Blog

Things to Look for in an Auto Repair Shop

Does your car need an oil change? What about a new battery? Whether it needs a simple tune-up or serious repair, there are a few things you should look for when searching for an auto repair shop in Elgin

Here’s an overview of what you should look for in an auto repair shop before bringing your car to them: 

Offers the Services You Need

When it comes to finding the right auto repair shop, one of the most important things you should look for is whether or not they offer the services you need. 

While most auto shops are capable of doing the basics, some may not be able to work on foreign vehicles because they either don’t have anyone experienced enough with the time to do so or they don’t have the parts in stock. If you have questions about the services an auto shop offers, it’s always recommended to give them a call just to confirm. 

Here’s a list of the common services you’ll find at a local Elgin auto repair shop: 

  • Brake repair
  • Tire replacement
  • Oil changes
  • Filter changes
  • Transmission repair
  • Wheel alignment

Certified Mechanics

Another important factor to consider is having vehicle repairs done by a certified mechanic. A reputable auto shop should employ ASE-certified technicians. This certification, which comes from the National Institute for Automotive Services, guarantees that the person working on your vehicle is in fact trained to do so. 

Certified technicians can handle complex repairs that hobby mechanics are unable to. As such, you can trust that you’ll be getting quality service each and every time you bring your car into the shop, regardless of the type of service you’re there for. 

Positive Client Reviews

When it comes to choosing a reputable auto shop, sometimes it’s not enough to just trust what you see on the website. That’s why you should check out their reviews on both their website and on Google. 

Reputable auto shops will have reviews from previous and current customers. This can give you insight into the quality of service offered, their affordability, and how long you can expect to wait for the job to be complete. 

Remember that it’s perfectly normal for a business to have a mix of good and bad reviews. However, if their reviews are mostly positive, that’s a good sign. 

The Experience Offered While You Wait

Think of your auto repair shop as your doctor’s office. When choosing someone to treat your existing health condition or diagnose it, of course you want to find someone reputable. But what if, at your first appointment, the waiting room is dirty or outdated? What if the staff demonstrates a lack of professionalism? You might think twice about sticking with that doctor. 

This same concept applies to your car doctor. 

When you bring your car into any shop, consider the cleanliness of the area, including where you’ll go to wait. Do they offer coffee? And do they offer entertainment, like magazines to read or a TV to watch? Do they send you text updates while you’re waiting for the job to get done? 

While this could vary from place to place, seeing how the auto shop maintains its space and treats its customers can give you some indication as to whether or not they’re going to be reliable. 

They Offer Convenience

In addition to receiving quality auto repair services, you also want your local independent auto repair shop to offer convenience. At KS Autocare, we offer a number of convenience features including but not limited to early and late vehicle drop-off and courtesy shuttle service. Furthermore, we offer 3-year/36,000-mile warranties so you can trust that you’re covered when you need repairs. 

These features aren’t the only ones our repair shop offers that help us stand out from the crowd. We also offer financing options. We don’t want you to go without the vehicle repairs you need to travel safely just because times are tough. 

Affordability

In today’s world, affordability can’t be overlooked. While it may be impossible to get an exact quote sight unseen, an auto repair technician should be able to give you an estimate, so you can know what to expect. 

You should also take the time to see if they have any specials. Many repair shops offer specials for different services, such as oil changes. KS Autocare, for example, offers a free second opinion if you brought your vehicle somewhere else but don’t trust that the issue was fixed. 

auto repair shop Elgin

They Have Parts in Stock and Can Order Them Quickly

Last but not least, you should look for an Elgin auto repair shop that has the parts you need in stock or at the very least can have them delivered as quickly as possible. 

Some makes and models require special care. However, you can’t be without transportation for weeks at a time while you wait for the parts you need to arrive and the repairs to be made. You can always call the auto repair shop ahead of time to see if they have the parts you need, or you can visit their website to see what makes and models they routinely work on. 

Are You Looking for an Auto Repair Shop in Elgin? Look No Further than KS Autocare!

Do you need to find a new auto repair shop in Elgin? If so, turn to the team at KS Autocare. We offer a wide variety of vehicle repair services, all at an affordable rate. Call us at 224-279-1990 to schedule an appointment. 

Or, if you prefer, fill out our appointment scheduler form on our website. With this, you can let us know what you need, your preferred date and time, and whether or not you plan to wait for your vehicle while repairs are being made. 

We also welcome you to take a look at our reviews. When it comes to quality auto repair in Elgin, there’s no one better. Bring your car down to our shop. We’re located at 575 Page Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 

Menu