Finding a Mechanic
Contributed by Speak Up for Kids Student Intern Team — This article was developed through the combined efforts of multiple student interns, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to support life skills education for foster youth.
Overview
It’s important to have a mechanic that you can trust when taking your car in for maintenance and repairs. If you don’t go to the right person, you can end up getting upcharged or worse scammed. The first thing that you should do is to ask your friends and other trusted associates in your circle what mechanic they use, if you value their opinion then you should ask which mechanic they use.
Look for Certification
If nobody in your direct circle has a mechanic that they use, you’re going to have to find one on your own. You should start by looking online for mechanics and auto repair shops in your area. Look for ASE Certification (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). The ASE is the largest independent nonprofit association for certified technicians in the United States. The ASE has certified around 300,000 repair shops and mechanics in the industry. Mechanics have other pieces of certification, if you don’t see an ASE certification, ask for some certification. If there is none, walk away and find another mechanic.
Consider Reputation and Integrity
Another association that you should check with is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They will help inform you of a company's reputation and integrity. Go on the BBB website and look up the name of the mechanic on the site to view reviews of the shop. It never hurts to look around for reviews of the place on multiple websites.
Consult with AAA about the reliability of mechanic shops in the area, AAA associates with around 7,000 mechanic shops in North America, if a mechanic is worth his salt they will be associated with AAA.
Get Acquainted with Your Vehicle
It would also help to get better acquainted with your car: its make and model. There are mechanics that specialize in repairing and maintaining specific models of cars like BMW’s for example.
Consider Warranties
One thing that you need to bring up is warranties on the parts of your cars. If the parts on your car are covered by a warranty you can get a discount with a reputable mechanic. It’s also worth it to mention warranties to mechanic shops, they might offer them.
Check Prices
Before you get anything repaired, ask your mechanic to give you a written estimate that includes the cost of the materials, work, and the time that it will take to repair. Mechanics will try to upsell you, it’s important that you ask them how much it will cost and make sure that you aren’t getting screwed.
Final Thoughts
Finding a trustworthy mechanic takes a little research and effort, but it’s worth it to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your vehicle is in good hands. Start by asking for recommendations, checking certifications, and reviewing reputations online. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about warranties, pricing, and experience with your specific vehicle. A reliable mechanic not only saves you money but also gives you peace of mind knowing your car is being properly cared for. Taking the time to choose the right professional will pay off every time you turn the key.
