| College bound? Here is one more item to add to your | | | | in the parking lot equal in value to your own and |
| checklist before heading off to campus this fall: a | | | | modern equipment in the service areas. |
| vehicle checkup. | | | | * Look for a courteous staff, with a service |
| The National Institute for Automotive Service | | | | consultant willing to answer all of your questions. |
| Excellence (ASE) recommends that you make sure | | | | * Check the shop's policies regarding estimated repair |
| your vehicle is in good working condition. Unless you | | | | costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable |
| are a dedicated do-it-yourselfer, you'll want to find a | | | | methods of payment. |
| reputable shop to take care of maintenance and | | | | * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually |
| service for you. | | | | handles your type of repair work. |
| ASE, a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies | | | | * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer |
| automotive technicians, offers the following tips on | | | | service area, such as civic, community or customer |
| choosing a repair facility. | | | | service awards. |
| * Start shopping for a repair facility before you need | | | | * Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as |
| one. | | | | trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced |
| * Ask your friends and associates for their | | | | course work and certification by ASE. |
| recommendations or consult local consumer groups. | | | | * Look for the ASE sign. ASE-certified technicians |
| * Arrange for transportation in advance so you will | | | | wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry |
| not feel forced to choose a shop based on its | | | | credentials listing their exact areas of certification. |
| location. | | | | Their employers often display the ASE sign. |
| * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles | | | | |