Auto Repair 101: What to Look for When Choosing a Mechanic

When you need car repair work done you want to find a good mechanic who will do a good job for a good price. Right?


Of course! The reason is few professionals you encounter will impact your or your family's safety (and your wallet) like a mechanic. Just as you might not trust the first physician you find while driving around your neighborhood, you should also put some thought into choosing the right mechanic.


Why Affiliations?
A certified auto repair technician can give you peace of mind in the quality of the parts and labor that go into your car, and can also save you a LOT of money over the life of your car, truck or RV. When using professional automotive technicians who are members of groups such as the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the Automotive Service Association (ASA) or American Automobile Association (AAA), you are more likely to receive a high standard of service than with non-affiliated shops.


National vs Local
There are many auto repair shops all over the country claiming high quality, from the large national chains to your local independently owned car repair facilities. When choosing one, here's something to consider: Many of the big name centers are corporately run and typically more interested in turning a profit than in what is best for you and your vehicle. That not-quite-so-major problem can suddenly become terribly urgent and require an expensive repair. And, with locally owned auto repair shops, your money stays in the community, and an actual relationship can be developed between you and your auto repair professional.



Here are a few things to help find the right car, truck or RV repair shop for you:

1) Check for those professional affiliations mentioned above. If the shop doesn't have any of them, don't go there.

2) Are the mechanics all ASE certified and do any specialize in your kind of car, truck or RV?

3) Visit the shop. Is it clean and tidy?

4) Will the shop give you an itemized estimate and explain to you what will be done to your vehicle?

5) Will they let you see any parts they remove?

6) What kind of warranty do they offer? Does it cover parts only or also include labor?

7) What are the shop's policies? Are they fair and reasonable?

8) Will they send you maintenance reminders?

9) Do they offer a shuttle service or a loaner car?

Every good shop that repairs or services cars, trucks and/or RV's should be able to satisfactorily meet these criteria.

In this author's search for a mechanic of my own, Absolute Automotive in Eugene Oregon, was found to be committed to doing what is right. They provided top quality work on my Toyota 4Runner at a very, very reasonable price. (Try approximately one-third the price the dealer quoted me.)

Of course I could tell you how great Jud Garlock and his crew are, but you should visit their shop at 355 Hwy 99 N and let them show you. If they can't help you, they'll refer you to someone who can.

They will be getting all my business, and will be heartily recommended as well.