How to Find a Good Mechanic

The auto repair industry sometimes gets a bad rap but there are good, yes even honest mechanics out there. How do you find an auto mechanic and an auto repair shop that you can trust?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• internet
• friends and family
• your car maintenance manual
• time to research

1. 
    

   Know what you need. What kind of vehicle do you drive? A high-end luxury vehicle or a lower-end economy car are different to service. DON'T BE FOOLED INTO THINKING THAT ONLY THE DEALER WHO SOLD YOUR VEHICLE TO YOU IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DO MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS ON IT. You are going to need to make sure the mechanic you choose is qualified to work on your car. There are plenty of certified mechanics who are qualified to repair your car. ( look for ASE certified mechanics)
   Get out your car's maintenance manual and read it. Know what recommended maintenance is required. Your car needs more than oil changes.

2. 
    

   Are you mechanically inclined or are you clueless? If you are mechanically inclined or at least have some kind of idea on how your car works then that is great. It makes it easier to communicate with someone when you understand the language. If you are clueless you are setting yourself up to be taken advantage of. Read your vehicle maintenance manual to get a better understanding of how your car works. You don't need to know how to fix it, but every driver should be able to change a flat tire or check their fluids.

3. Get referrals from friends and family. Make sure you know what kind of vehicle they drive. Ask them not only if they were satisfied with the cost of the repairs but the quality of the repairs. What kind of relationship do they have with their auto repair shop? Do they just go because it is convenient or do they indicate they trust them?

4. Do the research. Check to see if they have a website. You can tell a lot about a business by the quality of their website. Is it up to date? informative?
   If the auto repair shop does not have a website I still recommend checking it out. Instead of calling, if it is convenient, stop by. (Midday- after lunch - a few hours before closing time is probably best) Go in, talk to the service manager and feel him/her out. Ask about their policies regarding estimates, getting pre-approval for repairs, labor rates and turnaround time.

5. If they pass your first impression, schedule an appointment for some minor maintenance. Be clear with your needs and never assume just because you are having minor work done doesn't always mean they can do it in a timely fashion. They should be working on other vehicles. Be upfront with them with your expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

6. Don't wait until you break down to look for a mechanic. Towing service can be costly. When you are in a vulnerable situation you are setting yourself up to be taken advantage of. If you work a distance from your home, ask your co-workers if they know anyone. It is good to be prepared. Building a relationship with an auto repair shop in your neighborhood is practical as well as having someplace to go near your job. The key is to be prepared. If you were sick would you go to just any doctor? Chances are unless it is an emergency you have a doctor you trust. Think of your car's "health" the same way you do yours. It sounds corny but believe me, you won't be sorry. Your car is vital to you bringing home a paycheck every week, isn't it?

Tips & Warnings

• Most customers prefer that a shop call them first to get approval on any work done over what was originally discussed. SOME SHOPS DON'T DO THIS!!! Make it clear to the service writer or manager what you want.
• Know what an "estimate" is. An estimate is an IDEA of what a job will cost. The final bill can fluctuate either up or down. THIS IS NORMAL!
• To build trust with a shop you must be clear on what you expect. Get all the answers to your questions BEFORE you agree to have work done.
• Most mechanics aren't psychic. They will only check what you ask them to and unless you let them know every "symptom" your car has they might miss something. Think of going to the doctor and not telling him how you are feeling and then expecting him to diagnose you without getting feedback from you.
• ASE certified means the mechanic is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence. Check out their website.
• There is a federal law that prohibits car dealerships from voiding your warranty if you choose to get your routine maintenance done elsewhere. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!!!!

[carmensjones]

on 4/15/2009 How to Find a Good Mechanic has some great tips. thanks

[heatherleigh73]

on 4/4/2009 I hate going to the mechanic! this is good information for those of us who know nothing about cars! 5*

[our5kids]

on 3/28/2009 Great tips thank goodness I don't have to go through this my husband is one, But he says your tips are great!!5*.

[tachic]

on 3/25/2009 Funny thing is my dealer ended up doing repair work for half the cost of my original quote!

[cardoctor]

on 3/23/2009 This article is right on target! I am an automotive technician and have over 27 yers of experience in all aspects of automotive repair. I frequently explain just what thei article was about to many people that I meet when they ask how to find a trustworthy shop or mechanic. I usually end up being their mechanic when it is all said and done, but the points made in this article are right on. 5 STARS!!!!