Whether you’re new to the area or have decided it’s time for a change, finding a new auto repair shop can feel daunting—especially if you’ve been going to the same one for many years. Although word of mouth and online reviews are a great place to start, there’s another factor you should keep in mind: ASE Certification.

Not all auto shops employ ASE-certified staff. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not knowledgeable or that they’re bad at what they do, but there are several very important benefits you get when you choose a shop that has an ASE-certified team.

What is ASE Certification?

Similar to other industries, the automotive industry is governed by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which provides certifications to professionals who meet its stringent standards. ASE has operated independently as a non-profit since 1972, with the mission to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through rigorous testing and certification.

Not only does ASE certification establish industry benchmarks, but it also holds automotive professionals accountable to them. While not a regulatory body per se, ASE certification underscores that certified technicians and service advisors possess distinct skills and attributes that set them apart within their profession. This recognition assures that the certified team members are well-equipped to tackle a wide range of repairs.

Before automotive professionals can apply for ASE certification, they must have at least two years of experience in the automotive industry and pass a specialized exam covering a wide range of repair and maintenance topics. After they’ve passed the test, they can become certified. However, to continue holding their certification, they’ll need to recertify every five years.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing an ASE-Certified Team?

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a shop with ASE-certified team members is having confidence and peace of mind when it comes to your auto care. ASE certification shows that the technicians working on your vehicle have the knowledge and skills needed to repair and service your vehicle properly. They’ve received training on a wide variety of makes and models, and have an in-depth understanding of how each of the parts and systems in your vehicle works.

Another benefit is that ASE-certified technicians will have up-to-date training. They keep abreast with the latest automotive technologies and repair procedures to ensure they can work on even the newest vehicles on the market. Many shops that employ ASE-certified technicians also take care to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies as well.

And finally, when you choose ASE-certified auto care, you’re working with a team that’s dedicated to adhering to the highest standards in the industry. Earning an ASE certification takes hard work and diligence; it shows that a technician or service advisor is dedicated to their career and has put in the time and training to learn how to repair your vehicle properly. Additionally, they want to continue holding their certification, so they’re motivated and committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring every job is performed right.

In short, when you see that a shop has ASE-certified staff, it helps eliminate some of the guesswork. You can feel confident that you’re choosing an excellent auto repair shop!

Additional Tips for Choosing a Mechanic

Although ASE certification is one of the best starting points when searching for a mechanic, there are several other factors you may want to consider:

  • Reputation. Choosing an auto repair shop that has a solid reputation is equally important to their ASE certification. Spend some time researching the shop you’re considering. Look at online reviews to get a more comprehensive understanding of what you can expect with the quality of their service, technical abilities, and overall customer experience. Beyond online reviews, you can also check their standing with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Experience. Experience is also important because the longer a shop has been around, the more likely it’s been dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping up with changes in the automotive industry. Seasoned experience indicates the team has been exposed to a diverse range of issues and can diagnose and repair virtually any issues your car encounters.
  • Friendly, Helpful Service. The importance of finding a friendly, helpful shop that won’t talk down to you, make you feel unwelcome, or try to upsell unnecessary services can’t be understated! You deserve to be treated with kindness and to have your questions answered in a clear, understandable way so you can make informed decisions about your vehicle. A reputable auto repair shop will be willing to devote time to discussing your auto care with you without making you feel uncomfortable in any way.

Visit Express Auto/RV Care Center for a Shop that Hits Every Mark

If you’ve been searching for an ASE-certified auto repair shop in the Yuma Foothills with a stellar reputation, decades of experience, and friendly service, look no further than Express Auto/RV Care Center! Our third-generation family-owned and operated shop has been providing comprehensive same-day auto repairs, maintenance, and washing and detailing services since 1998. All our technicians and service advisors are ASE-certified and we’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau. We believe in treating each vehicle as if it were our own and in providing exceptional customer service.

See for yourself why our parent company has been named the Best Auto Repair Shop in Yuma for 20 years running—contact us today at (928) 305-0767!

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