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Repair Shops

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Ok, you have decided that a repair is beyond your ability or the tools that you have, now what.  Well, you need to find an Automotive repair shop.  "Are all repair shops the same?"  Nay, Nay, I say.  Repair shops are not equal and may not be qualified to perform repair work  even on a bicycle, let along on your air cooled VW.  What is a qualified repair shop?  Are there any guidelines for repair shops.

Well, first they need to have the repair manuals. Because without the manual, it is like driving blindfolded. 

Second, They MUST have the specialized tools needed to perform any and all repairs, not every repair shop has those tools.

Third, they must have experience needed to repair VW's.  Without the experience, a repair shop may do more damage than what your beloved VW had when it went to the shop in the first place.

Fourth, they must have the knowledge of repair procedures.  The procedures are NOT the same as for a Water Cooled Vehicle.  Just because a Doctor is an MD does not mean he is a good Dentist.  If the repair shop personnel say there is no difference, RUN, don't walk out of there.  If in doubt, ask them. 

Also don't rely on a shop with ASE certifications.  I have NOTHING against ASE or their testing, it is quite good.  One problem: they do not cover Air Cooled, and just because the shop has the certifications doesn't mean the personnel are qualified and knowledgeable.  I have met some ASE certified techs that should not work on a lawn mover let alone a motor vehicle.

In the last few years many states have started regulating (like California) or at least writing up guidelines for auto repair shops.  more about some of those guidelines on our Guidelines page

A test that we do is this, ask the tech how to remove the water pump from your VW.  If he starts into a procedure, walk out the door and leave.  If they say, "your '74 beetle doesn't have a water pump but your 2002 does have a water pump."  Good Answer!  At least they know that!  Then the next question, ask to see the repair manual that they use.  They need to be using the Robert Bentley or Factory VW manuals.  If they don't, leave.  This is really true if they show you a factory manual for a 1950 VW beetle..they KNOW what they are doing.  If they show you a Chilton or Haynes manual, leave the shop.  Chilton manuals usually cover many year models and leave out many procedures, they are barely adequate for a "shade tree Mechanic"  Haynes manuals are a little better but they too leave out many procedures and still tell you to seek out a qualified mechanic.  That is why you are taking your VW to them in the first place!  Another thing to look for, do they have any other Air cooled VW's in their shop.  If not, ask them if they have ever worked on one.

So you are thinking, "why not go to the VW Dealer".  I guess you can, if you like to spend tons of money.  Dealers are good since they are experienced, in most cases.  But the one disadvantage is the cost.  Most dealers charge $45 to 95 a hour for labor.  Their parts cost is also higher since most of the time they have to buy parts from the VW parts depot. So, you can get you VW repaired by a dealer but the cost is normally high, and low cost operation is a reason you have the VW anyway!  Something else to remember, all VW's built since 1981 are water cooled including the new beetle.  So a question to ask yourself is "Is the Dealer REALLY qualified to do the repairs?"  You can decide that one for yourself.

All of the information in here is not intended to cause harm to any company, but is from personal and business experience gained over the last 25+ years.  We have dealt with some very skilled shops and some really bad ones.  Usually the bad ones go out of business quickly, as long as they are not the "only game in town"

I have received many emails and questions about if the above information is also true for water cooled VW (1976 to present).  The answer is YES.  If a repair shop does not have the repair manuals, knowledge, or parts, do not walk but RUN from the shop!  All repair shops are under the same laws as any other business (in some state there is more regulation on repair shops).  If they treat you badly, install the wrong parts or mess up the VW more than what it was before it entered the shop, your local authorities can help, like the consumer protection office for your state or the Better Business Bureau

Finally, most good shops will return or at least show you the bad parts.  EVERY time I have taken a vehicle in for repairs I did want to do myself, I will ask to see the damaged parts.  I have never been refused the request.  Nothing, makes me more mad than to hear about a shop that has done lousy work, over charging, or installed the wrong parts.  Would you accept it if your Doctor did this?  I would not.

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