REPAIR FACILITIES: Automotive repair facilities fall into three basic categories: franchise repair shops prefer cut and dry work such as brakes, tune-ups and the like. Dealerships are up to date and offer fast and complete service as well as have sophisticated equipment at their disposal. The last category is the independent repair shop. Independent repair shops can vary in sophistication as well as price but often allow you to develop a rapport between you, your mechanic and your car. Shop wisely for the type of service you need. Specialists who deal in only electrical, transmission or engine work are sometimes a good place to go should you have a particularly puzzling or unusual problem with one of those systems. Choosing a mechanic and repair facility is a process that can and should take some time. Shop around and find a qualified professional that you're comfortable with and who can provide the type of service you need and can afford. It's important to remember that your mechanic is not your adversary and although perhaps repairs can seem high as well as untimely and auto repair is certainly not a perfect science your mechanic is willing to get greasy, cut and burned to put you back on the road. We've discovered that if you treat an auto repairman with some respect, often he'll provide you with the best service possible.
