Your Car Is Important, So Be Careful Where It's Repaired!

By: Shane Rethwisch


There are few things more dispiriting than seeing your car after an accident and trying to assess what the damage will cost you. It is likely that you have a place in mind that you would take your car, if you've ever had to have body work done in the past, and assuming the work was finished to your satisfaction. Your insurance company will likely let you know where you can get your car repaired under your policy, if it was damaged in an accident.

Quality is Essential

If you can make your own decision about which auto body shop to use, keep the following suggestions in mind to help you find a shop that will give you good service. You should pay attention to the quality of the auto shop that you decide to use. Check that the auto shop looks well maintained. Are there cars inside the auto shop that look like they have been there for a long period of time? Do they seem to have a lot of customers? Is the shop busy? The shop should not be keeping cars for long periods of time, and it should appear to be well maintained.

Don’t accept repairs as completed unless they have been fully carried out. Make sure that you get what you pay for, that your car gets fixed properly, and your car runs as expected! Do not allow seedy auto repairs workers to con you out of your money due to poor and unskilled work, or by submitting incomplete work. As you are paying for these repairs on your car, you should get what you agreed upon in the first place. The best way to stand up for yourself and your car is to be picky!

Credibility is Important

Question the auto shop to find out their objectives and goals. Is quality a high priority to them? Will any service they perform be backed with their name? Have their employees received certification in auto repair work? Let them know how much you rely on your car for day-to-day activities. Can they understand that you need your car to be as good as new? When bringing you car to a repair shop, be sure that they know the specifics or your car. Be sure that the company guarantees its work and don't be afraid to ask for references.

After deciding on a repair shop, it is important that you inspect your car, both before and after the work is done. Preferably, you should do this inspection both on your own and with the shop's inspector. This will help you to be aware of any differences in your car while it is in the shop. Repairmen may not tell you if they do accidental damage to your vehicle during its repair. Unfortunately, this is a more common scenario than you probably realize. Just think, the money could possible have to come from their own pocket to fix the damage, and the may get into trouble, or even fired. So yes, this is a common scenario.

Be wise when selecting a car repair shop. Look for a repaired vehicle on their lot so you can assess a completed example of their repair work. Don't let dirty or disorganized places work on your car. Do your homework and use common sense. It's your responsibility to take care of one of your biggest investments. Your car will thank you for it!


Shane Rethwisch is a retired mechanic and keeps many old beauties running smoothly. For Cameron Park auto repair he recommends their local shop for Cameron Park brakes, smog, or new car standard mileage checkpoint work.