6 Ways to Avoid Auto Repair Shop Anxiety
Does bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop make you nervous? Maybe you've had bad experiences with auto repair service in the past, like a faulty repair or a complete rip-off. Most people have at least one poor service experience that made them never want to return to that shop.
If you're bring business to an auto repair shop, you should never feel belittled or anxious. Poor customer service is the most telling sign of a company's priorities and intentions.
The good news is, there's more than a few steps you can take to ensure you and your vehicle receive the best service possible.
1. Stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance.
If there’s one thing that will save you time and stress, it’s knowing your vehicle and its maintenance schedule. No, you don’t need to be a mechanic (we have plenty of those!) but it’s basic knowledge like knowing how often you need an oil change, brakes, etc. You’ll feel better going into a shop having an idea of what you need done and when. This knowledge also prevents you from being scammed by someone who’s just trying to sell you as many services as possible.
Not sure what your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is? Our experts at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center are only a phone call away. Thanks to the range of experience our service team has with every vehicle imaginable, they possess strong knowledge of what each vehicle needs and when. Give one of our locations a call to speak with a dedicated team member about your vehicle's health.
2. Get a pricing breakdown if you’re not sure.
It’s true—auto repair is expensive. Parts pricing is skyrocketing with inflation. Labor fees are also high since auto technicians are basically doctors. Fixing cars is like conducting surgery on the human body. While it’s less of a life-or-death situation, there are serious safety repercussions if a mistake is made. Labor fees reflect the skill and experience of the shop and technicians handling your vehicle.
If you’re hesitant about price, ask the shop to break it down for you. This will reveal their level of transparency and care for you as a customer.
At Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, our pricing for parts and labor reflects the quality of our work. We never have and never will claim to be the cheapest auto repair shop around. But if you’re shopping around for cheap repair, you’re likely missing out on quality. If you’re paying less for an oil change or brake repair, it’s possible you could be paying for cheaper, thinner oil or brakes that aren’t meant for your vehicle. You end up paying something, so why not pay for quality work that lasts longer?
Experience our service today.
3. Ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Word of mouth is often the most reliable source. Review sites like Google and SureCritic give you a snapshot of what you’ll experience at a shop, but they’re not always the most reliable source. Hearing about a repair shop from someone you trust is more likely to put you at ease. Ask your family member or friend what they like about the service, or valuable benefits that come with service. Asking a trusted person in your life about their experience with their favorite auto shop—or, better yet, getting a first-hand experience—is one of the best ways to determine what will suit your needs.
The best way to experience our service at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center is through our digital courtesy inspections. These multi-point “health checks” come with photos and service recommendations straight to your mobile or desktop device. The best part? You don’t have to open your wallet! These inspections are our way of ensuring you have the resources to stay safe on the road. Understanding your vehicle’s health has never been easier.
To schedule your digital courtesy inspection today, call one of our locations or schedule online.
4. Ask for a tour of the shop.
Becoming familiar with an environment is one of the best ways to put yourself at ease. You should be able to get a tour of the shop if you ask. If you’re not sure about the validity of a repair being done on your vehicle, ask to have the technician show you your vehicle on the lift and explain the repair. If your request is rejected, that’s likely all you need to know about the credibility of the shop.
We encourage our customers to see their vehicle on the lift if they are curious about vehicle diagnosis and/or the services being performed.
5. Ask about financing options.
A good repair shop will usually have a rewards program or specials available. They will also have financing options to make payment easier.
Ask your service advisor about our third-party financing options, as well as our current specials! Keep in mind, at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center you pay for quality. Auto repair is expensive regardless, so why wouldn’t you invest in the best service around?
6. Choose a repair shop that prioritizes your convenience and safety.
We can all think of a time where we felt a business was just after us for our money. That’s not a good feeling, is it? A good repair shop goes out of its way to deliver exceptional customer service.
This why Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center provides courtesy shuttle and loaner vehicles, digital courtesy inspections, financing, before and after hours drop-off, and more! We also provide pick-up and towing services if your vehicle is unable to leave your location.
Our ASE-certified team works hard to provide the best service for you. This includes locating parts that are the best price and best quality for your vehicle. Our service team keeps you up-to-date on your vehicle while it’s in the shop, so you’ll never find yourself wondering the status.
At Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center, our customers’ well-being goes beyond a transaction. This means providing an experience that they’ll remember. We work on most makes and models, including European, Asian, Electric, Hybrid, and Fleet Vehicles. Get the PCA experience today!
