6 Ways to Choose the Right Mechanic

6 Ways to Choose the Right Mechanic

From time to time, folks need to find themselves a new mechanic. Whether they moved to a new town or their trusted mechanic for over 20 years retired, the reasons are endless. We’ve also heard the horror stories: Mechanics making improper or unnecessary repairs didn’t do the job right or even went for a joy ride in your car like this ABC News segment covered:

Pricing is also a constant concern, especially from dealerships that tend to have high prices and persuade customers that they must use their service center for fear of voiding warranties (an illegal practice.)

Finding a new mechanic can be daunting and choosing the right provider isn’t always clear cut decision.

We’ve put together 6 tips to help you choose the right mechanic for you and your vehicles.

Research

In today’s digital age, it’s pretty hard for a shady mechanic to get away with their practices for long. Reviews, blogs and social media are great tools for seeing what other customers think of a mechanic. If someone has been taken advantage of or was unsatisfied, you can bet they will voice their opinions somewhere.

Ask the Mechanic for Their Certifications

Certifications can help demonstrate that a mechanic and their employees are trained and tested. The ASE (short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) is one such certification that you should look out for. Others can center around specific technologies and repairs and customer service.

Ask the Mechanic for Any Affiliations They May Have

An important one would be the AAA approved auto repair center. AAA members who bring their car to a AAA approved location benefit from repair guarantees, discounts, free inspections and vehicle triage when towed to the facility.

DID YOU KNOW: BBACK CAR CARE IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW AAA APPROVED MECHANICS IN DOYLESTOWN?

Do they Explain and Even Show You the Repair That is Needed?

Any trustworthy auto mechanic should be willing to show you the problem they encountered and explain why it should be repaired. Likewise, a trustworthy mechanic should not be insulted in the least when asked to show any issues. Some repairs are expensive and any consumer should understand why their hard earned money is being spent. Even simple repairs like brakes, rotors, tires and air filters should be shown and explained when asked.

Know Your Vehicle and What to Look for in Basic Repair Services?

Staying on top of your own car and how it’s been serviced in the past can go a long way in determining if a mechanic is trustworthy. Cars have varying needs and factory scheduled maintenance requirements. Read your car manual to understand what your car needs. Additionally, know the tell tale signs of basic repairs, such as:

1. Rotors
2. Brakes
3. Belts
4. Tires
5. Suspension

Use Your Instincts

If a mechanic or service writer is not answering your questions clearly and confidently or if an estimate or invoice is not clear, take note. If their employees are not uniformed and/or the shop is dirty and disorganized, you might be right to question if that particular shop is right for you. Lastly, if the shop you visit doesn’t pass muster with any of the other above listed tips, you should shop around and find other providers.

BBack Car Care has the skills, certifications and reputation to service cars, trucks and fleet vehicles of all makes and models. As a Best of Bucks winner for 8 consecutive years, you can rest assured that you and your car will be treated with fairness and respect. Back Car Care subscribes to a code of ethics that our customers can find comfort in.

If you are looking for a new mechanic, we’d love to meet you.

Call or schedule an appointment online today.