How to Choose Your Mechanical Auto Centre
When it comes time to choose your mechanical Auto Centre, it is important to know you have a choice, whether your vehicle is under warranty or not. It is the law. The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) states that choosing your own automotive service professional for regular maintenance does not affect your vehicle’s warranty.
Several factors must be taken into account when you are looking for a garage that will best meet your needs and expectations.
If you have been referred to an Auto Centre by a neighbour or friend, you are on the right track. Check the reviews on Google and Facebook to get a good idea of what to expect.
Equipment, Warranties and Hourly Rate
Make sure the garage has the right equipment to properly diagnose and repair your vehicle, such as a scanner to read the main trouble codes that may appear on your dashboard.
Does the mechanical Auto Centre offer an additional warranty on parts and labour? What is the hourly rate? If this information doesn’t seem clear to you, ask questions. A mechanic you can trust will be transparent about these things.
Flexible and Personalized Service
Do the business hours correspond to your availability? If you work, it is important that the opening and/or closing hours allow you get to the Auto Centre before or after work. If not, do they have a key deposit? If the maintenance requires more than one day, can they lend you a courtesy car?
If you expect to wait at the garage during the maintenance or repair, make sure you have access to a comfortable waiting room, and that has Wi-Fi!
The Environment, the Garage and You
Are the mechanics’ practices eco-friendly? Why not ask! Do you own an electric vehicle or are you thinking of buying one? Make sure the workshop has a charging station.