How To Find A Good Mechanic

June 13th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under • by trisha

mechanic-main_full Whether you have a new car needing routine maintenance or an older car that has seen better days, you will likely need a repair shop or mechanic to perform certain services to keep your car on the road. Finding a good mechanic is not as simple as opening the yellow pages or dropping your car off at the closest shop. The following tips can help you weed out the less savory characters and find a mechanic that you can trust with your safety and your wallet.

Don’t wait until you need service- By researching mechanics or shops in your area before you need service you will not feel rushed or pressured to make a decision.
Ask around- Word-of-mouth is often the best way to find out which mechanics are good and which ones to avoid. Ask your friends, family, neighbors or co-workers who they use for automotive repairs and whether or not they are satisfied with the work. Rest assured if they have had a bad experience, they will be more than willing to tell the story.
Know your vehicle- You don’t have to be “mechanically” inclined to understand the basics of car care and maintenance. Consult your owner’s manual for information regarding routine car maintenance and what symptoms are cause for concern. By having at least a basic understanding of how your car works and what maintenance is required you can avoid paying for services you really don’t need.
Talk to the mechanic- Whenever possible, ask to speak to the person who would be working on your car. A good mechanic will want a detailed description of what the problem is, how long it has been occurring and other information. If your mechanic or repair shop claims they will be able to find the problem without asking questions, they may be more interested in “finding” all problems on their own which could result in extra charges.
Bigger isn’t always better- It may be more convenient to take your car to a large repair shop however convenience doesn’t always equal quality. Big name repair shops rely on their size and “name” to draw in customers. If you are unsatisfied with the work performed on your car, they might not be as inclined to “make it right” as an independent mechanic operating his own shop might. The guy down the road may not be able to get your car in and out in an hour, however he may be more inclined to do good work as he relies on every customer for future business.
Gauge experience- You should find a mechanic that has experience working with your vehicle’s make and model. Cars have evolved over the years and your mechanic should have as well. Not only do you want a mechanic that is familiar with your vehicle, but also someone who has performed the needed repairs before.

If you do your homework and shop around you should be able to find a qualified mechanic to work on your vehicle. Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask questions or demand answers when your car has been in the shop for repairs or maintenance. You have every right to know what services have been performed and a good mechanic will be happy to go over those details with you.