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Whether you've purchase a new or used vehicle, it's important to choose an auto repair shop to service your vehicle as time goes on. Here's what to look for when deciding which auto repair shop in your area you'd like to work with:

Thorough Documentation Provided

It's important to make sure that the auto repair shop you hire has the ability to thoroughly document the work that they do and provide you with copies of those documents so you can maintain a portfolio for your vehicle. Making sure that you have copies of repair documentation will help you create a clear picture of how the vehicle is taken care of as time goes on, which can come in handy if you want to sell it at some point in the future. The documentation provided to you by the auto repair shop should include:

• The type of repair that was done

• The parts and part numbers that were used for the repair

• The mileage of your vehicle at the time of the repair

A basic "report card" that rates the overall condition of your vehicle and offers future repair or tune up suggestions is a bonus.

A Replacement Policy for Defective Parts

You shouldn't have to pay for extra parts just because the first ones that were put in your vehicle ended up being defective for some reason. When your auto repair shop replace the alternator or brake pads and something goes wrong with those parts within the first few days, there's a good chance that they are defective and need to be replaced as soon as possible. So make sure that the shop offers a replacement policy for defects, in which they'll replace the parts they recently installed in your vehicle and you will only have to pay for the labor.

Emergency Service Availability

If you end up breaking down on the way to work or in the dark after a movie, you'll want to have your vehicle taken in to be repaired right away if possible. Look for an auto repair shop to work with that offers emergency service availability, whether that means they'll come to you to fix minor problems or have your vehicle towed to their shop for repairs. If you need emergency services during the day, the shop should start work the same day. If you break down at night, they should start working on the car as soon as the shop opens the next day.

Keep these considerations in mind while comparing prospective auto repair shops to help make your decision of which one to work with a little easier. For more information, contact a company like Car And Truck Services Inc..