Tips For Choosing A Mechanic To Fix Your Car

Your car is a significant investment, so you must choose your mechanic very carefully and, when you have found one, maintain a healthy relationship with him. You must have, one or the other, found yourself in a place when you needed a repair but you were unsure which mechanic or repair shop to call. A car is one of the most precious possessions for everyone. When it needs servicing, you can't just trust anyone. So here are some tips to help you choose a good mechanic.

"Always ask for recommendations from people you know."

Anyone from your family, relatives, coworkers, neighbours, or friends must also have taken their cars for a major or minor repair. There is a high possibility that they will help you find a mechanic who knows his work well. Hence, before checking for mechanics or shops on the internet, ask the surrounding people. If it's not a good suggestion, they may surely tell you which mechanics to avoid.

Go Local

You won't want to drive your car for long hours and long distances if the car is already in such a condition that it needs repairing, will you? So, while searching for a good mechanic or a repair shop, consider the location. If your car again faces the same problem just after the repair has been done, you can easily go to the mechanic again and ask him.

Search in newspapers, pamphlets, or on the internet.

In the ad section of your newspaper, look for the mechanics claiming to provide good services. After you have completed sorting them out, do go for an internet search. Check the reviews given by other customers, if they have a website. Another point to consider is that you don't keep the price on your priority list. Unless you yourself know a good mechanic who's cheap, or a trustworthy person has suggested such a repairman, do not go for the cheap ones. The ones who know their job usually charge a decent sum.

Look for an ASE-Certified Mechanic

Professionals are always the ones who know things best. So, you may feel content that the person who is opening and fixing your car is someone who is professionally certified. 

The Automobile Service Excellence is an independent, nonprofit institute that tests and certifies professionals for automobiles. It requires two years of training. 

Talk to your insurance company.

Often, insurance companies can help you find the best mechanics and their shops as they deal with such issues on a regular basis. The other customers of the company keep it updated on which shops provide good services and which do not.

Take a small test of the mechanic

Before giving the new mechanic any major repairs, ask them to make minor repairs. For example, if your car needs an engine repair, first ask the mechanic to either replace the tire, do a tyre rotation, or do an oil change. Examine him while he does the work. If you find him dealing with things cautiously and doing the job nicely, you may proceed to ask him for the actual repair. If not, pay him accordingly and continue your search.

Ask the mechanic a couple of important questions.

Before letting the mechanic work on your car, you can ask him questions like:

• Is it your first time working on a car like mine?

• Do you give written estimates?

• Is your service under any warranty?

• What are their working hours?

• Do they know how to manage unexpected expenses?