How to Find a Good Car Repair Shop

Do you know how to find a reliable and honest mechanic? There are lots of mechanics out there in every city, in every state across America- but just because there are lots of mechanics out there doesn't mean there are lots of good mechanics to choose from.

Start any search for a mechanic by looking for one that is part of a car repair shop that is ASE blue seal certified. This certification helps you know that you are leaving your most valuable investment- your car-in the capable hands of a car repair expert. And if you have any doubts about what your mechanic is telling you feel free to get a second opinion from another ASE blue seal certified mechanic.

Your estimates for any car repair should be written and detailed so you know exactly what to expect will be repaired and where your money is going. A written estimate should also include a warranty on both the workmanship and if applicable the parts installed.

A good mechanic will contact you before doing any unauthorized work so you should never experience sticker shock when you come to pick up your car and pay for your car repair bill. A good mechanic will also show you any used parts that are removed such as a water pump or fan so you can see the repair and replacement part you are paying for is legitimate. Question any mechanic who makes a car repair and cannot produce the old parts to prove the work was done.

It may sound like your navigating a world of dishonest scammers but the truth is most mechanics are honest but may lack the business skills that make their shop appear on the up and up such as providing detailed written bids and saving the boxes and other evidence of a replacement or repair.

Do your own research before you blindly entrust any mechanic and you can take a lot of the fear and risk factor out of having your automobile repaired. Ask your friends, family and coworkers for references to auto shops they have done business with in the past and trust and go there. If you know people who own cars you have a vast array of potential referrals out there as well as a vast array of people who can warn you about which shops to avoid.

Finally as important as it is to find an auto shop you can trust to work on your car it's probably equally important to have some idea about what is wrong with your car before you take it in. Do your own online research regarding your car's symptoms so you will be prepared for the mechanic to come back with the expected diagnoses instead of a diagnoses that you know is way off which can indicate they are padding a bill or aren't as good as you need them to be. So if you know what to look for and what to avoid you won't be surprised.