Cars break from time to time. When they do, you need to take them to a car repair shop. In most towns and cities, there are numerous repair shops to choose from. So, it's a good idea to do your due diligence and talk to a few repair shops before selecting one to work on your car. Here are some of the top questions to ask as you consider your repair shop options.

Is the auto repair shop approved by your car's manufacturer?

This is more important with high-end, luxury car brands than with others. Some of these brands are built in specific ways or with unique components that take practice and certain skills to work on. As such, you want repairs made by an approved shop. For example, if you have a Tesla, you want to find an auto body shop that is Tesla-approved. Give shops with brand approval preference over those without it.

Do they offer binding estimates?

Some shops will give you a binding estimate, which means if they make the repairs, they'll charge you the exact amount they estimated. Other shops offer non-binding estimates. A non-binding estimate gives you a general idea of how much a repair will cost, but it's subject to change. If possible, look for an auto repair shop that offers binding estimates so there are no surprises when your bill comes.

Will they use brand-name or OEM parts?

Some shops exclusively use brand-name parts when they make repairs. For instance, if you bring them a Tesla to repair, they will use parts made by Tesla. Other repair shops use a lot of OEM parts made by other manufacturers. This might be okay for an older car or one you don't plan on driving much longer, but for a high-end car, you really want repairs made with brand-name parts.

Do they guarantee their work?

If possible, you want to have repairs made at a shop that guarantees their work. They should offer a refund if you have issues within a certain number of days, or they should offer free tune-ups or touch-ups for a certain period after the repairs are made.

If you ask these questions, you should have an easier time choosing between auto repair companies. With so many auto repair shops to choose from, it's a good idea to narrow down your options intelligently and by asking good questions. 

For more information about approved repairs, like Tesla-approved auto body repairs, contact a local shop.