How to Find a Good Mechanic
The number one way to find a mechanic is to talk to friends and family, find out who they use, and if they are happy with them.
Check out the credentials of the mechanics employed there. Are they A.S.E. certified? In what areas? The A.S.E. certificate will show the area’s of proficiency, (there are 8 basic tests). Not all mechanics who are A.S.E. are honest but the odds go up.
AAA approval is another good sign. To become AAA approved the shop goes through a survey of their customers that requires at least a 90% satisfaction rating. A.S.E. certified technicians. And have the equipment to do the work they say they can do.
Are the people there friendly and willing to explain things to you?
Check them out with the local BBB Are there any unresolved complaints or a large number of complaints ? This should be a red flag.
Go to the shop and ask questions, start out having your oil changes done there. This give you a chance to check them out and also build a relationship. It’s better to know who will be working on your car in an emergency ahead of time than to be in a rush and have to take the nearest one with no previous knowledge of their ability or honesty.
I can’t stress this enough, stay away from backyard mechanics and friends who think they know what they are doing. You might get lucky, but the odds are against you. If these guys “fix” you car and do a poor job or throw parts at it because they lack the training and equipment the repairs could very well cost you more in the long run, not to mention the safety issue. You have almost no recourse against a bad job with these guys. A legitimate shop has insurance, a reputation to protect and a license that can be lost if they don’t do the right thing. Most states also have regulations that shops are required to follow.
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Tags: mechanic, mechanics, oil change, oil changes, repair