Whether you have a brand new car or a previously owned vehicle, finding a mechanic you can trust is crucial. A reliable mechanic is someone who can help ensure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. The last thing you want is a car that breaks down frequently or compromises your road safety.
However, finding a good mechanic can be easier said than done. The auto industry is ubiquitous and there are many great mechanics out there, but not all of them have equally adequate knowledge or experience. It’s vital that the vehicle you drive is safe enough and reliable for you and your family. Here are some tips to help you find a good mechanic you can trust.
Search the internet
The internet is an excellent place to start when you want to gather information about a company’s products and services. If you’re having trouble finding a recommendation for a good mechanic, you can use the internet to help you find one that will suit your needs. Use search engines, like Google or Bing, and type in “best mechanics near me.” This will provide you with multiple results for local auto shops and car dealerships with very high ratings from customers. From here, you’ll be able to narrow down your list to just those companies that specialize in your particular needs.
Gather recommendations from friends and family
Another tip you can use to help you find a competent mechanic is to gather recommendations from your friends and family. Ask around to find out if anyone you know has had a positive experience with a trustworthy mechanic for their vehicle. While it may be tempting to go with a familiar brand name, it’s also helpful to consider other businesses that are recommended by people with whom they’ve had good experiences.
Ask for the mechanic’s certifications
When you find a reliable mechanic, make sure he or she has the necessary certifications. For example, if the mechanic is certified by the ASE or the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, this is a good indication that you’re in good hands. Mechanics with ASE certification have gone through proper training and skills testing needed to address your vehicle’s needs. They have also typically acquired a few years of substantial relevant experience.
Check the company’s reputation
Don’t forget to check the company’s reputation when looking for a good mechanic. Browse various review websites that offer reviews on maintenance types of services, such as Yelp.
You can also look for a shop from the AAA-approved Auto Repair Network. Approved Auto Repair is a benefit for AAA members, designed to direct you to auto repair facilities that have been pre-screened for quality and dependable repair services. These facilities are expected to perform according to repair industry standards.
Check with The Better Business Bureau
Once you have narrowed down your options to a few mechanics, you can do a quick search on the website of The Better Business Bureau. This is one of the best ways to find out whether or not a particular mechanic has had past complaints, and you’ll be able to view ratings and reviews from previous consumers.
Take time to interview your prospective mechanic
Do you already have a prospective mechanic in mind? Take time to interview him or her, and ask a few questions. Here’s a list of some of the questions you may want to include:
- How many years of experience does he or she have
- Does this mechanic offer any sort of warranties
- What type of training did the company’s mechanics receive?
- What types of work or vehicles does the mechanic specialize in
- What is the mechanic’s policies for payment
Try them out for a minor service
Before trusting your car to a new mechanic for a major job, you may want to take it in for a smaller type of service first and see how it goes. This is also your chance to see whether or not this mechanic would suggest additional work, and if this business is serious about providing good customer service and valuing your business.
Finding a reputable mechanic is one of the keys to ensuring the condition and longevity of your vehicle. Be sure to entrust your vehicle to a mechanic you can depend on by following these tips.
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