Top Questions to Ask Your Local Family-Owned Shop Before Booking

Vetting a New Shop Starts With Questions

You wouldn't hire a contractor without asking questions. Don't choose a mechanic the same way. Calling ahead or visiting to ask questions helps you assess whether a shop is right for you. Good shops welcome questions. They understand you're evaluating them and want to earn your business. Your questions help both of you determine if it's a good fit.

About Certifications and Training

Start with credentials. Ask if technicians are ASE certified. This certification requires passing exams and proving experience. Ask how long the shop has been in business and how long their lead technicians have worked there. Ask about ongoing training. Good shops invest in keeping technicians current with new vehicle technology.

Key Questions About Shop Qualifications

• Are your technicians ASE certified?
• How long has your shop been in business?
• How long have your lead technicians worked here?
• What ongoing training do you provide?
• Do you have specialized certifications (hybrid, EV, brand-specific)?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you participate in professional automotive associations?

About Your Specific Vehicle

Ask if they have experience with your vehicle's make, model, and year. Some shops specialize in certain brands. A shop with extensive Honda experience may be less experienced with Fords. Experience matters. They've seen common problems with your vehicle and know how to diagnose efficiently. This saves you time and money.

Questions About Your Vehicle

• Do you have experience servicing my vehicle's make and model?
• Have you worked on my year and generation?
• What are common issues you see with this vehicle?
• Do you have the right diagnostic equipment for my vehicle?
• Are you familiar with common recalls for my model?

About Pricing and Estimates

Ask how they handle estimates. Do they provide written quotes? How long are quotes valid? What happens if repairs cost more than estimated? Do they contact you before exceeding estimates? Do they waive diagnostic fees if you proceed with repairs? Understanding their pricing philosophy helps you avoid surprises.

Questions About Pricing

• Do you provide written estimates for all repairs?
• How long are estimates valid?
• Do you charge diagnostic fees?
• Are diagnostic fees waived if I proceed with repairs?
• How do you handle additional repairs discovered during service?
• Do you contact me before exceeding the estimate?
• What's your labor rate and how is it calculated?

About Warranties and Guarantees

Ask what warranty they offer on parts and labor. A common industry standard is 12 months or 12,000 miles on labor. Parts warranties vary. Ask if they stand behind their work. Ask what's covered. Good shops confidently explain their warranty because they're proud of their quality.

Warranty and Guarantee Questions

• What's your warranty on labor?
• What's your warranty on parts?
• Does the warranty transfer if I sell my vehicle?
• What's not covered under warranty?
• How do I claim warranty service?
• Do you guarantee your work in writing?

About Parts and Quality

Ask whether they use OEM or aftermarket parts. Ask if you can choose. Some shops use quality aftermarket parts that cost less. Others use OEM for warranty reasons. There's no universally right answer, but you should have input. Ask about their parts sourcing and quality standards.

Questions About Parts

• Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?
• Can I choose between OEM and aftermarket?
• How do you source parts?
• Do you warranty parts you install?
• Can I provide my own parts?
• What's your policy on returned/defective parts?

About Timeline and Logistics

Ask how long repairs typically take. Do they have loaner vehicles? Do they offer transportation? How do they communicate progress? Do they contact you with updates? Understanding their processes helps you plan and manage expectations.

Timeline and Service Questions

• How long do typical repairs take?
• When could you schedule my appointment?
• Do you provide loaner vehicles?
• Do you offer transportation or ride services?
• How do you communicate progress on my repair?
• Can I speak with the technician directly?
• What are your business hours?

About Their Transparency Practices

Ask if they show customers old parts. Ask if they provide photos of work in progress. Ask if they explain findings in plain language. These questions reveal whether they value transparency. Shops that hide information raise red flags. Shops that proactively explain work build trust.

Transparency Questions

• Can I see old parts after they're replaced?
• Do you provide photos of work in progress?
• Can I observe work being done?
• Do you explain findings in plain language?
• Are you open to customer questions?
• Can I speak with the technician about my vehicle?

Pay Attention to How They Answer

Notice their tone. Do they welcome questions or seem annoyed? Do they explain clearly or use jargon without explanation? Do they seem interested in your vehicle or rushing through the conversation? The way they answer tells you as much as the answers themselves. Good shops take time to address concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making Your Final Decision

After asking questions at several shops, compare answers. Which shop seemed most knowledgeable about your vehicle? Which was most transparent? Which offered fair pricing? Which made you feel most comfortable? Trust your instinct. The right shop is one where you feel heard, respected, and confident in their abilities.