TAMPA (WTOC) - Last year, AAA
helped more than 28 million drivers with roadside assistance.
More than
half or 58 percent of those drivers were able to get their vehicle repaired where
it broke down, according to AAA. But data show 12 million driver still needed
to have their vehicle towed to a repair shop.
AAA
recommends research a repair facility before you need major repair work. "When
you have a disabled vehicle and have to have it towed to a repair shop, that is
not the optimal time to start shopping around for a mechanic you can trust,"
said Pete Candela, manager of Approved Auto Repair for AAA - The Auto Club
Group, in a statement. "At that point it is almost too late because you are
without your car and the average repair cost is around $400, which can put many
car owners in a compromising situation."
AAA
recommends getting a second opinion if consumers are uncomfortable with a recommended
repair or aren't sure about the price quote.
It's
important that a vehicle owner trust the place they take their car for routine
maintenance so they can feel confident when it comes time for major repairs,
according to AAA.
AAA issued
these guidelines for choosing an auto repair shop:
- A
clean, well-organized repair facility reflects attention to detail and an
effort to maintain a professional image.
- The
facility should employ qualified technicians who are trained on an ongoing
basis on the latest technology.
- Good
repair shops will have up-to-date service equipment and repair data to
repair information; or an on-site service information library of CD/DVD
ROMs.
- Quality
shops offer at least a 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty.
- The
repair place should have a comfortable waiting area and clean restrooms.
Consumers
can locate nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities online at AAA.com/Repair.
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