The dos and don’ts of selecting a truck service and repair shop:

The success or failure of a truck business depends on how well truck service and repair is executed. A truck repair can kill a business due to the high costs involved. So analyze well before you spend on truck service and repair. Always do your homework when selecting a repair facility. The first step to get your truck serviced is to do some groundwork by visiting a number of shops and analyzing their advantages and the disadvantages. Take a second opinion from your friends and family for good referrals and personally visit them to get an idea about the place. Find out the shop’s warranty or guarantee policy before taking the plunge. Choose one based upon its reputation, quality, and workmanship guarantee and ensure that he provides you with a written warranty on the repair. After you are convinced, take your truck in for maintenance or minor repairs before trusting the shop with major work.

Rule out the "cheapest" price factor, it is not fair. Your truck needs to be serviced by someone with the right skills, service, knowledge, and reputation. Low estimates like any other purchase will take its tolls on your truck.

Never go by the reference of your insurance companies, claims offices or agents, however hard they attempt to influence your decision. For that reason, many insurance companies tie up with repair shops on the basis of an agreement to include the shop on the insurer's "list" in exchange for discounts, use of non-original parts and other cost-cutting techniques. In essence, these repair shops are working for the insurance company with a hidden agenda and not for you, the vehicle owner who is likely to get victimized for selecting the wrong shop.

How can you stay on top?

You may be a layman, but it pays to know about your truck, the more you know, the harder it will be for someone to take you for a ride. Even basics can be helpful. Keep a track of the recommended maintenance guidelines for your truck; by doing so, you will save yourself from saying, "Do whatever you think it needs." The humble preventive maintenance will save you from getting into a situation where you can be taken advantage of.

When in doubt, get a second opinion. For example, if your truck is disabled and you don't trust the diagnosis from a new mechanic, it's worth the extra hassle to tow it to another shop if need be. Always ask for a written estimate and a "No repairs authorized without owner's consent" before proceeding with any repairs.

Be specific and describe the symptoms carefully. Clarify your needs, and understand the process before taking a call.

If any of the parts needs to be replaced, ask for the particular part and the old part to be shown to you, just examine them briefly, to your best satisfaction.

If by some chance, you have a problem after getting your truck repaired, take it back to the shop as soon as possible. Give them a chance to fix the mistake. How they handle the situation will help you decide whether to re-visit or not.

Last but not the least; be aware of your rights. Know the right forum to approach in a worst case scenario. Such unpleasant instances can be avoided it you spend enough time to do research and analysis. Always remember the profitability of you business depends on the way truck service and repair is executed.