Sept. 19, 2011 — Shops take note: Appearance, amenities and technician qualifications are some of the top items the AAA is telling consumers to consider when choosing a repair facility.
A new AAA report lists 10 tips for choosing the right repair facility. Facility type—whether it’s a dealership, independent shop, or specialist facility—is at the top of the list. A clean appearance, ample amenities, qualified technicians, and modern equipment round out the top five. Also on the list:
• Facilities with a strong reputation
• Shops that offer discounts
• Shops with at least a 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty
• AAA Approved Auto Repair shops
• Shops that pass a consumer “test drive.” The AAA encouraged consumers to visit shops for minor repairs or maintenance to evaluate how they might perform on a bigger job.
The report said a recent AAA survey found that 54 percent of American drivers have decided to keep thier current vehicle rather than invest in a new one. Those drivers are also foregoing routine maintenance to save money now, which the AAA said increases the need for consumers to find a trusted repair shop.
The AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel insurance, and financial and automotive-related services. For more information, go to AAA.com.
