Let’s face it, at one time or another we will always need some kind of auto repair, whether it is just to change out the brakes, or do routine maintenance, or even when something major happens.

With so many different auto repair shops in Bloomington MN or anywhere, finding one that will do quality work and one you an trust is key not only for your peace of mind but also for your pocketbook. Here are some tips to make the process easier.

Tip 1: The first and biggest tip is never wait until your vehicle breaks down to find an auto repair shop, and this is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Their car breaks down, they get into a panic, and they pick the first shop the find in the book or online. Very bad decision.

You need to look around ahead of time in order to find the right shop, and that way you are not picking a shop that is going to take advantage of you in your time of need.

One obvious though good way to do this is to simply hop on to your favorite search engine and type in something like: auto repair bloomington mn (if you live here), or auto repair (etc.) + your city and state and see what comes up.

If you find a good shop, and you break down some place close by, in many cases they have a tow truck that will come and get your car and bring it to their shop.

Tip 2: The next tip that you need is that you have to educate yourself about auto repair. Most people unfortunately don’t know a lot on this subject, and wind up getting ripped off because shops can take advantage of your lack of knowledge.

One of the biggest things that you need to know is about labor.

Labor costs are one of the biggest variables and expenses when it comes to shops. While this differs from shop to shop, and average hourly labor cost should run in the neighborhood of $90-$120 and sometimes more.

Ask around in your neck of the woods to see what typical rates should be and if you encounter anyone who is outrageously more than that you may want to think twice.

Tip 3: Trust no one right away to do your auto repairs in Bloomington or anywhere. Always check around for a price that will fit into your budget. A good rule of thumb is to call for several estimates, throw out the highest and the lowest one right away, and pick one in the middle that best fits in with what you can afford.

There are other tips to help you find the right mechanic as well.

Tip 4: One of the biggest things to look for when choosing an auto repair shop is the ASE symbol. This is a sticker that is issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service and Excellence, and there are strict rules and regulations that have to be met before one is issued. If you find a shop here in Bloomington or wherever you happen to live without one of these symbols, then you should leave immediately.

Tip 5: How an auto repair shop treats you is another indicator as to their quality of services. When you call, or go in, if they speak with you right away, treat you with respect, are friendly and listen closely to your problems, then chances are they are going to take good care of you.

If you are ignored, spoken to rudely or with indifference, then leave. If they try to help you discern the problem, give you an accurate assessment, an clear estimate of the costs to repair your vehicle, chances are you are dealing with a reputable shop.