Your car is a machine through and through. Sooner or later, it is going to need repairs to keep it up and running. Although you can do these yourself in some situations, most of us prefer to simply take our cars to a mechanic. Of course, first you have to find a good one.
You can open up the phone book or do a search online and find a ton of car mechanics in your area. The problem is figuring out who is good and who is not. There is no easy answer, but there are a couple of steps you can take that will lessen the risk of getting a bad mechanic or someone who will rip you off.
Be Specific
Cars are unique. Every brand has its oddities. This is why it is best to find a mechanic that works on your specific brand. If you have a BWM, find a beemer mechanic. If you have a Chevy, then don’t take it to the beemer mechanic. Mechanics that work on a particular brand of car know the ins and outs of that car, which tends to result in better repairs for your car.
Ask Around
Unless you are driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini, you probably know somebody else that drives the same make of car you do. Ask people of this ilk who they use for their repairs. People generally are wary of mechanics, so it will be easy to recognize a good mechanic because the person will be bubbling over with good things to say.
Get It In Writing
Honesty is the sign of a good mechanic. Putting quotes in writing is a sign of honesty in the car repair industry. If the potential mechanic you are talking to will not give you a written estimate, you should walk out of that shop without looking back.
Warranty
Depending on the repair, some mechanics may actually warranty the work. Saying they will do it doesn’t mean much, but a written warranty does. Not all mechanics will do this, but those that do are highly credible and you can expect them to do good work on your car.
Shop Appearance
You will often be told that you should look for an ultra clean shop. This isn’t necessarily true. I once made the mistake of buying a MG. A fun little car to drive until it became apparent it would break down every two weeks. After trying a number of mechanics, I was finally able to find “the guy” in town. He worked out of a shop that could best be described as looking like it was hit by a hurricane…every day! He was just as rough as his shop, but do you know what? He not only fixed my car, he did it cheap and the beast ran better than the day I bought it.
Finding a good mechanic for your car can be a real chore. Don’t give up! A good mechanic can keep your car running for years and years, which is a blessing these days.
Dirk Gibson is with
DCJAutoParts.com - get more
auto news articles and shop for inexpensive parts 24/7.
