You don’t want to bring your car just anywhere for auto repairs and maintenance. You want an auto repair shop you can trust. And, by trust, that means you can trust that they have the expertise and equipment to do the job right. But, trust also means that you know they’ll be looking out for your best interests, as opposed to ‘how much they can get out of you.’

Your automobile is one of your largest investments. Not as large as your home but it certainly represents a significant purchase. Once you’ve made such an investment, you want to take care of it. That’s why you buy insurance. You want to know, if you do have an accident, that your car will be repaired.

Proper automotive maintenance and repairs are a form of insurance, too. They ensure that your car is ready to safely take you and your family where you want and need to go when you want and need to go there. Without proper maintenance, it’s not a question of whether your car will one day fail this test; rather, it’s a question of when.

When looking for a quality auto repair shop you can trust, start with their reputation. Ask around (you might want to focus on asking people who have cars that are well maintained). Where do family, friends and neighbors take their cars for repairs and maintenance? Ask how long the auto repair shop you’re considering has been in business.

For instance, Performance Unlimited started serving auto owners in the McHenry area in 1982: more than three decades ago.

Where do they do their work? If they’re working out of a garage somewhere, you may find they’re short on equipment, experience and the kind of insurance auto repair shops keep for their auto technicians. Your best bet is a well-established auto repair shop that is fully equipped.

Speaking of automotive repair and maintenance equipment, do they have the latest diagnostic equipment? Newer vehicles often require the newest equipment for proper diagnosis of automotive problems. The amount of time is also significantly affected by the kind of equipment an auto technician is using.

Are they certified? At Performance Unlimited, the auto repair technicians are ASE Certified. And the certificate is clearly posted on the wall so you’re not left guessing. ASE Certification also means that the auto repair technicians are going back for classes and seminars to stay up on the latest advances and changes in the automotive repair and maintenance industry.

Do they offer a warranty? If so, what kind of warranty? At Performance Unlimited, they offer a 24,000-mile, 24-month warranty on provided services. More than the written warranty, they’ve proven that they stand behind their work.

Not all automotive repair and maintenance shops offer drop-off and pick-up service. For many of their clients, it’s more than a mere convenience that Performance Unlimited offers this service within a 10-mile radius of the shop.

A commitment to properly repairing an maintaining your car will definitely pay dividends down the road. Choosing a quality auto repair and maintenance shop is the key to that commitment.