People in my inner circle know a twenty eight year hobby of mine is renovating older homes. Yes, I have been known to never miss an episode of “This Old house” or “Holmes on Homes”. Mike Holmes of “Holmes on Holmes” is a stand up contractor who helps and reworks home improvement projects that were not done corectly for one reason or another. Mike is often quoated a saying “spend your money once”.
In the automotive service world nothing is more important than spending your money once. It seems almost daily that I am talking to a frustrated consumer about their automotive woes. Often for any of the most common reasons: the vehicle was misdiagnosed by another shop, the repairs where made elsewhere and not done correctly, parts were installed the vehicle may not have needed or “the last repair shop only has a ninety day warranty”. Situations like these are very sad to say the least. They are damaging to the consumer in terms of frustration and lost dollars. While every person on this planet enjoys the satisfaction of finding a bargain, automotive service needs to be shopped for carefully. It is risky to shop for this service on price alone.
When shoping for a repair shop check them out! With the internet at our finger tips this is not difficult. First look for the shops online reviews or ask friends and coworkers for a reference. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with what people are saying, keeping in mind not everyone can be pleased! Visit the shop, walk in, take brochures, ask questions, and join their email list! All this can be done without spending a penny.
The little bit of time you will spend searching for a competent repair shop will pay dividends in knowing your vehicle will remain safe,reliable and repairs will be kept to a minimum. Remember spend your money once!