The hot days of summer are just about over and it's not to early to start thinking about the cooler days of fall and winter. That means it's time to get it to an auto shop. Rejuvenate your vehicle with quality maintenance services. No matter what type of vehicle you drive—big and luxurious, small and economical, old or new--when you take it to an auto center, you want it taken care of right.
To find a reliable auto shop, consider these three questions:
1. Where do I start?
- Know the service schedule for your vehicle as outlined in your owner's manual.
- Ask friends and/or family for the name of an auto shop they prefer.
- Check with local consumer organization(s) regarding the reputation; complaints if any, and the resolution.
- Try a shop first when you aren't rushed or in a panic for minor maintenance services. If you are satisfied, you know you can trust them with more complicated repairs later.
- Don't choose an auto center based solely on location. They may have a shuttle or loaner program.
2. What does the Auto Shop look like?
- Is it neat and well organized with modern equipment in the service bays?
- Does it customarily handle the type of service for your particular make and model of vehicle?
- Is the staff knowledgeable, helpful and courteous?
- Can you contact prior customers for references?
- Are the policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) posted and explained satisfactorily?
- Does the customer service area post civic and community service awards, Better Business Bureau membership, or AAA-Approved certificates?
- Are the technicians highly trained, with evidence of trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced training, and ASE certifications?
3. The work is done-now what?
- Even though the shop may keep service records in a computer database, keep your own paperwork as well.
- Establish a relationship with the shop owner. Good service deserves repeat business.
- If there are any problems, discuss them courteously with the service manager to work out a solution. Most auto shops value customer feedback and make an effort to keep your business.
Need a reliable auto shop? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information about our full-service auto center. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
The hot days of summer are just about over and it's not to early to start thinking about the cooler days of fall and winter. That means it's time to get it to an auto shop. Rejuvenate your vehicle with quality maintenance services. No matter what type of vehicle you drive—big and luxurious, small and economical, old or new--when you take it to an auto center, you want it taken care of right.
To find a reliable auto shop, consider these three questions:
1. Where do I start?
- Know the service schedule for your vehicle as outlined in your owner's manual.
- Ask friends and/or family for the name of an auto shop they prefer.
- Check with local consumer organization(s) regarding the reputation; complaints if any, and the resolution.
- Try a shop first when you aren't rushed or in a panic for minor maintenance services. If you are satisfied, you know you can trust them with more complicated repairs later.
- Don't choose an auto center based solely on location. They may have a shuttle or loaner program.
2. What does the Auto Shop look like?
- Is it neat and well organized with modern equipment in the service bays?
- Does it customarily handle the type of service for your particular make and model of vehicle?
- Is the staff knowledgeable, helpful and courteous?
- Can you contact prior customers for references?
- Are the policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) posted and explained satisfactorily?
- Does the customer service area post civic and community service awards, Better Business Bureau membership, or AAA-Approved certificates?
- Are the technicians highly trained, with evidence of trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced training, and ASE certifications?
3. The work is done-now what?
- Even though the shop may keep service records in a computer database, keep your own paperwork as well.
- Establish a relationship with the shop owner. Good service deserves repeat business.
- If there are any problems, discuss them courteously with the service manager to work out a solution. Most auto shops value customer feedback and make an effort to keep your business.
Need a reliable auto shop? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information about our full-service auto center. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
