Clueless on car care and repairs?

MANILA, Philippines - Looking around for an auto repair shop should not be intimidating and painstaking, as many newbies and mechanically-challenged think. A gamut of informed choices can be found in the newspapers and on the internet, notwithstanding your neighborhood mechanic and “talyer” which are at best passable when it comes to service.

Asking your driver neighbors and your resident car expert is also not a bad idea. However, going to the real automobile care experts is the best decision.

Ericson Enriquez, general manager of Rapide Auto Service Center, the leading quick auto repair chain in the country, shares some practical tips on how to spot a reliable car care expert.

“Great feedback from a company’s client is reliable, but I advise auto repair seekers to visit the shop, immerse in the environment and see for themselves how the staff works. Remember that if an auto shop looks professional, is clean and complete with stated-of-the-art facilities, it is probably the real deal. It will not only give you the lowdown on how efficient their services are, but it will help you decide if they’re worth it or not.”

He says a good service center should also have a pool of highly-trained and honest staff. “Having an untrained mechanic can spell disaster for your car. It is tantamount to bringing one’s sickness to the wrong medical specialist. In addition, there are some unscrupulous mechanics who pretend that your car is in a worse condition than it actually is. So you end up paying more for services that in the first place you don’t need,” he added. “At Rapide, we have handled newbies who are clueless on the service their car requires, but end up being satisfied because we only give them the appropriate service they need”

It is standard operating procedure in all Rapide’s more than 50 shops nationwide to perform a total car check-up to give them the correct diagnosis on their car concerns. With this system, the store managers go over the accurate repair estimates with the owners, giving the customers the free will to choose the service that should be prioritized, and the leeway to work around their budget.

Aside from great testimonials/referrals, professional image, skilled labor and transparent diagnosis, Enriquez said another important factor in looking for the right auto service center would be quality parts replacement and warranties.

“Auto service centers should give the customers the best value for their money amid the financial crisis and skyrocketing costs of goods. We at Rapide are committed to making our customers happy and building long-term relationships with them because they are living testaments to the integrity of not only our products and services but the business as a whole.”

The company offers a lifetime guarantee on their brake pad replacements as an advocacy for the safety of motorists. Lea Datu, Rapide’s marketing manager said, “Brakes are prone to normal wear and tear and most importantly, drivers rely on them for safety. This is why we thought of giving lifetime brake warranties to those who avail of the service.”

Last but just as important, Enriquez said a service center should provide exemplary repair services on time. Lost time, as businessmen would say, is lost money and resources. “Time is of the essence for everyone. We respect our clients’ time which is why our well-trained mechanics make sure the car is ready before its scheduled pick-up time. “

Rapide is highly regarded as the most successful auto service chain in the country since 1988. It has over 50 branches nationwide and has pioneered the “hassle-free service” and “quick service” concept in car care. Services include car maintenance, suspension, brakes, and air-conditioning repairs.

In view of its burgeoning business, the company is open for business franchising. Call 896-9726, 896-5283, and 896-4625 or visit www.rapide.com.ph. to inquire about their auto repair services and franchise packages.