It’s not always easy trying to find an automobile repair shop that you can trust to service your car properly. But one sign that will help minimize concerns over what will happen to your car between dropping it off and picking it up is an AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. This sign guarantees a certain level of service that other shops won’t offer.

You might not know this, but the auto industry is different from other industries because it doesn't require minimum training or continued certification classes for an individual to conduct business. Unlike your exterminator, hairdresser, insurance agent or real estate agent, mechanics can start their own business without passing any aptitude tests, having proof of insurance or obtaining a license.

Folks, you could open your own auto repair shop today with no insurance, no license and no proof that you’re qualified to even change the oil of a car. The automotive repair industry, both independents and factory dealerships, have resisted licensing, reinforcing a poor image for our industry.

This is why AAA Motor Club decided it was time to help the general public identify truly qualified shops from the “other” ones. When AAA considers a shop for approval, there are several requirements that must be met:

	Facilities must employ technicians that are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified in each area of service offered
	These shops have to have proof of liability insurance, as well as proper tools and equipment in working order for all jobs they claim to do.
	Establishments must make a commitment to fix your vehicle properly the first time and guarantee repairs for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles.
	They must pass a yearly survey that takes 200 consecutive repair orders and asks clients about shop performance.

So to ensure your automobile is properly serviced, make sure to look for an AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. This will help minimize the guesswork associated with finding a quality service auto repair shop to service your car’s needs.

To find an AAA Approved shop, go to www.aaa-texas.org

Consider these 3 questions when making the decision to repair or replace a vehicle:

Your regular shop should be able to advise you on making the right decision, but only you know the true value of your vehicle.

It is inevitable that someday we will run out of affordable fossil fuels. As the existing supply becomes more expensive, alternatives are becoming more attractive.

Any vehicle that uses more than one device to power is called a hybrid. Hybrid vehicles today all use an internal combustion engine and an electric motor separately or in combination. The gasoline engine of a hybrid can charge the battery for the electric engine and they have huge generators that use the brakes to recharge the battery cell.

There are advantages to both types of vehicles out there. Gas motors offer quick refueling and power on demand, while electric engines have zero emissions and provide fuel economy. But a battery for a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic hybrid installed is about $3200 and $3050 respectively. A standard battery installed in your gas vehicle will run you about $125. 

Does the fuel economy of a hybrid and its environmental benefits outweigh the price of a battery? You decide.