A reliable and honest mechanic who scheduled services, as well as repairs breakdowns, is important for any car owner.
A reliable vehicle is necessary for a busy life to get you from A to B whether it be work, school or the supermarket.
When they are broken down, the stress of choosing the right mechanic for the job can be overwhelming.
Building a rapport with a good mechanic will give you the peace of mind that your vehicle will be repaired or serviced meticulously and back on the road quickly.
Once you establish a history with a trusted mechanic, he or she will know the ins and outs of your vehicle and be better equipped to help you maintain it.
Motor vehicles are usually the second biggest investment people make; you should make certain that it’s being cared for by an expert mechanic whose intention is to get you moving again for an affordable amount of money.
If your motor vehicle develops an unusual noise or won’t start, knowing a good mechanic that can get you out of trouble fast is important. Regular servicing will keep it healthy and running longer and will also help keep your cost of ownership down with preventative maintenance by identifying developing problems earlier which may assist to prevent expensive breakdowns and repairs in the time to come.
These tips will help you know what to expect from a trustworthy, professional mechanic as well as what type of mechanic to stay away from.
- Are they a fully licensed Mechanic?
- Do they offer fixed price quotes?
- Is there a warranty for the repairs and servicing they carry out?
- Make certain they contact you before repairing problems not quoted on.
- Establish a date and time for the work to be completed before engaging them.
- Has the mechanic been in business for a reasonably long time?
- How long have they been a qualified mechanic?
- Clarify the type of parts will they use; new, used, OEM, after-market?
- Can you provide your own parts?
- Is the mechanic familiar with your type of vehicle?
- Does this mechanic have loan cars or at least drop you home?
- What are their payment policies?
We questioned several motoring professionals for their advice on how you might find a good, trustworthy local mechanic.
- You should consider a mechanic’s experience with your specific make and model, in addition to his or her overall training and experience. This is especially important if you drive high-end vehicles. Car dealerships service departments have specialised mechanics, but you will most likely pay more than you would at an independent local workshop.
- Even if you are not a person that is mechanically minded, you can still have an understanding when you drop off your car. Your cars owner’s manual contains a maintenance service schedule with a list of detailed work your car needs at various odometer intervals. If your mechanic suggests you pay for extra services outside of these, that may be a cause for concern.
- Repairs outside of scheduled maintenance come up occasionally, look online for estimated prices on specific repairs, and keep a detailed record of past services and repairs.
- Drivers should request a quote before allowing any work to be done, ideally broken down into parts and labour.
In Summary
Communicating with mechanics doesn’t need to be intimidating, and it shouldn’t make you feel powerless.
For the most part, mechanics are friendly courteous business people that are keen to make you a lifetime customer, it’s good business for them to do the right thing by you and have you come back to them.