Ask Joe Mechanic: Tips for Choosing the Right Mechanic

Do your research before selecting a new mechanic.

Change is not always easy.  Especially when it comes to selecting a new mechanic, garage or service center to work on your family’s vehicles.  So, what steps can you take to make this selection process a little easier?   Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with some quick and easy tips to lessen the stress of picking a new mechanic.

·      Ask your family, friends or loved ones where they take their vehicles.  Nothing speaks volumes to the credibility of garage’s capabilities then getting a recommendation from those folks that you trust the most.

·      If you have a particular garage in mind – search for mentions of them on social media.  In a digital era wherein many customers are taking to Twitter, Facebook and similar websites to share their experiences with businesses, you’re bound to find reviews and ratings of the garage you’re considering.

·      Test-drive a new mechanic with a smaller project.  Before your vehicle requires a major repair, take it in for an oil change; tire rotation or similar type of service to get a feel for the customer service, quality of work, etc of the new location.  If you find yourself unhappy with the garage, at least you won’t be stuck with a big bill for a big repair.

·      Visit your local chamber of commerce and ask their staff for recommendations of member garages that have a solid reputation with nearby residents and other member businesses for quality of service.

·      Check with your Better Business Bureau location.  Since auto mechanics as a category of businesses tend to receive a great deal of complaints with the BBB, you can review their records to determine which garages in your area to avoid.

·      Find a mechanic that specializes in your particular model or make of vehicle.  A specialized mechanic is bound to know the ins and outs of your vehicle better than a generalist would.

There are a number of other tactics you can employ to narrow down your search for a qualified service center.  A few examples, check out certifications, look for a convenient location and stop by and ask questions about their service record.  Keeping all these things in mind should make your shopping around process a good deal less stressful.