The cost of a car repair service varies greatly depending on the mechanic you choose, your location, your vehicle, and many other factors. Like anything, if you are educated about vehicle repair and maintenance, you are less likely to be “cheated”.
Use these 7 tips to choose a reputable car mechanic.
1. Ask your friends and family
Almost everyone has a bad experience with car repair. It’s hard to feel like you haven’t been cheated when you aren’t educated about the type of repair or car in general. Friends and family who have gone through the process of procuring and renting a car mechanic will be very happy to share honest reviews about their experiences. If they have a negative experience, they want to make sure you don’t experience the same thing. Ask around.
2. Look Online
What do online review sites about car mechanics do you consider? Are there poor customer service patterns? Do reviewers indicate whether they will use mechanics again? Are there any problems with costs?
3. After narrowing your search to three or four stores, refine your research
How long do shops operate? If they have been in business for several years, you might be able to assume that they have skilled mechanics who can do the job on time.
4. Are they members of a national car repair organization?
Once again, membership in a respected association shows a mechanical commitment to the industry. It also shows that they are interested in improving their skills, services, and processes.
5. Have they won awards in the car repair industry?
Look for a leader. Is the company proud of what they do?
6. Get a price quote
Is the moving company competitively priced? Be sure to get any quotes in writing and find out what circumstances could cause the estimated price to increase.
7. What does your gut reaction tell you?
Do you an uneasy feeling at the mechanic’s shop? Do you feel like they are transparent in their process or do you feel like they have something to hide? Do they care about making you feel comfortable?
Remember that if it is too difficult to find a reputable mechanic, you can always get a membership for car repair services such as Advocate Repair. is a car repair program that produces reliable, cost-effective mechanics, negotiates car repairs and handles communications with car mechanics so you don’t have to do it. Register for a free trial on the website.
