Faced with the fear of being forced to carry out unnecessary repairs or falling victim to shoddy workmanship, it is vital to know how to identify reputable garages. German expert Sven Wangler, whose workshop has won the award for best national garage multiple times, shares his observations and reveals seven red flags that should prompt motorists to look elsewhere.
Signs that don’t lie
Finding a garage that combines competence, transparency, and honesty can sometimes feel like an uphill battle . No one wants to break down because of a poor-quality part, nor spend a fortune on unnecessary repairs. Sven Wangler, owner of the renowned Autohaus Deusch in Zell am Harmersbach, Germany (winner of the German Workshop Award in 2018 and 2024), shared his criteria for distinguishing trustworthy garages from those best avoided. The first red flag, according to Wangler, is their digital presence. In today’s digital age, a good business needs to be easily found . This means not just having a sophisticated website, but being visible on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. If the establishment only displays a mobile phone number instead of a business landline, or if it is sorely lacking in online reviews (or if those reviews are largely negative), this is a point not to be overlooked.
Furthermore, the visual aspect of the premises often speaks louder than words . A poorly maintained lot, unmarked parking spaces, or a gravel driveway that hasn’t been renovated in 25 years can indicate poor organization. So yes, obviously, a garage is a workplace where oil spills, but basic cleanliness is essential . The way bulky waste (old batteries, used tires, broken windshields) is managed reveals the company’s commitment. A healthy work environment is, most of the time, a reflection of a job well done.
The third point to consider is the quality of customer service. Emails and messages should receive a prompt response , not one that takes several days to reply. The expert also emphasizes that telephone and in-person reception must be professional and courteous. An unfriendly receptionist or one-way communication where the customer isn’t treated as an equal is a bad sign.
The true signs of trust
The lack of visible activity on the premises is the fourth warning sign identified by the specialist. When a garage appears deserted, with no busy employees or waiting customer vehicles, this is problematic. Thus, a heavy workload can paradoxically be a positive sign of customer trust in the business . The fifth indicator is directly related to the transparency of the work performed. A good practice is to avoid abruptly deviating from the initial reason for repair. For example, if a driver comes in for a brake problem, it is suspicious to be suddenly offered an exhaust or shock absorber replacement . The most competent garages should be able to document their findings. They should be able to provide a clear fault analysis, ideally with photos, and, most importantly, show the defective part to the customer before carrying out the replacement.
The sixth warning sign is perhaps the most insidious. Using alarmist language like
“if you don’t get this repair done immediately, future repair costs will be exorbitant!” is, according to Wangler, an unethical tactic. A professional should explain what is absolutely necessary for safety and what can wait, without playing on the customer’s anxiety, especially if they lack technical knowledge. Finally, an owner-operated garage is often a plus, as personal involvement is stronger. When in doubt, the ultimate tip is to test the garage with a small repair. This provides an opportunity to assess the quality of service, communication, and overall approach before entrusting them with a more expensive or complex job.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
