By Special to the Town Crier

Like their automobile cousins, sport-utility vehicles last longer, operate more efficiently and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.

For those too busy or too overwhelmed to perform their own maintenance, the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers some advice on choosing a repair establishment:

Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.

Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.

Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.

Look for a neat, well-organized facility with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.

Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.

Look for posted policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.

Ask if the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.

Start off with a minor job and progress to more complex work if you are pleased with the establishment.

Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community or customer service awards.

Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and certification of the technicians by ASE.

- News USA