Choosing An Auto Repair Shop & Technician

Finding an auto repair shop and mechanic that you trust is important. One of the first steps to finding a great garage is to become educated yourself. It's hard to know what to look for and what questions to ask unless you are well informed. A motorist can become more knowledgeable by taking an automotive 101 class at a local community college, reading up on the subject or having friends or family members share their knowledge.

In order to find a good repair shop, there are a few things to look for:

- Recommendations: Getting some word-of-mouth recommendations is one of the best ways to find a good shop. Ask family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even your doctor or dentist.
- Compare prices: It's wise to scout around by phone, advertisement and the internet to find the best deals. While price isn't the number one way to find a good place, it will make a difference how much services cost. Check for coupons and special sale dates, as well.
- Look for complaints: Check with the BBB and the Attorney General's office in your region to find out if there are any complaints lodged against a shop you're considering using.
- Warranty: If a car's under warranty, it may have to go to a dealer. Not always, though. It's wise to ask around to see which garages will honor your auto's warranty.
- Certified, licensed and insured: A shop that's certified by an Automotive Service Excellence seal will likely be a good one. The business should also be licensed and insured.

It's important to select a competent mechanic:

- Experience: Ask about the mechanics' experience. The lead mechanics should have multiple years of experience servicing automobiles.
- Training and certification: The technicians should be certified that they've completed automotive training programs. Some of these programs are offered through community colleges, others through vocational programs in high schools and some through private schools. The certification ASE is a good one.
- Turnover: How long have the techs been working at this particular shop? A stable workforce is a sign of a well managed operation.
- Types of autos serviced: If a garage specializes in a certain type of vehicle, such as imports or BMWs, they will have more expertise working with that sort of vehicle.
- Communication skills: In order to have a workable business relationship, the service manager and other employees of a garage must have good communication skills. This means that they can listen as well as explain what needs to be done in a user friendly manner.
- Written quote: It's important to get all estimates in writing in order to have a leg to stand on if a dispute arises. A written estimate is a contract. A verbal quote is not.

When a motorist needs auto repair performed, it's fairly crucial to have one that's trustworthy, affordable and competent. It's wise to find a mechanic before a major breakdown occurs. Having minor work or maintenance tasks performed at a local garage will be a great way of building a relationship.