Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for auto repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Dana Meyer Auto Care, the keys to keeping customers happy are simple: take the time to answer their questions and make sure they leave the shop with safe, reliable vehicles. “We’ve always been dedicated to taking care of our customers and solving their problems,” affirms owner Dana Meyer. “I’m proud to put my name on the front door because I want people to know that if there’s ever a problem with our work, they know exactly who to talk to.”

Dana Meyer Auto Care has been repairing foreign and domestic vehicles (including electrics and hybrids) at its Albany facility since 1975. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from diagnostics to engine and transmission repairs, and it offers a two-year/24,000-mile parts and labor warranty on every job.

Unlike less experienced auto repair shops that take an “assembly line” approach in an effort to maximize their workload volume, Dana Meyer Auto Care takes its time with each vehicle and makes sure all details are considered before moving on. “When someone brings their car to our shop, we listen to their concerns and get the story behind the problem so we can make a proper diagnosis,” explains Mr. Meyer. “We understand that people rely on their vehicles, so it’s our job to make sure they can safely continue that daily relationship.”

Ultimately, Mr. Meyer says Dana Meyer Auto Care’s most important attribute is its ability to do things that dealerships and other shops can’t do, which saves hours of repair time and translates to lower bills for customers. “For example, most shops remove the entire engine when they have to replace a control arm, but I knew there had to be a better way, so I figured out how to do it in about four hours. I believe our customers deserve better than paying for unnecessary labor.”

When looking for an auto repair shop, keep in mind that honesty and customer care are just as important as skill and experience.

Everyone wants an auto shop that’s experienced and keeps up with the latest industry technology. However, even if you have the most skilled technician in the world, if they aren’t concerned for your well-being, you won’t have assurance of quality care. That’s why it’s so important to find a shop that has your best interests at heart.

Safety should be every mechanic’s primary concern. Each time you bring in your car, regardless of the reason, your technician should look over the vehicle to confirm basic safety. They should also check things like fluid levels and tire pressure to make sure your car is in optimal driving condition. These things aren’t required by law, but they are signs that the shop truly cares about your well-being.

Good technicians are also sensitive to their customers’ budgets. Any given car may have several issues that need to be addressed, but often, not all of them are an immediate concern. A considerate technician will prioritize what needs to be fixed now and what can wait until later. For example, if your brakes are getting low but they still have another few thousand miles in them, your technician should offer to look at them again in 4,000 miles to see if they need to be replaced. Even something like a minor leak can often wait until later as long as you don’t forget about it. By prioritizing service, your auto repair shop can help you get the most life out of vehicle components and budget ahead for future repairs.

Some auto repair tasks can be good DIY projects, but things like detail-oriented work and inspections are best left to certified mechanics. “You might know how to change your oil, but do you know where you can legally recycle motor oil?” posits Dana Meyer, owner of Dana Meyer Auto Care in Albany. “The truth is, it’s often easier, faster, and less expensive than the cost of materials and your own time to have a professional handle the work. Modern vehicles are very complicated and computerized, and it takes specialized equipment and tools to perform most repairs and maintenance.”

Q: How much will it cost to repair my car?

A: It depends on a variety of factors, but once we look at your vehicle and determine the scope of work, we’ll give you a quote for your specific repair.

Q: How long will it take to fix my car?

A: Most repairs and maintenance can be done on the same day, depending on the depth of the service, but we’ll give you a general idea of how long it will take when you drop off your car. If we have to do diagnostics or research the problem, we’ll call you as soon as we know what’s going on.

Q: Can you help me decide if I should repair my car right now or wait until later?

A: Absolutely. We’ll give you a prioritized list of issues so you can choose when to do certain repairs and maintenance. Depending on the problem and how often you normally drive, some repairs can wait for weeks or even months.

Q: How important are the warning lights on my dashboard?

A: More important than you think. There are hundreds of sensors on modern vehicles, and each one sends information about the condition of the battery, oil, brakes, and other systems. If a warning light comes on in your car, you should get it checked out right away.

Q: Should I consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle?

A: We definitely recommend getting an electric vehicle, especially for local trips and commuting. They can save you money and they’re good for the environment. There’s some uncertainty about hybrids and electric vehicles, but that’s the way the market is trending. Many people worry that they’ll run out of juice and be stranded, but modern electric cars have a range of about 200 miles, so that won’t affect most people.