Free Tips on Finding a Good Auto Mechanic

April 28th, 2007 • Filed Under

Finding a good auto mechanic is not an easy job as they have received a reputation of rip off artists. There are a lot of auto mechanics out there that will take advantage of the unknowing consumer but there are also just as many if not more legitimate mechanics who will charge a fair price. Choosing the right auto mechanic is much like choosing any type of small business as you should look for quality, service and value. Here are a few tips you can follow in order to find the right auto mechanic.

1. Ask around ? You should ask around to your friends and relatives if they use any auto mechanics that they trust. This is probably the best way to choose a good auto mechanic because if your friends and family have a trusted one than you can probably trust them as well. If you go this route tell the mechanic that you were referred to them by someone as it may get you or them a discount since it brought the mechanic business.

2. Look for people with similar cars ? By finding out the people around who have similar cars you can see what mechanic they use and if they are happy with the service they receive.

3. Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the mechanic has had any complaints ? By checking with the BBB you can see if the mechanic has a good track record with their customers. If they have had many complaints look for a new mechanic.

4. See if the mechanic is accredited ? You should make sure that the auto mechanic you choose is accredited with the Automobile Association (AAA) before letting them service your car. If they are accredited chances are they will have fewer complaints. Since they are accredited they probably will not be mechanics that will take advantage of their customers.

5. See if the mechanic is certified ? You should also check to see if the auto mechanic is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Much like being accredited if they do have this certification chances are they will have fewer complaints and will not take advantage of their customers.

6. Ask for a comprehensive explanation of work ? Before you leave the car with the mechanic you should ask them for the full details on the work they will do on the car. Also you should make sure that they contact you if they find further problems as they often do and fix it and you have to pay that charge. If you tell them to contact you they cannot fix the problem, if there is one, without your permission.

7. Check the warranty on repair work ? You should check to see the warranty the mechanic gives for their work. 6 months is a good warranty, 3 months is ok, but if it is only one month you may want to look for another mechanic. Also check to see if the warranty covers both labor and parts.

8. Don’t wait until big problems to choose a mechanic ? You should take your car in for minor work, such as an oil change or a brake check to see if they take care of you and you feel confident they are giving you a fair price before taking your car in for major work. If you feel you are being taken advantage of or it takes to long for minor work change mechanics as major work will only compound into major problems and more money.

9. Do not choose only the cheapest mechanic ? By choosing only the cheapest mechanic you may not get the best work done on your car and it may end up costing you more in the long run.

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