Currently, the average age of cars on the road is 10.8 years old. We talk about it a lot, but Americans are holding on to their cars longer in an effort to save money. So that means general auto repair is a lot more important on older, higher mileage vehicles.

If you need to bring your car into your neighborhood NARPRO repair shop, here are some suggestions we can offer to help you have a positive experience at your auto repair shop…

1) Communication is key. The better you are able to express with your mechanic what is wrong with your car, the easier it will be for them to diagnose the problem. Write down ahead of time what is wrong, and make note of any weird sounds, sensations or smells. Pay attention to what happens before the car starts and stops running, and remember when you brought it in for service last.

2) Have realistic expectations about the repairs. If your repairs are big, and not just a simple maintenance issue such as an oil change, plan to leave your car for a couple hours, especially if it’s during the summer, which is the auto repair industry’s busy season. Even if it is a quick fix, there might be a number of other cars in line ahead of you. Your honest NARPRO mechanic will be able to give you an approximate amount of time that it will take to repair your car, and every NARPRO shop has a shuttle service available for their customers.

3) Make yourself available to the mechanic. Be sure to leave phone numbers with the auto repair shop of where you can be reached and if they have to leave a message, make sure you respond as soon as possible. If the mechanic cannot get ahold of you for questions or to get approval on necessary maintenance, your car will just be sitting at the shop unattended longer.

NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and competent auto body shops near where they live, work or travel. Click here to find honest auto repair shops or auto body shops in the Phoenix, Tucson, or Portland, OR areas.