5 Tips for Finding a Professional Mechanic
October 8th, 2009 Posted in Tips and AdviceToday’s challenging economy is forcing many to keep their vehicle long after their manufacturer warranty coverage ends. Uncertain times have forced many changes on the American consumer, persuading most to become more informed and shop wisely on a much tighter budget. Just as key as researching consumer reports, shopping sales and cutting coupons is the need to pick the right mechanic. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and tough times make it even more important to protect that investment.
To keep the family car working, even if you’re not, finding a good and fair mechanic is crucial. Ideally, it’s best to find a mechanic before you need one. Trying to find a reputable repair shop when your vehicle breaks down is stressful and an unexpected repair may force you to choose a shop that doesn’t suit you needs. The following are five tips to help you find a professional mechanic that suits your needs, fits your budget and gets you back on the road.
1. Dealership vs. independent repair shop
Many consumer advocates say that parts and labor cost more at dealerships. However, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) can argue that dealership service departments are often better equipped to handle repairs on new, computer-laden vehicles.
If your vehicle is still under manufacturer’s warranty, verify that you will not void the warranty by going to an independent repair shop. If you do not have a warranty and/or are free to choose your repair facility, here are some things to consider when choosing a dealership or an independent:
- Dealerships use original manufacturer parts – new parts approved by Ford, GM, Toyota or other large car makers – which will increase the cost of the repair. There are, however, generic new parts that typically cost less.
- Dealerships may have expertise in particular vehicle makes.
- Dealership labor and parts prices are often more than independents.
- Consumers that go with independents can lower the cost of their repair by purchasing generic new or like kind and quality parts or, if they are willing to pay the extra cost, they can of course request original manufacturer parts.
2. References and questions
- Ask your friends, coworkers, neighbors and explore the Internet for repair shop references. Ask the shop questions as well – how long have they been in business? What are their labor fees? How do they source parts? How do they handle complaints, if any? A good mechanic will also be happy to answer these and any questions you have regarding your vehicle. A really good mechanic will offer tips on how to get peak performance from your vehicle whether you choose to do business with them or not.
- Be sure the repair shop has the right equipment to diagnose your vehicle’s problem. Today’s vehicles contain complex computer systems. Mechanics need to know how to find and address these issues and some shops may not have the knowledge or the necessary equipment to properly diagnose your vehicle.
- Visit the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to view a company profile if available and to find out how the repair shop resolves consumer complaints.
3. Certification
Certifications are usually displayed near the customer service desk. Because today’s vehicles are much more complex, good mechanics continue their education to sharpen their skills.
- Technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have passed a voluntary competency test and can stay astute by participating in additional programs, training and social networking sites.
- Repair businesses can qualify for the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program which requires that at least 75% of the technicians performing diagnosis and repairs must be ASE certified, and each area of service offered in the shop must be covered by at least one ASE-certified technician.
- Auto body and paint experts upgrade their skills through the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
- Repair shops that are members of the Automotive Service Association have agreed to uphold a professional code of ethics, which includes furnishing the customer with an itemized bill of all parts and services. The invoice should list whether parts are new, used, or refurbished. The mechanic should also allow the customer to inspect these parts. To find members of the Automotive Service Association, visit their site at www.asashop.org.
4. Inspecting the repair facility
Is the shop clean, organized and professional looking? There’s no doubt that vehicle repair is dirty work, but waiting rooms and customer areas should be orderly and clean. Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable? Disorder or complacent staff may be a sign that the shop is poorly managed.
5. Finding a vehicle specialist
If you have a custom-built or high performance vehicle, or constant problems with certain components of your vehicle, finding a mechanic that has expertise dealing with a particular make of car or a specific problems is key. Taking your vehicle to a repair shop that does not have the knowledge or necessary equipment to diagnose your vehicle will only cost you more time and money in the long run.
Tags: auto, car, economy, maintenance, mechanic, repair, vehicle, warranty