German automakers are among the world's oldest and best, but their vehicles are just as vulnerable to failure as any other manufacturer. According to WhatCar, reliability tests show Mercedes-Benz finished 26th out of 31 automakers. Whether you drive a Benz, BMW, or another popular make of German automobile, here are some tips to help you find a good German car repair shop.

Look for Specialist Mechanics

No two vehicles are alike, and German carmakers typically build highly engineered vehicles that might require special tools or skills to maintain. You should look for a German car repair shop whose mechanics specialize in European vehicles. They should have the correct tools to diagnose any mechanical problems and fix them on the spot.

Ask About State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Equipment

A quality service shop for your German-made automobile should have dedicated diagnostic equipment that can scan the vehicle's onboard computer and download any diagnostic codes. Those codes will tell the mechanics what might be wrong with the vehicle, which they can fix with their expert knowledge of a particular make and model. There is no guesswork involved.

Ensure They Have Access to OEM Parts

A bona fide German car repair shop should be well-stocked with factory parts from German automakers. The shop might specialize in a particular brand, like Porsche, Volkswagen, or another popular German automaker. The shop might provide maintenance and repair services for many of them. Either way, the technicians should have ready access to parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that are used to build that same make and model on the assembly line.

Learn About Factory Warranty Protection

You should determine whether or not the maintenance and repair shop is authorized to perform factory warranty work. If the German automaker affirms the shop is authorized to perform warranty work or even factory recall work, then it is a shop that the automaker affirms is qualified to work on your vehicle. When that shop performs routine maintenance and repairs, it should help to keep any factory warranty protection in force for as long as possible.

At European Repairs, Inc, we honor extended warranties for all German automobiles. You can call us now to schedule a service on your vehicle. You also can request a service here on our website. We look forward to servicing your vehicle!