Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateDonāt have an account?
My account
Other Membership Benefits:
Suggested Searches
Cars
Car Ratings & Reviews
Car Buying & Pricing
Car Maintenance & Repair
Key Topics & News
Home & Garden
Bed & Bath
Lawn & Garden
Home Improvement
Home Safety & Security
Appliances
Small Appliances
Laundry & Cleaning
Heating, Cooling & Air
Electronics
Home Entertainment
Smartphones & Wearables
Digital Security & Privacy
Take Action
When itās time to take the car in for routine maintenance and especially for repairs, remember this: Independent repair shops continue to get higher marks for satisfaction than car dealers, according to the results of our last car repair survey.
We surveyed 40,000 CR members to find out more about their recent car repair experiences in order to come up with our best advice for finding deals and satisfaction for work not covered by a warranty. The assumption is that if itās under warranty, customers should go to the dealer for repairs.
We found that consumers who go to independent mechanics have a more satisfying experience and are more successful at negotiating a discount than those who go to auto repair chains or dealerships. Our survey also indicates that haggling worked more often than not when it came to getting a discount at any type of shop. Of course, these are general statements, and not all shops are created equal.
Before you consider where to take your vehicle for maintenance or repair, you need to understand the difference between the two types of work. Routine maintenance items are those listed in your vehicleās ownerās manual as part of the modelās service schedule. They are intended to keep your vehicle in top operating condition. Repairs are unexpected works that need to be performed to fix a problem. Where you take your vehicle may depend on what needs to be done. (UseĀ Consumer Reportsā car repair estimator tool.)
Scheduled maintenance can be performed at any dealership; you donāt have to go to the one where you bought the vehicle. Federal law gives you the right to service your vehicle wherever you like without affecting your warranty coverage. (Depending on the contract, lessees may be required to have all service performed at a dealership.) Mechanics in your dealershipās service department are specifically trained and certified in all aspects of your modelās service needs, and the shop will be equipped with all the necessary diagnostic equipment. Because routine maintenance items are fairly basic, however, any professional auto shop should be able to perform the necessary tasks.
Wherever you go for service, make sure the mechanics have access to the manufacturerās latest technical service bulletins (TSBs), which are basically instructions on how to fix common problems with a particular model. Often, an automaker will doĀ TSB repairs free of charge, but youāll have to go to a dealership to get the work done.
Repairs can range from basic tasks, such as a brake job and auto-body repair, to complicated services, such as overhauling a transmission and diagnosing an electronics system problem. Go to a dealership if your car is covered by the original warranty and you want the manufacturer to pay for the fix. Use a dealership, too, if your car has been recalled or is the subject of a "service campaign," in which the automaker offers to correct a defect. If you have an extended warranty, youāll need to check the terms to see who must perform covered repairs.
If the vehicle is out of warranty, the type of problem may determine where you take it for repair. A reputable independent shop should be able to handle most common repairs. Shops that specialize in your vehicleās brand are more likely to have the proper training, equipment, and up-to-date information. A good technician will let you know when a problem warrants a trip to the dealership or a specialty shop.
If youāre experiencing a problem with a system thatās exclusive to your model or brandāespecially electronics, such as a navigation or multifunction control systemāconsider taking the vehicle to a dealership. You also need to take it to a dealership to have safety recall work performed.
Finding a mechanic you can trust for your car takes a lot more than letting your fingers do the walking. You have to do a little old-fashioned sleuthing. Thereās no single clue to what makes a good repair shop, but here are some things you should look for.
Find a Shop for Your Brand of Car
Many garages specialize in certain makes. Those that focus on your type are more likely to have the latest training and equipment to fix your vehicle, as well as the experience to efficiently troubleshoot problems.
Ask Your Family and Friends
Seek recommendations from trusted people in your social circle who have a vehicle similar to yours and live nearby.
Search the Internet
Look for information about local mechanics onĀ Angieās ListĀ (membership required),Ā RepairPal, orĀ Yelp.
Check for Certification
Your mechanic and shop should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, aka ASE.
Check the Better Business Bureau
Go toĀ bbb.org; the information you find might help you figure out which shops you should avoid.
Give the Shop a Tryout
Before your car needs a big repair, you might want to try out some local shops with smaller repairs or maintenance items, such as oil and filter changes.
Ask About Warranties
What kind of guarantees does the shop give on repair work? Warranties can vary greatly among shops, so ask about them ahead of time. Use a common repair, such as brake work, as your guide.
Make Sure the Shop is Convenient
Even the best shop might not be worth the effort if its hours conflict with your schedule or you have few transportation options after you drop off the car. See whether it can accommodate after-hours drop-off and pickup. Ā
Getting the right repairs at a fair price depends partly on communicating with your mechanic. Hereās what to say and to expect.
Describe the Problem Fully
Provide as much information as you can. Write down the symptoms and when they occur. If possible, talk directly to the mechanic who will be working on your car.
Donāt Offer a Diagnosis
Avoid saying what you think is causing the problem. You may be on the hook for any repairs the shop makes at your suggestion, even if they donāt solve the problem.
Request a Test Drive
If the problem occurs only when the car is moving, ask the mechanic to accompany you on a test drive.
Ask for Evidence
If youāre not comfortable with the diagnosis, ask the shop to show you. Worn brake pads or rusted exhaust pipes are easy to see. Donāt let the mechanic refuse your request by saying that his insurance company doesnāt allow customers in the work area. Insist on evidence anyway.