Best Auto Service and Repair Companies

This guide will cover how to find and work with the best auto service and repair shops. We’ll walk through what to consider when searching for auto services, like the type of work performed, hours of operation and overall reliability, among several other factors. Beyond this, we’ll walk through the different types of auto repair services available and who really needs these services.

The repair shop you select should depend on your specific auto needs. Read on for the factors to keep in mind before selecting a repair shop.

Technicians

Depending on the type of work you are having done, you may want to have a certified professional mechanic or technician complete the work on your vehicle. The more complicated the repair, the more likely you’ll want to use an experienced and certified mechanic. Understanding the types of certifications can help you select the best mechanic for your service or repair need. Because newer vehicles have computers and new technology, using an educated technician is your smartest choice.

According to AAA, reputable shops tend to be a part of groups like the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce.

• ASE certifications: Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the gold standard of mechanic certifications. ASE is a nonprofit organization that administers exams to ensure technicians are knowledgeable and qualified. Individuals must have one year of on-the-job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair or two years of on-the-job training to sit for an ASE certification exam. Only about two-thirds of test-takers pass on their first attempt. Top ASE-certified technicians are called Master Technicians. Mechanics can earn Master Technician status by passing a specified group of tests in a series. They must also document at least two years of relevant hands-on work experience and must recertify in each test area every five years. Finding a Master Technician is worth the effort.
• Brand/chain certification: Many chains have their own training program that all technicians must complete. These certification tests may or may not be as rigorous as the ASE tests. If the technician you’re working with only has certifications from their company, you may want to consider other factors, like trustworthiness and years of experience, before agreeing to any work. Many technicians will hold dual certifications.
• Manufacturer certification: Most vehicle manufactures and some aftermarket parts manufacturers provide a training program and test for those who work on or use their products. Technicians with this kind of specific certification will be very familiar with the technology of that specific brand and/or service.
• Oil change certification: The Automotive Oil Change Association ensures its technicians are educated and certified with industry standard. It offers its own testing and technical training for lube center employees.
• No certifications: Some mechanics do not hold any certifications, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are unqualified. If they don’t have any type of certification, rely on the number of years they’ve been in business, recommendations from friends/family and online reviews. Using a technician who has the tools but not the experience can be risky.

Hours

Vehicles don’t always break down during regular business hours. When selecting an auto service repair shop, consider whether they are open at hours that are convenient for your schedule.

If you want to avoid long waits at auto shops, consider trying to stop by on a weekday during off hours. Holidays, weekends and during rush hours all tend to be the busiest times at an auto shop.

• Early/late: Shops that close on weekends may open very early or stay open later in the evening. Ask whether all types of technicians work during all the hours a shop is open. Some businesses remain open late, but the mechanics/technicians who perform more complicated repair services only work during regular business hours.
• Weekends: Many national chains are open during the weekends. Make an appointment in advance if possible.

Trustworthiness

Auto service and repair is often expensive, and if you aren’t mechanically inclined you have to take the word of the technician that the problem they have identified is actually the problem. You should choose a repair shop that you trust not to overcharge you or say you need services that are unnecessary.

• Written estimates: Shops should be willing to give you a written estimate before they do the work. An estimate allows you to compare their prices to other shops’ prices. Getting quotes from more than one shop for expensive repairs is a good idea.
• Reviews: Online reviews help you get a broad sense of a particular shop’s reputation. Other people’s reviews will not only tell you if they do good work, but they will also give you a sense of how they treat their customers.
• Personal recommendations: Asking friends, family members or coworkers if they can recommend someone they trust at a particular shop. However, checking online reviews, getting estimates and asking about technicians’ certification can give you further peace of mind.

Warranties

Many auto parts come with a warranty, and some shops offer warranties on products and services. Remember to read more than the large print on these warranties. The details are important, and keeping these warranties and the receipt in a safe place can support the warranty.

Average auto warranties cost around $1,000 per year of bumper-to-bumper coverage, but the actual cost depends on the type of car and other factors.

• Honored nationally: Chains should honor their warranties at any location, meaning you should be able to have your vehicle serviced or repaired at one location and have its warranty honored at another location.
• Recorded: Ask if the company keeps records on the parts it sells and the services performed and if warranty information is tied to that record. Knowing the company has a record of your warranty might make it easier to get a repair or replacement if you lose your warranty information.
• Clear terms and conditions: Most parts and services have a limited warranty. When you have work performed, the repair facility should provide you with clear warranty information, including any exclusions.

Location

Many auto repairs and services cannot be performed quickly. Consider the shop’s location so you can easily get to work or have something to do while you’re waiting for your car to be ready.

• Shopping district: Several national chains tend to build/open locations in mall parking lots or near a walkable shopping district. Going to one of these shops many be convenient if you already need to do other shopping, if the shop is very busy and/or if your vehicle needs a time consuming service or repair.
• Courtesy car: Some mechanics, especially those at dealerships, offer customers a courtesy car to use while their car is in the shop. These may only be available to those whose repair will take a longer time to complete. Many shops offer transportation to work, home or the airport while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Guaranteed completion time: Some shops guarantee that they will complete a service in a certain period of time or by an estimated time. This guarantee helps you determine whether you should visit a location with nearby shopping or entertainment or that offers a free car or shuttle service.

Specialty

While many mechanic shops can perform a wide variety of services, others offer limited services or only work on certain types of vehicles. These shops may be especially helpful if you want a technician who is an expert on a particular service or brand.

• Dealership: Dealerships can work on any make of car, not only the brand that they sell. However, the technicians at a dealership’s service center will likely be more familiar with their brand of car than other brands. If the car needs repaired because of a service recall, you may be required to use the dealership’s service facility.
• Non-dealer brand focus: Some shops focus on a particular vehicle manufacturer/brand. Consumers with a unique and/or imported brand may be more comfortable with a specialized shop.
• Work type: Most service shops can perform a wide variety of tasks; however, they often cater to those looking for either preventive maintenance, repair or auto body work.
• Restoration and modifications: Owners of classic cars or those who want their cars modified may be interested in a mechanic who specializes in restoring classic and antique cars and that type of modification. These shops will be familiar with suppliers to make old cars look new again. Modification jobs usually take a bit more time.

Other tools

Apps and other tools can help you save money. Some are free, while others have a small fee.

• RepairPal: RepairPal is free and available for iOS and Android devices. Auto mechanics usually don’t price out parts and labor separately, this app does. Calling different mechanics around town for repair quotes can be a real pain. RepairPal does that legwork for you. Just select your car and the type of repair needed, and it'll display costs in your area for a particular repair. It is available as a website or app on your smart device. RepairPal also offers a warranty if you use their repair referrals.
• Openbay: Openbay empowers its members by delivering repair quotes from shops nearby, combined with an easy-to-use platform to schedule and pay for service. Instead of spending hours researching local car repair shops, hoping to find an honest mechanic, you can simply search using Openbay’s website or app. Openbay recommends local shops, provides secure payment processing and allows customers to track services online. Be aware that Openbay only shows quotes from partner repair shops.

The type of auto shop you take your vehicle to should depend on what repairs or maintenance your car needs. These are the various auto repair service shops to consider.

Preventive maintenance shops

All vehicles need regular maintenance to keep them running well. Shops that focus on services like oil changes, transmission flushes and tire rotation likely cater to many customers who simply need to keep their care running well. These shops usually offer basic repair services for items that naturally wear out over time, like batteries, wiper blades, timing belts, fuses, fuel pumps and more.

Repair shops

Repair shops can perform all preventive maintenance and replace mechanical parts that have just worn out. They can also do more complicated repairs like installing a new transmission or engine.

Retail stores

Some shops are attached to or include a retail store that sells auto parts and/or accessories. Customers who want to perform their own car maintenance or repairs can purchase the necessary parts at these stores.

While all car owners will need auto repair services at some point in time, there are a variety of groups who may need them more frequently.

• Commuters: People who rely on their car or truck to get back and forth to work every day should pay special attention to preventive maintenance.
• Parents: Parents may wish to regularly have their vehicles’ safety features inspected on a regular basis.
• Used car buyers: Anyone purchasing a used car should have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before making the purchase.
• Budget-conscious consumers: Consumers who like to make sure they’re getting the best deal should compare different chains’ prices, promotions and rewards programs.
• Car enthusiasts: Individuals who want to make sure their car, truck or SUV always runs at peak performance should find a mechanic who is familiar with the make and model of their vehicle and won’t overcharge them for unnecessary services.
• Car owners with warranties: Anyone who purchases a brand-new automobile or a certified pre-owned vehicle probably has a warranty that covers most mechanical issues. Many times, owners must show that they’ve performed preventive maintenance on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for their warranty to be honored.