Finding a good mechanic has to repair himself according to the level of prestige just to find a good doctor. When you’re stranded on the side of the road with a dead vehicle, the importance of a good auto repair mechanic takes on even greater significance. Unfortunately, not all car mechanics are scrupulous about what can be taken “for the ride” literally. What better way to find an auto mechanic in times of auto crisis? Here are some tips for finding a mechanic who can pay for the job without a bank:
I found a good auto-repair mechanic: see one job before.
This may be the most important decision of all. Starting looking for a competent mechanic before your car sets you up to die. There is nothing more frustrating than a dead car and no one to call. Chances are, 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, get your mechanic started.
Find a good auto repair mechanic: avoid dealerships and chain repair stores if possible
Auto dealers generally do a good job, but you’ll be charged a premium price for labor, while the work is done at many chain repair shops of lower quality. Your best bet is to find a reputable auto repair shop. A good shop will go out of its way to keep your business, they will have to compete with local restrictions and traffic. How do you find yourself honest? Always a good word of mouth resource. Ask friends and neighbors who have the same car model model as you that you recommend. Don’t jump at the first name you hear. Wait until several people recommend one shop and give that shop a call. Make sure they work on your car model.
Find a good auto repair mechanic: Ask local car clubs for recommendations
If there is a group that knows cars and restores the importance of a good car, the members are the antique car clubs. Call local car clubs in your area and ask for a local referral. This is very important if you happen to have an old car.
Find a good auto mechanic: look for ASE certification
Look for auto mechanics that have ASE certification. This means that he has had at least two years of hands-on experience in car repair and has passed a series of competency tests. Although this does not necessarily make a reputable mechanic, it does mean that he has a basic level of knowledge to repair a car.
Find a good auto mechanic: Background check an auto repair shop
Call the Better Business Bureau and see if complaints have been filed against the shop you are considering. You can ask as many people about their experience at the shop. The more you have, the better.
Find a good auto-repair mechanic: Try a mechanic with simple repairs
Once you’ve chosen a potential mechanic, it’s best to prove their level of reliability and competence by taking your car in for minor repair work. If you’re satisfied with the job done, keep your new mechanic on speed dial.
As a final reminder, when you get your car repaired at an auto repair shop, get everything in writing in an itemized list of repairs as well as a written warranty. If you believe that you are being burdened, go through each of the services performed in the shop, and know that you are justly charged. It is not difficult to find the average costs of different repairs by researching on the internet. When you find a good auto repair mechanic who meets your needs, treat him or her like gold. You have found the treasure.
