subject: The Best Places To Get Your Car Serviced [print this page] . What happens when you are new to an area or you live in a big city where you don't know any mechanics? How can you go about finding a mechanic you can trust? Is there some secret code to look for? Do you just have to guess? Who can you trust to repair your car in a safe manner?
There are a few things that you can look for in order to find a great mechanic to service your car. Those things would be to look for credentials for the mechanic, such as ASE Master Technician credentials, or to check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and see if there are any complaints filed against them.
Car Dealerships
The place where you bought the car from might be a great start. Depending on what type of work you need done, you might still be covered under a warranty. If you have moved away from the original dealership that sold you the car, then you can always find the same brand and work with them. Since dealerships have a lot of information online, they will be able to find or retrieve the records for your car based on the VIN number. For example, a GM dealership will be able to handle any type of problem with a GM car. The warranty will probably also follow the car, so you won't have to worry about paying for repairs that way either.
Large Service Centers
When your car is no longer under warranty, then you are free to take it to any large service center. These can be franchises that are located across the country and specialize in a certain part or repair within your car. For example, a place can specialize in mufflers and brake systems. The large service centers might have convenient hours and lower prices, but they might also have new hires that won't do a thorough job because they are commission based and want to make more money. You should verify the credentials before you make an appointment.
Small Local Shops
If you don't want a franchise and prefer a personalized service, then you can find a small shop with ASE certified technicians. They will probably be advertised in the phone book, so you can begin your search there. You could also ask around and see who your neighbors and co-workers use, because everyone has to have a mechanic at some point in their life. When someone you know recommends a mechanic, they won't give you the name of someone who might be sketchy. They will probably share who they use and trust.
Independent Mechanics
There are also mechanics who work independently, which is usually out of their home garages. This is where you will get the most personalized care, but finding one you can trust might take years. And, since they work alone, they might be able to offer a lower labor rate because there is less overhead. They might have to charge more for parts because they don't get them in large volumes with discounts like a dealership would. So, be sure that you outweigh the pros and cons for your situation and what works best for you.
