You get what you pay for is a cliché that has stood the test of time. Quality is important – especially when it comes to auto repair. If you select a repair shop based solely on the car repair cost here in London Ontario, you may find yourself catching the bus or thumbing for a ride. There are several reasons for this:
Cut rate repair shops can’t afford the best mechanics
Good mechanics don’t come cheap. The best mechanics have undertaken years of training and they expect to be paid for it. No shop can offer dirt cheap prices while having to pay a top mechanic.
Discount repair shops can’t afford the latest tools
Modern vehicles require a lot of tools for proper service. This equipment is a large investment – one that can’t be made by shops trying to offer the lowest car servicing price. Not having the right equipment can lead to incorrect diagnosis and poor repairs.
A low price is used to downplay other flaws
Cut rate repair shops can’t attract clients with the promise of highly skilled and able mechanics. Instead, they try to reel customers in with a promise of the cheapest price in town – but this lack of knowledge and competence can lead to poor repairs, lost time and wasted money.
Getting the best car repair estimate in London Ontario
A repair quote can tell you a lot about a shop. It provides insight into their practices and moral standards. There are a few things you should look for when getting a car repair estimate in London Ontario:
How many hours does it take to do the job?
Most repair shops use standardized repair guides to determine labor hours. However, estimates for labor hours will vary from shop to shop. Getting quotes from a few different auto repair shops will help you determine how long a job should actually take.
What is the hourly rate?
You want to know the hourly rate so you can break down the total between parts and labor and understand what you’re being charged for. This will help you get the best vehicle repair estimate by allowing you to determine what different shops charge for parts and labor.
Are there any fees for diagnostic time?
Sometimes a shop will give you a repair quote without including valuable diagnostic time. Modern vehicles are complex and can take a significant amount of time to diagnose. Mechanics expect to get paid for this time. Knowing whether or not there is a diagnostic fee will help you assess the total cost of the repair.
Are there any hidden fees for shop supplies, etc.?
Some shops neglect to include shop supplies on their estimate. For example, they give you a quote for a radiator replacement but forget to include the coolant and hose clamps in the initial estimate. Asking if there are additional fees will help you determine the true cost of a repair.
What should you ask when shopping for car repair in London Ontario?
When your vehicle is in need of repairs, you want to be sure you’re leaving it in capable hands. Asking the right questions before you drop off your vehicle is important. A few questions you should ask include:
Are your technicians experienced?
Ask the shop what kind of experience their technicians have. Do they have formal training? Are they certified? How many years of experience do they have? The more training, experience and certifications a technician has, the more confident you can be that they know their stuff.
What kind of parts do you use?
If you’re going to do the job, make sure you do it right. Performing a repair with quality parts helps ensure the job is done right the first time. Ask the repair facility if they are using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or OEM approved parts for the repair. This indicates the part being used is of high quality.
What is the warranty on your repairs?
A good warranty implies the shop has confidence in their work and that they’re willing to stand behind it. A good warranty gives you peace of mind, and you know that the shop will take care of anything related to the repair work even after you’ve driven away.
When shopping around for auto repairs, you’ve probably encountered a wide range of shops, from inexpensive independents to dealerships with high overhead and an expensive price tag. When it comes to getting the best service at an affordable price, look no further than Steel Horse Automotive.
Here are just a few of the reasons to choose Steel Horse:
We offer a wide range of services
We know cars from bumper to bumper. That’s why we offer a wide range of services on all makes and models. No job is too big or too small; we do everything from oil changes to complete engine overhauls.
We are honest and ethical
At Steel Horse, we believe reputation is everything. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards to build trust with our customers.
We are environmentally friendly
With over 7 billion people inhabiting the earth, we all have to do our part to take care of the environment. At Steel horse we offer recycling of all vehicles and associated waste.
We have the most knowledge staff in London, Ontario
Our technicians have decades of combined experience working on all makes and models. They have the know-how to get the job done right, the first time.
We offer extended hours
Arranging a time for auto repair can be difficult. That’s why we offer extended hours to fit your busy schedule.
Finding the right car repair shop that’s knowledgeable, ethical and fair can be difficult. That’s why the residents of London Ontario and the surrounding areas choose Steel Horse Automotive. Once you’ve given us a try, you won’t need to look anywhere else. Call us today to experience the difference!
If you have any questions or would like an estimate,
visit the experts at Steel Horse Automotive.