How to Find a Good Mechanic
- 1). Ask trusted friends for recommendations.
- 2). Talk to people who have cars similar to yours, if you are new to an area.
- 3). Make sure the mechanic you've chosen services your type of car. Lookaround the shop and see what kinds of cars are being worked on.
- 4). Call the Better Business Bureau to check whether the shop has any complaints on file.
- 5). Check whether the shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA).
- 6). Ask whether the shop's mechanics are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
- 7). Check the warranty on the repair work before leaving the car at the shop. Six months is great; 90 days is good; 30 days is a little suspect. Find out whether the warranty covers both parts and labor.
- 8). Ask for a full explanation of what is going to be done to the car.
- 9). Find out what the shop's hours are. Will it be open when you get off work? Is the shop near the bus or train? Will you get a loaner while your car is being worked on?
