Finding an auto mechanic is a fairly easy thing, there are probably dozens in close to your town. Looking in the phone book or checking the internet will probably turn up even more than you thought there were. Rare is the shop that is high quality and it's not always the case that your auto mechanic can also perform auto body work as well. As a consumer it's important to know that your vehicle is in the rights and and getting the correct service.
Auto body shows a specialty car and truck repair shops that repair things as simple as scratches scuffs and dents and onto more significant vehicle damage repair from collisions or other major accidents involving your vehicle. To receive the best work and care possible for your vehicle you'll want to work with a company that can provide permanent repair using the best staff and latest technology; a company that does more than the bare minimum of work. One thing to look for when selecting your auto body shop is the ASE Certified stamp.
ASE Certified stands for Automotive Service Excellence.
ASE is a professional certification organization that is used solely in the automotive service and repair industry. The organization has been in existence since 1972 and is an independent non-profit. Their goal was to meet the consumer demand for some sort of rating or certification system that would help them to decide where to take their vehicle for service and repairs (essentially separating the very poor shops from the best shops which hire the most skilled and experienced auto techs. The long term goal is to increase overall quality and consistency of the industry as a whole. Shops that aren't certified are more likely to not do good work and therefore get less business. This works towards keeping the quality, certified shops in business thus increasing the industry quality as well.
ASE Certifications are acquired through ACT, Inc administered tests. The tests that can be completed are as follows: (A Series) Automobile and Light Truck, (C1) Automotive Service Consultant, (F1) Alternate Fuels, (T Series) Medium and Heavy Duty Truck, (E Series) Truck Equipment, (S Series) School Bus, (H Series) Transit Bus, (B Series) Collision Repair and Refinishing, (b6)Damage Analysis and Estimates, (M Series) Engine Machinist, (P Series) Parts Specialist, (L1) Advanced Engine Performance Specialist, (L2) Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnostics. The test, as you can see, cover a wide variety of vehicle types and services. Testing, in combination with relevant experience (most often two years) are required for receiving certification.
Not only is ASE Certification a way to show that individuals and shops are capable of dealing with automotive repair and servicing work, in many places it is required. So, be sure to inquire about ASE when you are looking for the right company to carry out your auto body work, it could save you a lot of time and hassle and produce a better result for your repair or servicing needs. So do yourself a favor and only work with ASE certified technicians.