How to Find a Quality Mechanic

When your car fails you by breaking down or not starting, the last thing you need is a bad mechanic working on it. So how do you make sure you find someone who has the right experience and is trustworthy enough to take your car to? Here are a few things to look for.


1. Is the garage and surrounding area neat? Some clutter and parts lying around is not a reason to find a different mechanic. Has the place been cleaned recently? Take a look at the cars that are in for service. If you see cars that are in good shape, then their owners take care of them, and therefore would choose a reputable mechanic.

2. 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, they have heard everything at least once before, and they won't laugh at you.

3. Ask for a few references. Call those references and ask them the following: Are you happy with the shop's service? Do you think they do good work for the money? Are they helpful if problems arise? How long does it take to get a service appointment?

4. Ask about the shop's policies regarding payment, hourly rates, storage charges and guarantees. This information should be properly displayed.

5. Make sure that the shop regularly services your make of vehicle. If they specialize in American cars, your European sports car will be better off somewhere else.

6. Does the shop proudly display the mechanics training certificates (ASE), Better Business Bureau membership certificate and AAA certification?

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

Once you find a mechanic, you may want to consider the following:

1. 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.
2. 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.

3. Keep good records; keep all paperwork. This is vital to assessing the car's value when trading it in or selling it privately.

4. Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.

5. 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.

6. Treat your mechanic well. Send him something for the holidays. Some people get a box of doughnuts or cookies and leave them on the passenger seat of their cars for the mechanic and his crew.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com>