By Lloyd Beverly, 4th Generation Owner and ASE Master Tech at Harrell & Beverly
Having a solid working relationship with your auto repair facility can save you money and maximize the longevity of your vehicle. Over the years, I’ve learned what to look for—and what to avoid—in a repair shop.
Here are five things you should NOT consider when choosing an auto repair shop.
For full disclosure, I own an auto repair shop. There are plenty of fine shops out there, and some that are less than stellar. My goal is to help you differentiate between the two.
1. Free Testing
Properly diagnosing automotive problems requires knowledge, equipment, and training—all of which come at a cost. If a repair shop doesn’t charge for testing, they’re already in the red before they even get to your vehicle. Shops that offer free testing often fall into the trap of making unnecessary recommendations to cover their costs or rushing through the process to save time. Conversely, shops that charge for diagnostics are compensated for their investment in advanced tools and expertise, giving them less incentive to recommend unneeded repairs and more motivation to pinpoint the issue correctly. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t expect your doctor to perform specialized diagnostics for free. If they did, you’d likely double-check the results. Free testing usually isn’t done with bad intentions—it’s often a sign of poor business planning. Remember, you get what you pay for.
2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
High-pressure sales tactics have no place in a reputable shop, and you should never feel forced into making decisions. The best repair facilities educate you and provide all the information you need so you can make the best decision for your vehicle. If a shop pressures you into spending hundreds on preventative maintenance by framing it as an urgent, life-or-death matter, that’s neither honest nor ethical. Look for shops that treat you with respect and honor your decisions. When critical safety issues arise, you deserve a trusted partner—not one that leaves you wondering if you’re being taken for a ride.
3. Bad First Impressions
We only get one chance to make a first impression, and if the repair shop looks run down or disorganized, you might worry about how well they’ll care for your vehicle. A clean, well-maintained facility is a good indication that the owners and staff take pride in their work and will treat your vehicle with the same care. If you’re uncomfortable with what you see, it doesn’t matter how low their prices are.
4. Poor Communication
When your vehicle is acting up, you already have enough on your mind. Shops that communicate poorly only add to your stress. How are you supposed to know if a “flux capacitor” needs to be replaced—especially if you’ve never even seen one or understand what it does?*FYI: If a shop ever tries to sell you a flux capacitor, run. The only vehicle that ever had a flux capacitor is in a movie! *Dealing with a repair facility that can’t clearly explain what’s going on will leave you wishing you could hit 88 mph and travel back in time to find a better shop.
5. Weak Customer Reviews
Just as a company’s stock price reflects its value, online customer ratings and reviews reveal the overall quality of a repair shop. They can serve as a reliable guide when you’re searching for a facility you can trust. If value and quality matter to you, look for shops with consistently strong reviews—these are the ones that will keep your vehicle shifting smoothly for years to come.
Final Thoughts
By keeping these five points in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose an auto repair shop that offers honest service, clear communication, and quality workmanship. Your vehicle—and your wallet—will thank you.
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