How to Find a Good Auto Mechanic

What's the best way to find a good auto repair mechanic in times of a car crisis? Here are some tips for finding a mechanic who can get the job done without breaking the bank.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look before you need one.
   
   This may be the most important advice of all. Start looking for a competent mechanic before your car decides to die on you. There's nothing more frustrating than having a dead car and no one to call. Chances are you'll flip through the yellow pages and call the first mechanic who can fit you in. Your chances of finding a good one are slim using this approach. As soon as you get a new car or move to a new area, begin your search for a reliable mechanic.

2. Test the mechanic with simple repairs.
   
   Once you've selected a potential mechanic, it's best to test their level of honesty and competency by taking your car in for a minor repair job. If you're satisfied with the work done, keep your new mechanic on speed dial.

3. Background check the auto repair shop.
   
   Call your Better Business Bureau and see if any complaints have been filed against the shop you're considering. Ask as many people as you can about their experience at the shop. The more information you have, the better.

4. Look for ASE certification.
   
   Look for auto mechanics that have ASE certification. This means they have had at least two years of hand-on, full-time car repair experience and have passed a series of competency exams. Although this doesn't necessarily make a mechanic is honest, it does mean that he has a basic level of car repair knowledge.

5. Ask local car clubs for a recommendation.
   
   If there's a group that knows cars and the importance a good auto repair service, it's the members of antique car clubs. Call local car clubs in your area and ask for a local referral. This is particularly important if you happen to have an antique car yourself.

6. Avoid dealerships and chain repair stores, if possible.
   
   Auto dealerships will generally do a good job, but you'll be charged premium prices for the job, while the work done at many chain repair shops is of lower quality. Your best bet is to find a reputable independent auto repair shop. A good shop will go out of their way to keep your business since they have to compete with the local chains and dealerships. How do you find a reputable one? Word of mouth is always a good resource. Ask friends and neighbors who have the same model car as you who they would recommend. Don't jump on the first name you hear. Wait until several people recommend a single shop and give that shop a call. Make sure they work on your model of car.

Tips & Warnings

• When you get your car repaired at an auto repair shop, get everything in writing including an itemized list of repairs as well as a written guarantee. If you believe you're being overcharged, go through each service performed by the shop and be sure you were charged a fair rate. It's not difficult to find the average costs of different repairs by searching the internet. Once you find a good auto repair mechanic who meets your needs, treat him or her like gold. You've found a treasure.