Finding A Mechanic

I am often asked by customers moving to a new city: "How do I find a mechanic in my new town?" While there is no easy answer to this question there are a few things which one can do to find a new service provider.

Depending on where you live has alot to do with finding a good machanic. If you're in a large metropolitan area you may have many repair shops to from which to choose. In a small town or rural area you can expect fewer choices and repair shops in these areas may have limited capabilities, but labor prices are generally lower.

Let us first dispel one sterotype which has plagued the auto service business since cars first hit the road. All mechanics are not dishonest, semi-literate crooks. The majority of thechnicians are honest, hard working, educated people who will do everything possible to please their customers. That does not mean that there are not a few "rotten apples" out there, but most of these do not last long in the business. So, with that behind us, let's examine some criteria that you should keep in mind when searching for a new auto technician.

One of the best places to start is by asking friends and neighbors where they have service done. Ask if they are happy with the service thay have received and if thay would recommend that shop. You can also look in the local phone directory and there are now even online services such as http://www.icarumba.com/ that have a listing of local shops and valuable information about different services offered by these facilities. Check to see if they service the type of car you drive or provide the services you need. Some shops may specialize in repairing and servicing import cars or exotic sports cars while others may perform only general repair on domestic vehicles. You may even have to find a couple of different shops to use for the various services you need.

When you find a shop that can meet your needs ask a few questions before making an appointment. Find out if the technicians are ASE certified. This means that they have spent time studying and testing their knowledge. It is not an easy test to pass. As there are several ASE certifications which can be aquired you should also make sure that the mechanic is certified to perform the services you need. You should also ask what the shop's labor rate per hour is. Most shops probably have a labor rate of $60-$65 per hour. If a shop's labor rate seems too low they may not have the skills and equipment needed to do the job. Remember, cheaper definately does not mean better when it comes to auto service. Other questions should also be asked about warranties, hours of operation and anything else that is important to you.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic