You need to have your vehicle in its best possible running condition to ensure you have reliable transportation through all four seasons of Wisconsin weather. If you are having mechanical problems with your vehicle, local auto repair companies should be able to handle them for you. Choosing the right one can be tricky, so here are some important questions to ask before you commit to paying to have the work done.

What’s the Cost Estimate?

You need to know how a potential automotive repair will affect your budget to avoid any unpleasant surprises. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin law requires accurate price quotes from auto repair companies for any work that costs more than $50. When you ask for a cost estimate, the mechanic should have a detailed account of what needs to be done and the price breakdown so that you fully understand why you are paying a particular price.

Are You Factory Trained and Certified?

It is important to know the qualifications of the mechanics who work on your vehicles. A factory-trained mechanic with lots of experience often does the best work. You can ask who will work on your car and what that person’s qualifications are before agreeing to have work done on your vehicle.

What Kind of Diagnostic Equipment Is Used?

Mechanics can’t fix your vehicle if they do not know exactly what is wrong with it. They should have access to diagnostic equipment that can scan the onboard computer for various codes that might trigger a check engine light or similar warning light to appear. Auto repair companies that use the latest diagnostic equipment often are capable of determining exactly what is wrong and how to fix it.

Will You Use OEM or Aftermarket Parts?

The parts that auto repair companies use to fix your vehicle make a big difference in the cost and quality of the work done. Factory parts are usually the best, but sometimes quality aftermarket parts will get the job done. Other times, though, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts greatly outperform aftermarket parts. If a mechanic tells you that OEM parts will be used and you learn later that aftermarket parts were used instead, that would be a blatant fraud. Knowing in advance can help you to know which parts are used and their cost.

Now that you know which questions to ask, you're better prepared to find a reliable auto shop. You can call or visit Klug Family Repair LLC to get auto repair work done on your vehicle.