Research shows that the vast majority of automotive repair customers assume that the shop they go employs certified technicians and advisors.
But you might not be taking your car to a shop that uses personnel who stay up-to-date with the latest industry specifications and factory standards. There is no mandatory certification required to own or operate an auto repair shop in California.
Surprisingly, you only need a state license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which anyone can apply for and receive. No automotive experience required! For a repair dealer’s license, you show up at the BAR with the license fee, a company name, and a tax ID. You do not need proof of insurance, tools, equipment, or know-how!
The state licenses smog technicians and requires continuing education, but, other than at a smog station, certification is voluntary for auto repair shops.
Are you shocked?
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a series of tests that technicians and advisors take to attain certification and remain certified in different areas of automotive repair. At our shop, we require all staff to be ASE-certified, though these are written tests and do not guarantee that someone is competent to work on a car.
AAA-approved automotive repair shops must employ ASE-certified technicians employed as well as meeting standards for the tools and equipment they use, and reaching challenging customer satisfaction thresholds. Because of their rigorous standards, we recommend using AAA-approved shops. As a customer, AAA also provides you with an arbitration system, which is great if you wind up having trouble with a repair and are unable to work out an agreeable solution with management.
Saving dollars where you can is always something to consider, especially in uncertain times. But lower prices can sometimes cost you more in the long run. Over time, having a knowledgeable, certified technician perform services and repairs on your car will save you time and money. Before you agree to have any work done, find out if the technicians working on your vehicle are certified. Better yet, make sure the shop is AAA-approved!
For ASE-certified technicians and advisors and a AAA-approved shop you can count on, call the friendly, helpful professionals at Certified Auto Specialists at 626-541-2149 or contact us online today!
