How to Find a Quality Mechanic

So how long ago was it that you last had your car in for service? That long, huh? Well, if you are procrastinating because you don't know how to find a good mechanic, have no fear, we can give you some tips on how to find a quality mechanic. Don't just drop your car off at the corner gas station, do some research first.

What to do before you need service:

• Get familiar with your cars maintenance schedule. Even if you don't get your car serviced at a dealership, following the service schedule will prevent hassles if you need warranty work. You can find the service schedule in your owner's manual.
  
  
• Find a place to get your service done before you need it. If you are in a jam, you're more likely to take your car to the nearest shop, rather than the best in the area.
  
  
• Find out where people you know in the area take their cars. A satisfied customer's referral isn't a guarantee that a shop is perfect, but it is far better than just finding a mechanic in the yellow pages and leaving it to chance.
  
  
• Do some background research on the mechanic you find through referrals. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and consumer organizations.

Once you find a shop, have them do an oil change, and if that goes smoothly, then take your car in for a more major tune-up.

Once you get to the repair shop:

• Is the garage and surrounding area neat? Some clutter may be okay, but be wary of shops with big piles of junk parts laying around. Has the place been cleaned in the past year?
  
  
• Whoever takes down your information and talks to you about what you want done should be courteous and helpful. If you have a question, ask. Don't feel dumb if you think it's a stupid question.
  
  
• Ask for a few references and call them.
  
  
• The shops policies regarding payment, hourly rates and guarantees should be prominently displayed. If they are not, make sure you ask about those three topics.
  
  
• Make sure that the shop regularly services your make of vehicle. If they specialize in American cars, your European sports car may be better off somewhere else.
  
  
• Does the shop proudly display the mechanics training certificates (ASE), Better Business Bureau membership certificate and AAA certification?
  
  
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
  
  
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.

Most importantly, keep the records of all the service that is preformed on your vehicle, and that the services performed are itemized on those bills.

Additional Tips

• Repeat business will earn you perks, such as getting bumped to the front of the line when you need emergency service. If you find a good shop, reward them by referring them to your friends.
  
  
• If you are unsatisfied with the service you receive, speak to the manager of the garage and try to come to a resolution. A reputable garage will try to fix the problem and keep you as a satisfied customer.
  
  
• Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
  
  
• Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
  
  
• If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.
  
  
• If you find that you have been defrauded by a mechanic, document everything you can and exercise your rights as a consumer by contacting your state's Office of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau.

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