Finding a good repair shop is one of the toughest tasks of
car ownership, because there often isn't a good, clear
choice. The key is, of course, to find a good, trustworthy
mechanic before things go wrong. If you've already found a
competent, honest mechanic, good for you. For the rest of
us, here's how you might try:
Check your warranty
First, if your vehicle is newer and under warranty, you'll
probably need the dealership to perform the repair if you
want to make a warranty claim and have it performed at the
expense of the manufacturer. Many new vehicles now come
with comprehensive, three-year warranties that cover just
about everything but routine oil-change servicing (some
even cover that), and powertrain warranties now go as long
as 10 years, so check with the warranty information that
came with your vehicle.
Ask for recommendations
Ask friends, family, co-workers or acquaintances for
recommendations. "One of the best ways to find a good
repair shop is through word of mouth, just as you would
find a good family doctor by asking around," says Pat
Lampel of the National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE).
Check for accreditation
Look for accreditation from ASE, and an endorsement by the
American Automobile Association (AAA). Up-to-date
certification should be in clear display. Also check for
individual mechanics' certification on display.
Look for cars similar to
yours
Check which types of cars are parked outside for
servicing. Are there any cars of your model and vintage?
If your car is an older car, look for a shop that
specializes in your make. If the shop isn't used to
repairing your model vehicle, your repair may have to wait
for special-order parts, and the mechanic may not know
about common problems.
Test the shop with a minor repair
Test a potential repair shop by having them perform an oil
change or other minor repair. If you're not satisfied with
how they handle your minor repair, you shouldn't trust
them for a breakdown or a major one. Remember, it's best
to have a good mechanic chosen before you really need it.
Good service writers are
important
A good service writer will patiently listen to your
description of the problem, and ask you questions as
you're explaining it (and take a drive out with you if
necessary), then he or she will effectively communicate
the problem to mechanics and technicians, provide an
accurate, written estimate before the repair, and follow
up with a talk-through on what was done. A good service
writer will also always ask for your consent if the cost
of the repairs goes beyond the predetermined amount. In
fact, in most states, it's the law. Make sure you give the
service writer, and the mechanic, if possible, the most
information you can about the problem. Details such as
when the car was last serviced and when a noise happens
are important.
Ask about the warranty
Make sure there is a warranty on all repairs done by the
shop, and make sure the shop's warranty covers parts and
labor. Thirty days is the industry standard and the
absolute minimum to accept; ninety days is good; and six
months is a rare surprise. A good, reputable shop will
stand behind the parts they install and will put in extra,
free labor if you bring it back to make sure the job's
done right.
Never choose a repair shop based on price
Many repair shops, including some with big national names,
are infamous for using the bait-and-switch technique,
advertising a $99 brake job that quickly becomes a $799
brake job once your car is on the rack and the estimate is
written. It may cost less in the long run to bring your
car to a mechanic who charges more but is honest and
knowledgeable.
Take it to the right type of shop
Choose a good, independent repair shop that is accustomed
to performing repairs to cars such as yours. Check that
the shop normally performs the repairs you need.
We-fix-everything, national-franchise repair shops usually
aren't the best choice for specialized repairs, older cars
or lesser-known foreign models. Look for a tidy appearance
to the shop, clean, well-kept tools, and modern diagnostic
equipment.
Is the shop busy?
Does it have steady business? Do other customers look
satisfied with their work? What's your gut feeling about
the way the place does business? These are good indicators
that may help you choose. An out-of-the-way shop with a
steady flow of business is a positive indicator.
Meet the mechanic
Get to know the actual mechanic, or technician, who works
on your car. Establishing a dialogue with the mechanic
will allow him or her to understand what kind of driving
you do, your car's repair record, and what your
expectations are
