The profession of auto mechanic has had immense importance since the beginning of the automotive industry. You can always count on your friendly neighbourhood mechanic to come to your rescue if your car breaks down or needs service. However, with the rise of dealerships everywhere, it is difficult for local mechanics to maintain their monopoly on car repair and wheel alignment. Also for car owners, deciding between visiting a workshop or an authorized dealer can be quite difficult as both have their pros and cons.
A good mechanic in such a case is not only more reliable but he will not overwhelm you unnecessarily with car repair work or additional upgrades.
If you’re looking to find a dependable auto mechanic to repair and service your vehicle, here are the 8 tried and tested ways to do so.
Find auto mechanics online
Start your search by learning how to find a good mechanic online. Before placing a call or booking a visit to the car repair, look for a mechanic near you.
You don’t want to have to drive two hours back and forth every time you need an oil change, so you’ll save time and money by finding a garage or auto mechanic near you. You can also do a deeper search to find out who serves large companies and fleets in your area.
Check the ratings and recommendations
Once you have a list of mechanics in your area, you may still be wondering who is a genuine one. Ask your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers where they take their cars for service. Ask them what they like and dislike about their mechanic, and be sure to get recommendations on both repair shops to try and those to avoid.
Also, find online reviews of various mechanics in your area. Sites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau are insightful resources that offer online reviews from other customers. Be sure to read the reviews of car repair to find out why someone recommends a car service or not.
If you are specifically looking for a good mechanic, check out CarTalk’s Mechanic Files and the AAA Auto Repair Network. These websites are specially designed for vehicle-related searches, so you can find detailed reviews of multiple car repair shops and mechanics in one place.
Find a certified auto mechanic
While customer reviews and recommendations are helpful, you should also find a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified auto mechanic. This certification will help you narrow your search and find the best mechanic. Earning an ASE certification involves years of on-the-job training and a two-year automotive repair degree, so you can be assured that your mechanics are well trained and highly qualified.
Interview your mechanic
By now you should have a list of some of the best mechanics in your area. It’s time to get closer and interact with them. Call the remaining mechanics on your list and ask them a few questions. You’re going to want to cover all your bases here, so be thorough in your interview and make sure you ask the following:
- Do you offer guarantees on your work?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Do you offer price guarantees?
- Do you offer a rental car or transport service?
- What are your terms of payment?
You want to feel comfortable talking to your mechanic and make sure you’re dealing with someone who will listen to your questions.
Build your rapport much before
If possible, take your car to the mechanic before it needs urgent repairs. A bit of routine car service like an oil change, wheel alignment or inspection allows you to get to know the mechanic, get a feel for his character, and test his work. This also takes some of the pressure off of finding a good auto mechanic.
Find an estimate online
A little knowledge never hurts and can be especially useful when it comes to car maintenance. Before discussing prices with the auto mechanic you find, make sure you have a rough estimate of what they should charge you for different services.
If your car is being serviced, take a quoted price in writing and take the bill with you when you arrive to pay for their services. You don’t want to pick up your car and end up with an extra large bill.
Request a schedule
Once you’ve found a good mechanic and brought your car in for a check-up, be sure to request a pickup schedule before you drive. This will save you some anxiety while waiting for your car to be repaired.
Be patient though. Parts can be delayed, weather can be unpredictable and business can be fickle. It can be frustrating, but try to give your mechanic a day or two. After searching for the best auto mechanic, you can trust them to do their best job while also meeting your busy schedule.
Finding a mechanic can be frustrating. Therefore, if you understand how to find a good mechanic, you will have peace of mind when booking their services.
Backpacker car support
This Facebook page was started by a mechanic who had previously backpacked around Australia. He created this site as a resource for backpackers to find reliable mechanics and has reviews from other backpackers.
Whether you are looking to sell, buy or service a vehicle or for wheel alignment send a message or browse the site to find the most reliable mechanic options.
Sam Horvat started Sam & Sons as an auto mechanic service 11 years back with the single aim of fixing cars and from then on, has been set on a mission to ensure that clients get the best quality car repair along with support benefits on the Central Coast.
The family-owned and run business uses the latest tools and technology for an extensive range of car repair solutions across all makes and models of vehicles. The result is an unwavering and loyal client base. As the leading auto mechanic on the Central Coast, they make sure your cars are getting the best care possible!
