Find a New Mechanic and Don't Let a Bad One Cost You Thousands!

When it comes to working on your car, a good mechanic is as good as gold, but a bad one can cost you thousands. Having a good relationship with a mechanic can give you peace of mind, but how do you know if you have a good one or a bad one? Finding a good mechanic goes beyond certifications and qualifications. Just as in any profession, knowledge and skill are what separates the good mechanic from the mediocre. In this case, a bad mechanic can do more damage to your car, and you might have to take it to a different shop and have it fixed twice. If you have been having your doubts lately, here are a few tips to help you decide if it might be time to search for a new mechanic.

Signs You Need to Change Mechanics

If you have your suspicions that it might be time to move on, here are a few tips to help you decide.

• No certifications - Even though qualifications and certifications are not the end of the story, they are still necessary. You should be wary of the backyard mechanic who is not ASE certified. This, at least, assures a minimal level of knowledge and training.
• Old or expired certifications - The mechanic who did their certifications 20 years ago and has not updated them might not understand new computer systems and technology. There is a chance they could ruin the system and cost you a big repair bill because of their mistake.
• No experience with your make or model - If you drive a high-end car or import, make sure that your mechanic is experienced or certified to work on your specific car. Car repair is highly-specialized, and knowledge does not necessarily transfer.
• Repeated higher bill - If your bill is always significantly higher than the initial estimate, it is time to go. Make sure that you aren’t being charged for questionable items either. 

What to Look for in a Mechanic

Now that you have some warning signs that it is time to go, the next question is how to find a good one. Here are some suggestions to find a mechanic who you can trust.

• Check certifications - Ask if the mechanic has a current ASE certification that is up-to-date.
• Experience - Ask how many years they have been in business. Also, ask how much experience they have with your make and model of vehicle.
• Get recommendations - Get recommendations from family and friends. They will often be happy to recommend people who have given them good service. They will also more than likely be willing to tell you about any bad experiences, too.
• Get multiple estimates - Call at least three shops and get an estimate for the same job. They should be within a reasonable range. Be wary of any that are abnormally high or abnormally low.
• Call them - You can get a good feeling about whether you want to do business with a shop by talking to them on the phone. Are they rushed, rude, or professional and courteous? Are they someone who sounds trustworthy? Trust yourself on this.
• Check online reviews - See if the mechanic is listed on rating sites like Yelp, Angie's List, or other review sites. This is no guarantee that you will have a good experience, but you will know to stay away if you see a high number of negative reviews.
• Cleanliness of the shop - If the shop is clean and well-maintained, then it says a lot about the person's organization and work ethic. If it looks cluttered and dirty, it is a good reflection of what you can expect.
• Do your homework - When getting your estimates, ask how long the job will take. Also, look up the cost of parts online and get an idea before you call.

Finding a good car mechanic is not difficult. If it is time to find a new mechanic, do not go to the first one you find. Even if the repair is urgent, it is important to get someone with whom you can build a good relationship with for the future.