from the rest? Quality. Certified Auto Repair members maintain a standard of excellence few in the automotive industry can match. Branded Certified Auto Repair facilities are locally owned and operated, but are part of one of the largest groups of top-quality repair facilities in the nation.
Not just any repair shop can be branded a Certified Auto Repair center. Certified Auto Repair shops have to meet a stringent set of guidelines to even be considered for the Certified Auto Repair program. Below are just a few of the dozens of qualifications a qualified repair center has to meet before being considered for the Certified Auto Repair program.
Picking the Right Auto Repair Center
The Importance of ASE Certified Repair In years past, finding a competent auto technician was a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates. All Certified Auto Repair Centers employ at least one ASE Certified Technician.
Choosing a Repair Shop Checklist
Here are some tips from the non-profit 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.
CAR Maintenence 101
Preventive Maintenance
Routines may be a little boring, but when it comes to your vehicle, wouldn't you rather avoid surprises? Routine maintenance will help keep your car or truck running right. To extend the life of your vehicle, have your oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles, make sure your antifreeze is flushed and filled, your shocks and struts should be changed every 50,000 miles, and your battery and fluid levels should be checked every month. There is no better peace of mind than knowing your car or truck has been properly maintained. Certified Auto Repair centers will help prepare your vehicle for its next 100,000 miles - and beyond.
Seasonal Maintenance tips
Finding and fixing a problem before it turns into a major issue can help you save time and money. Every change of season, Check under the hood.
Winter
- Cold temperatures push vehicle performance, making maintenance more important.
Spring
- Check the level, condition & concentration of the coolant as the weather warms up.
Summer
- Heat can be extremely damaging to your car's operation. Batteries, hoses, belts & tires are the most vulnerable to summer heat.
Fall
- When the leaves change so should your tires. Don't forget to check your spare tire and be sure the jack is in good condition.
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well - today and down the road - is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto 'basics'. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:
- 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil
- 54 percent had low tire pressure
- 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection
- 19 percent needed new belts
- 16 percent had dirty air filters
- 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid
For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance.