Does your European car need servicing? If so, you likely already know that it will need a bit of special treatment to stay in tip-top shape.

For starters, most European cars combine precision engineering with attention to detail. Each part is designed to offer an exceptional driving experience. As a result, European auto repair often involves specialized care.

Some European brands, such as Audi and BMW, also place a lot of importance on innovation. This is why their models can feature advanced technology that requires equally advanced servicing knowledge.

The good news: giving your European machine some TLC isn’t too difficult! Here’s how to find a European auto repair shop in Nashville, TN!

Do Your Research

The first step in identifying a good local shop is doing your research. This is particularly important if you have a luxury model or top-of-the-range sports car.

Ask for Recommendations

When it comes to finding car services, word of mouth is still the most valuable tool at your disposal. High-quality mechanics tend to have a great reputation in their communities. As such, asking around can be very helpful.

Word of mouth is important because so many repair shops have great facilities and highly rated customer service. Dig a little deeper, though, and you may find that they’re not charging a fair price or don’t invest in their staff.

Look at Online Reviews

Next, check out a repair shop’s website for online reviews and testimonials. You can also ask for recommendations on Nashville Facebook groups. Finally, take a look at third-party sites such as:

• Yelp
• Trustpilot
• Better Business Bureau
• Angi (formerly Angie’s List)

Find Speciality Shops

Finding the best European car services isn’t enough; you should find the best service for your specific model. Garages that specialize in your exact brand are more likely to have the latest components and equipment.

For example, if you have a Volkswagen, you may know these cars often have finicky electrical systems. If you’re having an electrical issue, you want a technician who’s familiar with the brand to do a proper diagnostic scan.

Make Your Decision

By now, you should have narrowed down your list of options to two or three local repair shops. Here’s how to ensure you’ll make the right choice.

Check the Certifications

When selecting a repair shop, make sure they’re certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certifications are the golden standard of quality and competence in the auto repair industry.

To earn this certification, a technician must pass one or more of ASE’s 58 tests. To remain certified, they must retake the test every five years.

Learn More About the Shop

Reach out to the repair shop that caught your eye and talk about their services before bringing the car in. Some questions you should ask include:

• Do you have experience working on this car model?
• Do you hire both general mechanists and specialists?
• What kind of warranties do you offer?

Don’t neglect that last question! All top auto repair services will stand behind their work with a warranty. A good way to compare shops is to ask about their guarantees for common repairs, such as brake work.

Give Them a Trial Run

If you can spare the time and effort, it’s often worth it to give the shop a trial run before committing to them. Try them out for expert car maintenance work, such as oil changes, and note how they’ll treat your car.

One benefit of this approach is that it allows you to develop rapport with the shop. It also gives its technicians a chance to get to know your car’s service schedule and any developing issues it may have.

Talk to the Mechanic

Getting the right repairs at the right price can depend on how you communicate with your mechanic. Here are some things you should say and expect.

Describe the Problem

First, describe the problem in as much detail as you can. Write down the symptoms and when they occur. Avoid offering a diagnosis, as your suggestions may leave you on the hook for repairs your car doesn’t need.

If the problem occurs only when the vehicle is moving, ask the mechanic to accompany you for a test drive. This is particularly common with high-class European cars, as many of them develop transmission issues.

Ask for Evidence

If you’re not satisfied with the diagnosis, ask the mechanic to tell (or show) you how it was determined. Many car issues are easy to see, such as:

• Worn brake pads
• Rusted exhaust pipes
• Malfunctioning sensors
• Radiator leaks

Some mechanics may try to refuse this request by saying their insurance company doesn’t let customers into the work area. Even in this situation, it’s usually a good idea to insist on some evidence.

Consider the Repair Estimate

Once you get your repair estimate, it will be time to make the final decision. Before doing that, though, make sure you’re not being overcharged.

Run a Comparison

After getting a written estimate, compare it to the average costs of car maintenance. Don’t forget to ensure your estimate breaks out the costs of labor and parts, as that will make the comparison easier.

If the quote is higher than you expected, don’t be afraid to ask why. There are plenty of reasons why a reputable repair shop may give you a high estimate, such as:

• They only use OEM parts
• They give longer warranties
• They have uniquely qualified technicians

Make the Call

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. In general, independent repair shops offer better prices than the dealers. Of course, the best indicator of quality is a trustworthy mechanic who isn’t afraid to explain what they’re doing.

European Auto Repair Made Easy

With how pricey European auto repair services can be, it’s in your best interest to do thorough research before picking a repair shop. The above guide will help you get started on the right foot!

At Rennstahl, we can take care of all your European car care needs in Nashville, TN. We service a wide range of makes, only use OEM parts, and have a transparent pricing structure. We also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty!

Book an appointment now – veterans and first responders get the Hero’s discount!