When you find a mechanic that you really trust to take care of your car, you’ll want to stick with them. Before you get to that point, however, the number of options and risk of fraud can be overwhelming. If you’re trying to choose the right mechanic, we have a few suggestions.
Ideally, you want to find a mechanic that can help with both maintenance and repairs. Maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations and replacements, and alignment checks while repairs come up on a non-routine basis. They may include things like fixing brakes that have gone out, doing auto-body work after an accident, or diagnosing a problem with the electronics system.
What Makes a Good Mechanic?
While everyone gets along with people a little differently, there are some consistent things you should look for on your quest to choose the right mechanic. It is important to find a team that listens to your concerns, allowing you to feel heard and not simply like the next number in line. This kind of sincere service should be reflected in every interaction you have with prospective mechanics.
It is also helpful to find professionals who will explain the issues, what is actually happening in your vehicle. This speaks to a spirit of honesty and forthright communication and can help you better take care of your car when it is not in the shop. If you understand what the mechanic is doing, it can also help you be sure you are getting a fair quote.
In that same spirit of honesty, good mechanics will have a candid discussion if they don’t know how to help. Doing so gives you the choice to look elsewhere for someone who does know how to help. This kind of accountability is the way to solidify lasting business relationships. It also is an indication of integrity that is absolutely essential in a mechanic you can trust. You certainly need to find a company that won’t compromise on quality or cut corners.
Researching Before You Choose the Right Mechanic
Though the initial research may be a pain, once you choose the right mechanic for you, he will be familiar with your vehicle and know how best to take care of it. Find a team you can trust so you always know just where to go. Here are a few suggestions for getting started:
- Start with the dealership. Your vehicle’s dealership will have a wealth of knowledge about your particular vehicle including current recalls, parts, and service warranties. Be aware that the dealership may also be the more expensive option.
- Listen to the reviews online and follow word of mouth recommendations. While these will be subjective since everyone’s experiences are different, they can get you started on places to research more deeply
- Check the Better Business Bureau. Auto repair shops rank 12th on the bureau’s list of common complaints. Their site can help you be mindful of places to avoid.
- Start locally. Ideally you want to find somewhere close so you don’t have to drive all over creation to get your vehicle serviced.
- Look for a team that knows their stuff. Look for experience and the right technical skills and knowledge, especially familiarity with your kind of vehicle. Part of this involves checking for the proper certifications. To choose the right mechanic, start by looking for a shop that is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- Check for warranty options. Protect yourself and your vehicle by assessing what warranties are available.
- Get a range of quotes. See what the competition is charging and compare what different companies have to offer. Don’t be afraid to do your own research to give yourself price points to compare. It is also wise to see if your prospects have financing options
- Check communication skills. It may sound silly, but if you want to choose the right mechanic, you’ll need to find someone who can communicate well so you always know what’s happening with your vehicle and your bill.
- Look for a team that loves what they do. A team like that will take care with their work.
- Shop around. If you find a mechanic that you think is right but they end up not meeting your expectations, you can continue your research and try again.
Your Local Mechanic in Bountiful, UT
At Ray’s Muffler, we want to help you choose the right mechanic, and we trust that we fit the bill. Our skilled technicians always provide the best service and the highest quality workmanship. Residents of the Bountiful area will find that Ray’s is a mechanic service they can trust, and we’re happy to get started taking care of your vehicle today.
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