How to Choose a Reliable Auto Repair Shop in Edmond, OK

1. Ask Your Friends and Family

When you’re looking for a good repair shop, one of the first places you should turn to is the people you trust. Family and friends can be a huge help in finding a shop that they’ve had positive experiences with. Ask them if they have a go-to place for car repairs. They can give you honest feedback about the mechanics they’ve worked with.

In Edmond, a town known for its tight-knit community, you’ll likely hear about a few spots that people swear by. Personal recommendations can save you a lot of time, and you can trust that the people giving you these suggestions are trying to help you out.

If you don’t know anyone in Edmond or don’t feel like asking your family, consider checking out local community groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or other social media platforms. People in these groups are usually happy to share their experiences with local services, including auto repair shops.

2. Look for Certifications and Qualifications

You might not be able to tell if a repair shop is good just by looking at it, but you can check for certifications and qualifications that can give you peace of mind. In the auto repair world, certain certifications are a sign that the shop and its mechanics are skilled and knowledgeable.

One of the most common certifications is from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification means that the mechanic has passed tough exams and has a proven level of expertise. So, if you see an ASE-certified mechanic at a shop in Edmond, OK, that’s a good sign that they know what they’re doing.

In addition to ASE certification, you might also see manufacturer-specific certifications. These are certifications that show a mechanic is trained to work on specific car brands, like Ford, Toyota, or Honda. This can be especially helpful if you have a car from a certain brand and want someone who knows the ins and outs of that make.

3. Check for Reviews Online

In today’s world, reviews are super important. Before you even step foot inside a repair shop, you can use the internet to check how other customers have rated their experience. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Angie’s List allow customers to post reviews about their experiences with local businesses.

When you’re reading through reviews, keep a few things in mind:

Look for patterns: If lots of people say the same thing, then it’s probably true. For example, if several reviews mention fast service or excellent customer care, that’s a good sign.

Check both positive and negative reviews: Don’t just focus on the good reviews. A shop that only has 5-star ratings may seem fishy, because no one is perfect! Pay attention to how the shop handles complaints. If they respond professionally and offer to make things right, that’s a good indicator of a reliable business.

Beware of fake reviews: Some shops might post fake reviews to make themselves look good. To avoid falling for these, check if the reviews sound too perfect or too extreme.

You can also check the shop’s website or social media to see if they have customer testimonials. Many shops display the best reviews they’ve gotten online, so take these with a grain of salt, but they can still give you an idea of what to expect.

4. Visit the Shop in Person

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to visit a few shops in person. This gives you a chance to check out the shop’s atmosphere and see how they treat customers.



Here’s what to look for when you visit an auto repair shop:

Cleanliness and organization: A well-kept shop usually reflects how organized and professional the staff is. If the waiting area is clean, the tools are in their proper places, and the workstations are neat, it shows that they take their work seriously.

Friendly staff: When you walk in, are the people at the counter helpful and welcoming? A good shop should have mechanics and staff who are ready to explain things and answer questions without being rude or dismissive.

Clear pricing: Does the shop have transparent pricing? Some repair shops can be vague about costs, but a reliable one will give you a clear estimate and will explain what services are being done. Make sure you understand what you’re paying for before they start working on your car.

5. Get Multiple Estimates

Before you let a shop fix your car, it’s always a good idea to get at least two or three estimates. This will give you a better idea of what a reasonable price is for the job that needs to be done. Be cautious if one shop offers a price that’s way cheaper than others—it could be a sign of poor quality or that they’re cutting corners to save money.



When comparing estimates, make sure that the shops are offering the same services. If one shop offers a cheaper price but isn’t including parts or labor that another shop includes in their estimate, the difference in cost might not be as big as it first seems.

6. Ask About Warranties

A great auto repair shop will stand behind its work. One way to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable place is by asking about their warranty policy. A reliable shop should offer a warranty on the repairs they make. This means that if something goes wrong with the repair, they’ll fix it for free or at a reduced cost.



Most auto repair shops offer warranties on both parts and labor, but the length and coverage of the warranty can vary. Make sure you get all the details about the warranty before the work begins. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case something doesn’t go as planned.

7. Test the Shop with a Small Repair

If you’re unsure about a shop but want to try them out, start by having them do a small repair or service, like an oil change or brake check. This way, you can get a feel for how they operate without committing to a big repair. If everything goes smoothly and they do a good job, you’ll have more confidence in bringing your car to them for bigger repairs in the future.

8. Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about a repair shop, it’s okay to walk away. Your car is an important part of your daily life, and you deserve to have it treated well. If a shop doesn’t make you feel comfortable or doesn’t seem trustworthy, keep looking until you find one that does.

Connect with the Experts Today!

At Critical Automotive, we pride ourselves on providing dealership-quality services without the premium prices. As a family-owned business in Edmond, OK, we’re dedicated to treating every customer like part of the family. Whether you need a routine oil change or a complex engine repair, our certified technicians are here to ensure your car is in the best hands.

Visit us today and experience quick, reliable, and transparent service backed by years of expertise. We’ll get you back on the road safely and quickly, with a commitment to quality that you can trust.

Call or stop by Critical Automotive today, and let’s keep your car running like new! We look forward to serving you and being your trusted auto repair shop for years to come.