'Not All Auto Shops Are Created Equal:' Mechanic Says Always Ask One Question Before Having a Shop Service Your Car. Here's Why

"I've seen plenty that can’t fix a sandwich."

Mechanic says always ask this one question before having a new shop service your car.

Photo by: dillsboro.automot & masterauto.tech

Nina Hernandez

By: Nina Hernandez

Jul 12, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

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A mechanic has a piece of advice for finding the right auto shop: Check to see if they have their Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

TikTok user Dillsboro Automotive (@dillsboro.automot) posted this advice on July 5. In the video, a technician tells viewers what to ask when choosing a mechanic.

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“When looking for an automotive repair shop, one of the smartest things you can do is ask if they're ASE certified,” he says. “To get these certifications, a technician has to pass rigorous exams, and they have to have proven experience.”

He continues, “Another thing is that in order to keep these certifications, the technician has to be recertified every so often. So that means they have to stay up to date on the changes that keep coming out on these vehicles as they advance and change.”

The technician says that becoming and maintaining ASE or other certifications means a mechanic is committed to investing the time and effort to stay up to date on changes in the industry.

As the video concludes, he says, “Anybody can say that they're a mechanic, but the ASE certifications help prove it."

"Not all auto shops are created equal," the caption adds.

People in the comments largely disagree with this advice.

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ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The nonprofit says it’s dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals in vehicle repair, service, and parts distribution.

A panel of industry experts—including technicians, manufacturers, aftermarket manufacturers, and educators—writes the questions for ASE tests.

The fail rate is rather high, per ASE. It claims that only two out of every three test takers pass on their first try. ASE-certified professionals must retake the test every five years to remain in good standing.

In the comments, viewers debated the merits of an ASE certification. Most think it’s overrated and doesn’t mean someone is a good mechanic. One commenter called it a “cash grab.”

One person insisted, "I've seen plenty of ASE certified techs that can't fix a car. Those tests mean nothing."

"Dealership techs are ASE certified," wrote a second. "That's all you need to know as far as what a joke that is."

Another said, “I've seen plenty that can’t fix a sandwich. ASE is a waste of money.”

More than one joked that ASE stands for “ask someone else.”

ASE had at least one defender in the comments.

What do you think?

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"All these people are mad at ASE," wrote one person. "Maybe y'all just aren't smart techs and want to stay parts changers."

Motor1 reached out to Dillsboro Automotive via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We also reached out to ASE via email for comment.