You’ve probably been told many times that jumping around from one car mechanic to another is bad for the health of your car. However, finding a good mechanic you can trust can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about your car’s internal parts and how to fix them.
Not all car shops and car technicians are created equal, but how do you distinguish the good from the bad?
Some people swear by the dealership’s repair shop or a repair chains like Sears Auto, while other people believe locally-owned independent stores have better service. Regardless of what kind of shop you go to, your mechanic should make you feel confident and calm and should always have your best interests in mind.
Here are 6 ways to help protect yourself from potentially untrustworthy mechanics and find a mechanic you can trust to get the job right without make unnecessary repairs.
1. Ask Your Friends, Family and Co-Workers for Referrals
A recommendation from someone you know and trust is the best way to find a trustworthy mechanic. Also ask people about bad experiences so you know which shops to stay away from. If you hear several recommendations for the same mechanic, chances are he/she is a good place to start. Keep in mind that just because a place has been recommended by a friend, doesn’t mean it is the right place for you. You can also consult sites like Yelp.com or Ask Patty, or the Automotive Service Excellence [ACE] website
2. Use Card-Carrying Technicians with Certifications
When you are in the waiting room, look for trade school diplomas that show the technicians’ qualifications or certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ) or AAA approval. These certifications require a strict adherence to a code of ethics and professional standards which may give you a greater degree of confidence.
3. Get an Estimate
Before you agree to any repairs, ask your mechanic for a detailed cost estimate including hourly labor rates, diagnostic fees and material fees. Because of the Automotive Repair Act of 1971, most states require shops to give their customers a written estimate and require oral or written authorization for repairs exceeding the estimate by more than 10 percent. If your mechanic is unwilling to provide you with an estimate, find someone else.
4. Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
Remember, you are the customer and it’s your car. You should never be afraid or too intimidated to ask questions about what is wrong with your car, what the mechanic is doing to fix it and how much it will cost and why. If your mechanic is unwilling to answer your questions to your satisfaction, it may be an indication of how they treat their customers. Make sure the mechanic has your number so that he/she may call for your approval before making any changes to the discussed repairs.
5. Ask about a Warranty
Reputable mechanics should stand by their work with confidence. Ask your mechanic about warranties on labor and parts. While not all mechanics offer a warranty, shop warranties are a good indication in the shops’ confidence in its work and staff.
6. Start Small
Don’t wait until your engine fails to start looking for a good mechanic. Consider taking your car in for something minor like an oil change or tire rotation to check out the mechanic and the shop for the quality of work and customer service.
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