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Originally Posted On: What to Look for in an Auto Body Shop (touchofclasstowing.com)
Are you in the Bronx, Queens, or Manhattan area and looking for an auto shop that you can trust? Have you been burned by mechanics in the past? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about the qualities to look for in an auto body shop.
Doing so can help ensure that you get the service you need. With just a bit of research beforehand, you can protect yourself from unsavvy or unethical service.
See below for an in-depth guide of all the different factors and qualities to look for in a trustworthy auto body shop in your area.
1. Local Reputation
Auto body shops are one of those rare services that almost everyone needs for. If you drive a car, you have to have it serviced from time to time.
For that reason, each shop develops a reputation quickly—for better or worse. That reputation is based on the experience of former clients.
There are several ways that you can get information on an auto body shops reputation:
- Word of Mouth
- Online Reviews
- Client References
- Customer Testimonials
First, you should ask around your network to see if they know anything about the car service that you’re considering. If so, what did they think of their experience?
Next, be sure to Google the service and read up on the reviews that former clients have posted online. The ratings can be helpful, but what you really want are the comments. Those can help point you in the right direction.
Did those clients seem satisfied with their service? What car problems were they experiencing? Was the problem resolved right away?
If you’d like a more in-depth review, then ask the auto shop for a reference or two that you can call. Car shops of integrity are happy to connect you with their list of satisfied customers.
2. Accommodating Service
Is the auto shop willing to meet you where you’re at? Do they do all they can to help you?
Imagine the horror of one day having your car die on the side of the road. If that happens, you need a car service that can bring the vehicle to the shop, then get the issue taken care of as soon as possible.
We here at A Touch of Class offer a 24-hour towing service for all of our clients. If you’re in the Bronx, Queens, or Manhattan area and need a lift, we are happy to help you out!
Be sure to schedule an initial phone call to ask them questions. How long have they been in business? Do they have all the required certifications? Are they insured? What services do they offer? How are they different than the “other guys” in town?
While you’re asking these questions, pay close attention to the service of the staff. Are they taking the time to answer your questions thoroughly or trying to rush you off the phone? Is their entire staff knowledgeable or do they have to keep putting you on hold to retrieve answers?
3. Variety of Services
Believe it or not, some auto shops only have a limited number of services available to their clients. They don’t have the resources or tools available to perform certain repairs. That is a huge inconvenience for you.
You need to ensure that the auto shop you use has everything you need. Imagine how frustrating it would be to take your car in, have them find the problem, but not be able to fix it. Now you have to go find someone else.
At A Touch of Class, we offer a list of auto repair services such as:
- A/C Repair
- Exhaust System
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Brakes
- Cooling System
- Electrical System
- Engine Diagnostics
- Fuel System
- Timing Belt
- Oil Changes
- Transmission Repair
- Steering and Suspension
- Wheel Alignment
- Wheels and Tires
Anything you could need! We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for our entire base of clients!
4. Offers In Writing
Auto shops can talk to you about services and price points until they’re blue in the face, but only the shops of integrity are willing to back it up.
Whenever you discuss terms or services with a car shop, be sure to get their offer in writing. They should offer you a quote with details on the services being performed.
If you take it in to get looked at, make sure that the auto body shop will call you before they make any repairs. This way, you’ll be sure that you’re getting a great deal.
5. Locality
Finally, you should always aim to receive service with a local auto body shop. Someone that’s from the Queens, Manhattan, or Bronx area is much more likely to take pride in serving the residents of those communities!
If you schedule service with a local shop, then you’re signing yourself up with a trustworthy auto mechanic that takes pride in their work.
In time, you and that auto shop will build a tremendous business relationship. They will service all of your family’s cars with high-quality customer service. Hiring a local shop will ensure you’ve found a shop you can trust!
Invest in a Local Auto Body Shop for Your Needs
Now that you have seen all of the different factors and aspects to look for in an auto body shop, be sure to use them to your advantage.
Be sure to visit this page to learn more about our shop and see a list of customer testimonies that rave about our services.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us by phone at 718-578-4543 and we will be happy to assist you further.