Services Offered by a Full-Service Auto Repair Center

What can you expect from a full-service auto repair center? When an automotive center declares full-service car repair and maintenance, you should expect state of the art diagnostic services – including computer diagnostics – as well as all major and minor general repairs, including computer reprogramming. The auto service should have a highly qualified and experienced automotive mechanic certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE certification of automotive mechanics involves documentation of two years of related work experience and passing a specialty test. Even after certification, a mechanic has to be retested again every five years in order to maintain it.

A good auto service center should be familiar with your foreign or domestic vehicle type, whether it be a Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chrysler, Daewoo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volkswagen,Volvo, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Hyundia, Mazda, or Suzuki. It should be able to supply you with high quality automotive parts from reputable suppliers such as AC Delco, Bosch, Remy, Motorcraft, Mopar, Goodyear, Dayco, Echlin, Standard, Cardone, Autolite, NGK, Akebono, Nipedenso, and Denso.

The auto service should be able to handle electronic steering, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible tops, power sunroofs and power locks. It should be knowledgeable on electrical troubleshooting for all types of electrical shorts, as well as problems related to alternators, hoses and belts such as timing belts. Equal quality control should be given to minor work such as on the auto air conditioning (A/C) repair or major work such as on the engines, whether for engine rebuild or engine replacement.

Auto repair likewise covers checking of cooling systems and radiators, and transmission service and maintenance such as the transmission flush, checking and repair of oil leaks and oil change service. It includes taking care of brakes and tractions control systems such as antilock brake systems (ABS).

An auto service should handle body systems and suspensions, including front suspension, rear suspension and air suspension. It should be able to manage air bag systems.

For your automotive security needs, the auto service should likewise have expertise in anti theft systems, including remote starters and key reprogramming.

You should expect quick and correct diagnosis that is explained properly. Have the mechanic identify whether the procedures are necessary to correct existing problems or if they are for preventive maintenance.

Ask for a price estimate for the entire work to be done on your vehicle, as well as a definite time schedule and clear warranties. Ask for an itemized invoice with a detailed listing of parts and services and corresponding costs. Have them identify if the parts are brand new, used or remanufactured. Make sure that your authorization is solicited before any work is done. Ask that replaced parts be returned to you.

Choose a reputable auto service center with a professional nationwide warranty program covering parts and labor for one year or 12,000 miles. All you will need to do is call a toll-free number and you will be directed to the nearest facility that can provide the necessary repair or replacement.

Good auto service centers can also offer you low rates for vehicle rentals while your own vehicle is being repaired. Even then, you should expect the auto service center to comply with the repair schedule for your vehicle and to be proactive in informing you of the progress of the work.

Your auto repair center should deliver on all its promises. The repair work should not entail a return job. In the event of any complaint from the client, a good auto repair center should have a consumer complaint processing system in place, giving full and fair settlement. With all these in place, it will indeed qualify as a high standard auto repair center.