Car Repair for Smart People
How can you find a mechanic you trust? To start, ask the right questions and learn what to look for in an auto repair mechanic. Give yourself the peace of mind you want—and need—when it comes to your car.
The best time to look for an auto repair technician is now—don’t wait until your car requires repair. Ask family, friends, and coworkers for references. Look around online for reviews about the shops in your area. Look at the full body of reviews and try to get a feel for the atmosphere of the shops you’re considering.
Choosing a Mechanic: What to Keep In Mind
A Valued Relationship
When it comes to your car, take the smart approach. Choose a knowledgeable, local mechanic to repair or service your car. Both you and your car will benefit in numerous ways when you develop a relationship with an auto repair shop in your community.
History
A local mechanic can review and create estimates based on your car’s history and not just isolated incidents. Developing a relationship with a local mechanic is important for many reasons. The mechanic can weigh the importance of future repairs against the car’s history of service needs. Over time, this perspective can add life and value to your vehicle.
Trust
When you allow the same mechanic to service your car year after year, you place a high level of trust and have confidence in the quality of his or her work. The knowledge that the mechanic is looking out for you and your car can put your mind at ease.
Know Who to Call
A local mechanic should be the first number you dial when you have car trouble, By maintaining a relationship with a trusted mechanic who knows you and your car, you’ll be able to make the call quickly and take your car in for repair. A nearby mechanic is also familiar with the local area and can advise you on how your car might react to local weather conditions or terrain.
I’ve Found a Mechanic… Now What?
Once you’ve arranged a meeting with a mechanic at an auto repair shop, ask several questions to determine their level of qualification and experience. Do they hold any certifications, and if so, are they ASE-certified? The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a professional certification testing organization for mechanics. Reputable auto shops oftentimes only hire ASE-certified mechanics.
Next, determine if your car warranty would be honored in the shop. Ask whether repairs are priced at a flat or hourly rate, and if estimates are provided prior to auto repair work. Find out if the mechanic has any experience working on your car’s make and model specifically.
Finally, make sure the mechanic you choose approaches you with courtesy and respect. At Christian Brothers Automotive, you can count on an honest, dependable team of mechanics who value and provide quality and excellence in everything they do.