Finding a good resource for diesel engine repair service can seem more like a bear hunt in the wild than an easy task. While there are plenty of outfits that state they cover diesel engine repair and advertise the same, that doesn’t mean they provide reliable performance. And when the vehicle being worked on is your business investment on wheels, that’s not the sort of risk most folks feel comfortable taking. However, exactly what does one look for to find a good shop? Most use word of mouth, and that can be a bit hit and miss, depending on whom the source is. Fortunately, there’s a better way of finding a good service support system for your truck fleet, especially when safety counts.
Starting With the Basics
Obviously, diesel engine repairs need to be handled by a mechanic who knows his or her way around a diesel engine. Ideally, a technician who is familiar with the big names like Cummins, International, and Caterpillar is even better. However, just saying one can handle diesel engines is not enough. What you want to see and know is that the technician has and can prove a Master ASE certification in diesel engine repair. This means the mechanic doesn’t just know their way around, they are able to verifiably work on all types of diesel engines, even those in boats.
Give a Good Eye to the Physical Business Location
Second, take a look at the shop where the technician works. Is it professional? Do they have parts in stock, or is everything working out of a nondescript shed, and all the stock spares are coming from the local auto parts store or being shipped every day via UPS? Ordering for less common parts is normal but running a bare shop is a signal you’re dealing with a fly-by-night operation and should steer clear.
Use Others’ Opinions to Protect Your Equipment
Third, get references on local business and service from other folks regularly relying on diesel engine repair support and whether the outfit you’re looking at measures up. Someone else’s problem and the related story could save you thousands of dollars and frustration avoiding the same mistake. Don’t settle for just trying out the first service shop you find.
The Best Scenario
Ideally, you want to be working with a diesel engine repair service that runs a professional operation, has fully certified technicians handling all the work, carry a good inventory of regular spares and consumables, and carries a good reputation for reliable service on multiple diesel engine brands including Volvo, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Cummins and similar. This might seem like a heavy criteria list but it’s not hard to meet and you will be a lot happier with the results overall. Best of all, you won’t be another statistic of poor diesel engine repair work.