Tips for Choosing an Auto Repair Shop in Tulsa, OK

Are you looking for a business that can handle auto repair in Tulsa, Oklahoma? If so, you have a lot of options to narrow down — and we mean a lot. Since Tulsa is one of the biggest cities in Oklahoma, it just makes sense that the local area boasts countless auto repair shops and dealerships that can take care of your auto service needs.

But just because a business can handle your next auto repair doesn’t mean it should take care of the job. If you don’t think carefully about who should fix your car, you could be dissatisfied with the level of workmanship you get — not to mention the size of your bill. To avoid this situation, check out our tips for picking an auto shop Tulsa residents trust.

Tip #1: Don’t Prioritize Dealerships

If you’re a new Tulsa driver or in the habit of going to your dealership for service, you might be thinking twice about this tip. And it’s fair to say that dealerships have a reputation for providing high-quality auto service in Oklahoma and beyond. The catch is that this reputation isn’t entirely earned — and by continuing to get dealership service, you might be doing yourself a disservice.

First, we should note that your dealership probably won’t provide outright bad repair or maintenance services the next time your vehicle needs attention. The real issue here isn’t the quality of the service but how much it costs. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for dealerships to overcharge for what would be a slightly above-average service at most local auto shops. And since local shops are a genuine part of the community, they can deliver better customer service than competing dealerships.

Despite this, you might not think that leaving your dealership and getting service at a local auto shop is a realistic option. Many Tulsa drivers believe their dealerships can revoke their vehicle’s warranty if they get maintenance or repairs elsewhere. But this isn’t anything you need to worry about — voiding warranties, for this reason, is entirely illegal in the U.S.

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Tip #2: Look For Certified Mechanics

Even if you’ve chosen to get Tulsa auto repair from a car shop, you’re not done with this decision-making process just yet. After all, you still need to select a specific auto shop to handle this work. Making matters more complicated, all too many shops in the local area are underqualified for even simple auto maintenance jobs like oil changes.

When you’re searching for an exceptional Tulsa auto shop, your first priority should be looking for businesses that employ the best mechanics in the industry. That’s because technicians are the people who will actually go “hands-on” with your vehicle. The more qualified these workers are, the more likely your repair is to go off without a hitch.

Luckily, finding out the skill level of a shop’s mechanics shouldn’t take hours of research. All you need to do is look for auto shops that employ ASE-certified mechanics. ASE certification indicates that a mechanic knows their stuff and then some. As a result, shops that work with these mechanics can provide truly exceptional service.

Tip #3: Focus On More Than One Service

No matter how qualified a shop’s mechanics are, a business may not be the right fit for you if it doesn’t offer a broad selection of services. If you’re like most Tulsa drivers, your main goal when looking for an auto shop is finding a business that can take care of your immediate problem. This is undeniably important, but looking for a shop that can do it all will save you valuable time the next time you run into automotive issues.

Ideally, your Tulsa auto shop should offer services such as:

Tip #4: Make Sure To Choose a Respected Shop

Factors like mechanic certification and service offerings are good to remember when looking for an auto shop Tulsa natives rely on. Still, it also pays to focus on less tangible traits. Specifically, you’ll want to ensure that your new go-to shop has a strong reputation in and around the area. One great way to get started is by asking your family members, coworkers, and friends for advice on the auto shops they trust — and those they’d never visit again.

It’s also not a bad idea to think about the history of any car shops you’re considering. There’s no reason why newly established auto shops can’t do good work, of course. But if a shop has been around for a few decades, it might be a community pillar in a way newer businesses can’t compete with.

Tip #5: Explore Car Repair Shops Around Tulsa

Car breakdowns are a tricky thing to predict, and it’s impossible to know with 100% certainty when you’ll need auto service. However, this also means it’s hard to say where you’ll need repairs or maintenance. If you head outside Tulsa’s city limits on a regular basis, you should choose an auto shop that can meet you where you are. That’s true whether you’re in Bartlesville, Skiatook, Owasso, or another local community.

Get the Best Auto Repair in Tulsa

If you only need a minor auto repair job for now, you might assume you can get away with picking any auto shop for this purpose. But that’s not really the case — even when entrusted with small jobs, an unqualified shop can do more damage to your car than you might think. No matter what service your vehicle requires, you should get it handled at a truly reputable Tulsa auto shop.

When you’re looking for a Tulsa auto repair shop that employs ASE-certified technicians, offers a broad selection of automotive services, or operates multiple convenient locations, you’re looking for Tate Boys Tire & Service. Since our auto shop was founded in 1988, it’s been the area’s most widely respected destination for car repairs and maintenance work.

Request your car repair quote online with us now!