Finding a Reputable Mechanic

Getting your vehicle serviced is a normal part of owning a car, and can seem like a simple enough task. However, selecting a mechanic to work on your vehicle is quite an important process. There are three main things you should look for when you are shopping around for a car mechanic: quality service, good value, and a reputation for timely repairs. 

The first tenet, quality service, is the most important, and will require the most research. Talk to friends and family members, and see if you can get personal mechanic recommendations. Once you have a list of potential mechanics, you can call a service like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file regarding the mechanic(s) you are thinking about using. Finally, call the mechanic directly, and inquire about repair/service warranties.

Good value is also very important when you are shopping around for an auto repair mechanic. While you don’t want to look for sites that offer "cheap" prices, you also don’t want to pay top dollar for a tire rotation. Walk in to one of the auto mechanic shops you are thinking of using and ask to see a typical invoice. Though service will vary by make, model, and extent of service needed, ask about the price of some basic service operations (like a realignment, new brake shoes, or an oil change) Also ask about frequent or new customer discounts.

The final thing you should inquire about when researching new car mechanics is the timeliness of their repairs. Unfortunatley you can’t always trust a car mechanic to be honest about the speed of thier shop, but you can talk to current customers. If you don’t know any one who currently uses the shop, try looking on local review sites like Yelp! and Angie’s List to get a feel for how current customers feel about the auto repair shop. However, it is important to take overly negative or positive reviews with a grain of salt. Because these reviews can be submitted anonymously, competing businesses can submit "smear" reviews to try and make their business look better. Alternately, the business can submit a "review" of themselves highlighting their own accomplishments. Look for reviews that seem honest and are corroborated by other reviews. Some business review services will also allow you to ask other members questions, and you can inquire specifically about the speed of the mechanic you are interested in.

Choosing an auto mechanic is serious business. Next to your home, your car is probably the most expensive thing you own, and it is important to entrust its care and service to someone you know will take good care of the vehicle. Although it requires a bit of research, it is well worth it to make the phone calls and look online to make sure your car doesn’t end up worse for wear. By looking for a mechanic with a track record of quality service, good rates and value for money, and a reputation for timely service, you can make a confident decision regarding the selection of your new mechanic.