Advanced Auto Repair Shops Search

Ten Tips For Finding a Reliable Mechanic

Certain people can lift the hood and know where to find the carburetor or how to change the oil but most of us don’t.
Today's cars have become complex and intricate machines with computerized features, and today’s mechanics, need to be as technologically competent as never before. The old image of the grease monkey with a socket wrench is being replaced with a high-tech professional holding a computerized diagnostic tool. Today’s mechanics need to be well-trained and certified to deal with features such as in-car computers, electronic fuel injection, and antilock brakes. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to find a reliable auto mechanic and a good auto body repair shop.

Here are ten tips for finding a good mechanic.

1. Use the Quick Search feature in this website and ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation
2. When you go to your mechanical facility check the walls for diplomas and ASE certification (The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit organization that tests and certifies the competence of individual automotive repair technicians.)
3. You can call your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints lodged against a particular auto body repair shop.
4. While the facility may not be as spic and span as your mother’s kitchen, it should be relatively clean and neat with modern equipment in the service bays.
5. Make sure the facility handles repairs on your specific car make and model. You’re better off in a facility that specializes in your type of vehicle. When you arrive, see that the facility is servicing cars that have about the same value as yours.
6. The fees, labor costs, warranties, etc. should be clearly displayed in all good auto body repair facilities. Make sure the facility gives you the cost of labor and parts before they begin the work.
7. Ask if the establishment offers door-to-door or shuttle service. That could make life a lot easier and save you many cups of bad coffee while you’re waiting for the repair to be done.
8. Get quotes from several mechanics for costs and how much time it will take to do the job and compare. You can use our Quick Quote feature.
9. A professional auto body repair facility will have courteous staff that should be willing to explain the work and answer questions. (It’s also nice when they have good coffee.) When you come to pick up your car get it from your service advisor and not from the cashier.
10. Develop a long-term relationship with your auto repair technician and reward good service with repeat business.