Find a Good Mechanic
Posted on | November 17, 2009 |
Finding a mechanic you trust is harder than one would think. First, you need to trust this person because they are taking care of one your most expensive assets, and secondly - you’re giving them lots of money. Here’s some good advice from around the country on finding a good mechanic….
- Read your owner’s manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s suggested service schedule.
- Look for a mechanic before you need repairs.
- Make a list of mechanics and repair shops in your area (look in a phone book or online). You may want to choose a facility close to a public transportation line, your home or work. Imagine what you would need to get around if you didn’t have your car.
- Consider what type of business you would prefer: dealership, retail chain stores or an independently-owned business.
- Ask friends and associates for recommendations before choosing a facility.
- Ask about the mechanic’s competence, reliability and honesty.
- Ask about the quality of the work.
- Ask about the cost of the prices.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau, local consumer organizations or online rankings to find out about a mechanic’s reputation. Ask about past complaints and how they were resolved.
- Check to see if the auto repairs shop is ASE Certified. ASE stands for The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which is a professional certification testing organization for mechanics.
- ASE Certified mechanics must undergo training and testing every five years to keep their certification.
- This is a handy site from the ASE that helps you find a certified service professional near you.
- Once you’ve narrowed down your list, check out a few shops. It is important, if possible, to get estimates from a few different mechanics.
We have more on what to ask the mechanic when you’re at the shop here.
Susan
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