Heavy-duty diesel truck engines are built to last. However, even the most reliable machines need major work at some point. With the right skills, equipment, and know-how, you can perform minor repairs yourself, but when your engine needs a rebuild, it's time to call the professionals.
Choosing the right shop for an engine rebuild is essential. You need a mix of expertise, competitive pricing, and people you can trust. Here are some tips for finding a shop that won't let you down and will get your truck back on the road and running perfectly.
1. Experience
The first thing you should look for is whether the company has experience with diesel engine rebuilds. Additionally, if you bring your truck in for repair, you want someone who has experience in doing a variety of procedures, so they can fix any problems they encounter.
So look for somewhere specializing in diesel engine rebuilds, transmission, overhauls, clutch repairs, and so on.
If a shop has experience in a variety of truck repairs, then you won't have to bring your truck elsewhere to fix issues. A one-stop shop is what you'll need.
2. Reputation
The best shops for rebuilding heavy-duty diesel truck engines have built a strong reputation. They are proud of their good standing and fiercely protect it by providing an excellent service that people can trust and rely upon.
Speak to friends, family, and work colleagues in your area and find out who they use when they need truck repairs.
3. Google and social media reviews
Not everyone will have people they trust who can recommend a shop. Thankfully, you can Google companies in your area that provide heavy-duty diesel engine rebuilds.
Read a portion of the reviews and look out for businesses that provide a steady stream of satisfaction. Of course, don't rule out somewhere based on a few isolated bad reviews. Look at the bigger picture. Consider how the shop responds to less-than-ideal reviews. Do they offer a solution for the customer? Or an explanation of the service? Ideally, you want a shop that will be honest and transparent with you about the engine rebuild.
4. Certified technicians
Truck repair, especially rebuilding a diesel engine, is specialist technical work. It's going to be a significant investment for you, and you'll be relying on the work that was done to keep your truck on the road, earning you money.
Finding ASE-certified technicians is important. Inexperienced or unskilled mechanics could end up causing more damage to your vehicle.
5. Quality parts
Quality brand heavy-duty trucks can run for a long time because their engines are built with first-rate parts that can stand up to the strain of constant driving.
Look for shops that have access to OEM parts. While aftermarket parts can look similar, sometimes they're not quite an exact fit or of the same quality. Too often, these differences can contribute to future issues.
While we aren't advocating that you should always use expensive OED parts, you should work with shops that, at minimum, give you the option.
If you find a reputable shop, they'll be able to advise you about which parts are high quality and the best option for your specific repair needs.
Another thing you should consider is if the shop has a good inventory. If you are getting your engine rebuilt, some parts might need to be replaced. You want a shop that has the parts you need on hand, so you can get back to work as quickly as possible.
6. Competitive prices
Finding a good price is important. However, like everything else, you get what you pay for. You shouldn't automatically choose the lowest offer when you get a number of quotes. Sometimes, the work won't be up to scratch, and you'll end up back in the shop sooner than you'd like.
So look for a mix of competitive prices alongside experience, reviews, and overall facilities. It can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
7. Diagnostic tools
The use of software diagnostic tools has revolutionized the automotive industry. Engines are precise machines, and advances in computing mean that mechanics can diagnose problems quickly and accurately.
Look for a shop that has access to this type of technology. They'll be able to solve your issues and even identify other problems that may be contributing to your faulty engine.
8. Services bays
If you're evaluating shops to get your truck engine rebuilt, one tip is to look out for how many service bays they have. Ideally, you want to find a shop that has adequate services to get you back on the road without extensive delays.
Shops with good facilities that can handle a fair amount of work will typically be able to get your rebuild done quickly.
9. A clean, modern facility
A clean, modern facility can tell you a lot about a shop. Look for somewhere that is well-run, organized, and professional. When those qualities are in place, you can feel more confident you've found a productive shop.
If a shop owner can't take care of their own facility, what is to say they'll treat your truck with the appropriate level of care? Ensure you find a shop that takes pride in its facility and has clean tools, work areas, and proper safety conditions.
10. Good customer service
Good customer service covers a lot of different things. For starters, you want to work with a shop that respects its customers. Secondly, you need somewhere that is responsive.
Look for somewhere that gets back to you quickly, by phone or email. Additionally, you'll want to hand off your keys to a company that understands your situation and is committed to communicating with you to quickly get you back on the road.
Conclusion
Getting a heavy-duty truck rebuilt can be a costly and time-consuming process. You can't afford your truck to be off the road for too long, which is why it's essential to find an experienced, reputable, trustworthy shop.
Customer service, access to parts, and clean service pay are all critical factors. Similarly, you shouldn't compromise on certification and experience if you want the job done right.
