When your Toyota needs repairs, it’s just as important to choose quality Toyota repair shops as it is to move quickly. Not efficiently addressing a problem in your vehicle can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs down the line and so can choosing the wrong Toyota repair shops. Here are some tips for finding a Toyota repair shop you can count on in Centennial, CO.
Consider How Much Experience the Technicians Have
Experience is generally an important factor to consider before hiring a specialized service provider. While a new repair technician may be able to fix your Toyota without any problems, you’ll probably have more peace of mind if you select a Toyota repair shop with highly experienced technicians. They’ll have greater familiarity with your vehicle and the issues it’s prone to so the whole process will just go more smoothly.
Look for Certification by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Similar to a high level of experience, certifications from an established industry figure like the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) indicate that the technicians are knowledgeable and capable. To become ASE-certified, technicians have to pass a written test and have at least two years of practical work experience doing auto repairs. They don’t just get to stay certified, either. Technicians have to go through a retest every five years to keep their ASE-certified status.
Ask Whether They Use Genuine Toyota Parts
This may be the most important tip out of the whole list. When you’re looking at different Toyota repair shops, make sure you ask whether they use genuine Toyota parts. Some technicians will choose any old aftermarket parts because they’re cheaper and easier to keep on hand. It’s worth taking the time to find a repair shop that uses genuine Toyota parts. Toyota parts from the manufacturer are specifically designed to fit your Toyota. That means you don’t have to worry about fit issues or other quality concerns. They may cost slightly more than aftermarket parts, but it’s a worthy investment in your Toyota. If the technician at a repair shop won’t tell you whether they use genuine Toyota parts or not, assume they use aftermarket parts and look elsewhere for your repairs.
Consider Pricing and Rates
Pricing probably shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when comparing different Toyota repair shops but it’s certainly something to keep in mind. You might want to shop around a little and get an idea of what various Toyota repair shops charge for their services so you can compare them. You don’t have to go with the least expensive shop but obviously, you should choose one that fits your budget.
Check out Customer Reviews
The customer experience is a huge part of bringing your vehicle into a repair shop. The shop technicians must be qualified and skilled but you also want to be treated well when you’re there. Check out online customer reviews to get a sense of how previous customers of a Toyota repair shop were treated. If they’ve had largely positive experiences, you can expect to have a positive experience, too. If most of the reviews are negative, you should start to wonder whether you’ll enjoy working with that repair shop. Ideally, you’ll be able to build a long-term relationship with your repair shop but they need to provide good customer service for that to happen. Don’t settle for anything less!
Start with Minor Service
If you’ve never worked with any of the Toyota repair shops in your area, you may be apprehensive about bringing your Toyota in for major repairs. To remedy this, you can start by choosing a repair shop that might work for you and bring your car in there for minor service. Consider this a sort of dry run for the more complicated repairs your Toyota might need down the line. You’ll get an idea of the environment in the repair shop, the kind of customer service they provide, and if you’d be happy working with them again. If you find any issues that make you uncomfortable or unhappy during the minor repair, you probably should find a different Toyota repair shop to go to.
Ask About Community Involvemen
It may sound irrelevant but the level of community involvement that an auto repair shop can actually help you make an informed decision about where to bring your vehicle. Any repair shop that’s serious about building a quality, reliable business in your area will likely start to get involved in the community in some way. If a repair shop participates in local events or supports local causes like a children’s baseball team, you’ll know that they’re committed to putting down roots in the area.
Look Out for Red Flags
Hopefully, all the Toyota repair shops in your area are reputable and honest but this isn’t always the case. While you’re looking around and trying to find the right repair shop for you, be on the lookout for any potential red flags. If the technicians or customer service personnel don’t treat you well when you contact them, that’s something to consider. Similarly, any repair shop where technicians don’t look you in the eye and answer your questions is suspect. They could be hiding something from you or just trying to speed through the transaction to get to their paycheck at the end. That’s not somewhere you want to take your vehicle.
Conclusion
It’s worth taking the time to think about which Toyota repair shops are right for you and your vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, bringing your Toyota to a repair shop without doing your due diligence can lead to frustration and even expensive damages. Avoid the hassle by choosing a great Toyota repair shop upfront.
You won’t find a better one than Toy Car Care in Centennial, Colorado. We’ll treat your Toyota with the same care you would. Contact us today to schedule a repair appointment or just learn more about the services we offer. Service advisers are waiting for your call!