Five Ways to Find a Good Auto Mechanic
Posted on: 30 January 2017
If you're like most American consumers, a car is an essential part of your daily life. As annoying as it can sometimes be, your car is how you get to work, to school, to church, and to visit your friends and family. However, keeping a car running smoothly can sometimes be a challenge. That's why you need a good, reliable auto mechanic. How do you find a mechanic you can count on? Consider the following.
1. Start small. Test out a potential mechanic on a smaller job, such as an oil change or a tune-up, before you need him or her to fix a major problem. This will give you an idea of the mechanic's professionalism, skill, and efficiency without risking a lot of money or the integrity of your vehicle.
2. Look for certifications and affiliations. AAA requires all of their affiliated mechanics to offer a 12,000-mile/12-month warranty on all repairs. In addition, a mechanic who is certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service (ASE) will have met the organization's training and experience requirements.
3. Take a few minutes to interview your prospective mechanic. You would interview a new accountant, doctor, or lawyer, but how many people take time to ask a prospective mechanic a few essential questions? Be skeptical if he or she won't share how long he or she has been in business, whether they typically use new or used parts (and why), their guarantee policy, and information about whether they offer free estimates, just to mention a few vital questions.
4. Take a look around. You can learn a lot about a mechanic by the way he or she keeps the shop and treats employees. A good mechanic generally keeps a professional-looking shop, no matter how small the operation, and treats employees as he or she would want to be treated. Also notice if the shop is busy when you stop by. It's not a good sign if the mechanic is sitting at the desk, waiting for business.
5. Find someone who specializes in your type of car. This is especially important if you have a rare or foreign vehicle that the average mechanic may not have seen many of before. See whether your area has a mechanic who has extra experience in your type of vehicle and start there.
Finding a good mechanic doesn't have to be an impossible task. Start small, if possible, and look for a mechanic with major certification and affiliations, and then ask a few questions, take a look around, and find someone who specializes in what you need.
Talk to a company such as Goodeal Lifetime Transmissions to get started interviewing mechanics.
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