subject: How To Find A Good Car Mechanic [print this page] Finding the right mechanic can be more of a challenge than finding the right doctor - and maybe just as important! After all, your car's good health is dependent upon your physical safety. Which is why you need to be extra cautious about where you take your car for repairs. Unfortunately, all mechanics are not created equal.
Here's a handy list of points to keep in mind when shopping for a mechanic. Remember: you have the right to ask before committing to buy anything! Especially when you are putting your safety into a mechanic's hands.
Ask around: a recommendation is always a good way to go. Ask friends, coworkers and family members for the names of mechanics that they use. Also be sure to find out about any bad experiences with certain mechanics. You may want to keep away from these service providers or at least approach them with caution. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising, and when a mechanic is THAT good, he'll have all his customers coming back and bringing their friends and family.
Neatness counts: obviously, a garage is going to have dirt, but a semblance of neatness and order will indicate that the establishment is competent and professional.
Specialties: find out what cars they service, and if they service your make of car in particular. Billy Bob's Gas, Bar-B-Que and Engine Repairs may not be specialized enough in what you need. If you have invested in an expensive vehicle like a BMW or Saab, you will want to find a mechanic that specializes in similar or, better still, the same make.
Ask questions: be aware that you are buying a service and have a right to ask questions. So ask away and insist having your questions answered in layman's terms. A mechanic who refuses to do so may want your business but definitely does not have your best interests at heart.
Be prepared: If you have had indications that there is something wrong with your car, be prepared to express these symptoms and any concerns you might have to the mechanic in as much detail as possible. Making a list is always helpful!
Be patient: You wouldn't want your doctor to diagnose your problem in two minutes, and you don't want your mechanic to do so, either. Take your time, and let the mechanic give your vehicle a thorough once-over.
Know the shop's policies: Once you think you have found the right shop, by all means put your car in their hands. But don't do so without being aware of the shop's policies, including service/labor charges, rates for parts and guarantees on work.
Start small: Bring your car in for something minor, like an oil change or tire rotation, before you commit to a complete overhaul. This will give you a much better feel for the quality of the shop's work and how they treat their customers.
Last but not least - do your homework before something goes wrong! Don't wait for your engine to fail completely before you find the right mechanic!
