When their cars break down unexpectedly, many people take them to the closest repair shop they can find. But this important decision should not be left to chance.

The best thing to do is to start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. By planning ahead, you can be sure that your car will be in capable hands when repairs are needed.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a nonprofit, independent organization that tests and certifies auto service professionals, offers these tips on finding a good auto repair establishment.

* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations or consult local consumer groups.

* 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 modern equipment and vehicles in the parking lot that are equal in value to your own.

* Look for a courteous staff. The service consultant should be willing to answer all of your questions.

* Ask about the shop’s policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.

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

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

* Look for evidence of qualified technicians such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced courses and ASE certification.

Approximately 400,000 professionals hold current ASE credentials. They can be found at independent garages, dealerships, franchised outlets, collision shops and various other types of repair facilities.

The certified technicians wear blue and white ASE insignia or pins. Their employers often display their technicians’ ASE credentials in the customer service area and post the ASE sign on the premises.

Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.

Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago – anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics – are commonplace. It doesn’t appear that the swift pace of technological advancement will slow any time soon, either, with the advent of hybrid vehicles and such features on the horizon as interactive suspensions, constantly variable-speed transmissions and 42-volt batteries.

For automotive service professionals, this means continual training and coursework to keep up with the torrent of changes. Disparaged years ago as “grease monkeys,” mechanics today have become automotive technicians, every bit as comfortable behind a computer screen and keyboard as under the hood with a wrench.

ASE is reminding motorists to follow the service schedules listed in their owners’ manuals before making a long-distance drive. While few people would ignore an ominous service engine light, many do skip oil changes. Yet in survey after survey, ASE-certified master auto technicians say that the old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital services for getting the most from your automotive investment.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Its 400,000 certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.