When looking for a new mechanic, many people are concerned with finding one they can trust to do the job right and at a fair price. Missing vital warning signs or doing a repair job incorrectly could have devastating consequences. Most commonly, after a botched job, you’ll end up having to spend more money to get the car fixed a second time. Thankfully, there are plenty of trustworthy mechanics out there. Here’s what you need to know to sort the good from the bad.
1. Read The Reviews
One of the best ways to figure out which mechanics are worth your time is by looking at their reviews online. There will often be plenty of them for you to read through. Google and Facebook are great places to start because so many people write reviews on these two platforms.
2. Check That They Are Certified
When you are hiring a mechanic, it’s essential to check that they have the technical skills needed to fix your car. One of the best ways of doing this is looking for certifications. Don’t be afraid to ask where they trained.
Sometimes, you will get a mechanic that specializes in a certain type of vehicle. For example, SL Autoworks specializes in BMWs and Subarus. While we work on other vehicle brands, we have precise knowledge about these models.
3. Ask Questions
Before you hand the keys over, be clear about what the problem is. To get this answer, ask plenty of questions. This is a good way of signaling that the mechanic can’t try to slip things past you. It’s also a good way of judging how knowledgeable they are. The mechanic should try to break it down into plain English for you. If they don’t, feel free to move on.
4. Consider Their Attitude
Another reason why you should talk to the mechanic in person is to learn about their personality. How did they respond to your questions? Look for someone professional and courteous. If they were rude and condescending, it’s time to move to the next garage.
5. Get A Quote In Writing
Before you hand over your car, you should have some idea about how much it will cost. You should be able to get a free quote. Ask for it in writing. You might need to be prepared for the real figure to be a little higher or lower than expected. But if the final cost is significantly higher than the estimate, you might be able to dispute it.
Once you have their quote, you can start shopping around. Talk to other local mechanics and get their quotes. As you are doing this, it’s an excellent chance to compare expertise and attitude, not just the price.
6. Consider Their Location
Once you have found a mechanic that you like, make sure their location is reasonable for you to get to. This will tell you whether they are a good fit as a long-term mechanic or one you’ll only be seeing for a single service. You might have found a great mechanic you love working with, but it would be a problem if they were two hours away.
7. Don’t Focus Solely On Price
One of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding which mechanic to use is fixating on the price. Price is important; you don’t want to be overcharged. But it shouldn’t be the only thing that you are basing this decision on.
Remember, when it comes to mechanics, you get what you pay for. If you are paying dirt cheap prices, expect quick and dirty fixes. While it might seem like a good deal, these types of mechanics will often cause significantly more expensive problems in the future.
8. Don’t Feel Pressured
Sometimes, when meeting a mechanic, you might feel like you are being pressured into working with them. If something doesn’t feel right, or they have a bad attitude, don’t be afraid to go to another mechanic. Remember, you are in control over who you allow to work on your car.
Similarly, a mechanic might find some unexpected items that need to be repaired. Just because they found these problems doesn’t mean that they need to be the ones to fix them. You can get a second opinion. You can take the car to another mechanic to fix these problems.
What to Expect From a Trustworthy Mechanic?
Hopefully, you’ll now be able to compare the mechanics in your local area to find the right one for you. After doing this, it’s time to talk about what you can expect when you bring your car to them.
When you walk into the garage for the first time, you can expect them to be kind and courteous. They’ll want to talk about the car and what you want them to do. Once you’ve explained the problem, they’ll usually provide a quote. If you agree to the price, they will get your contact information.
During the appointment, ask how long it will take to fix the problem. This will usually depend on the mechanic and the type of issue they need to fix. Sometimes, it will only take a few hours. On other occasions, your mechanic will need to have the car for a few days.
Finally, you will need to pay the mechanic for their services; often, this is done in one lump sum payment. However, some mechanics offer a payment plan. Typically, you’ll need to pay the balance in full before driving away.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have engine problems or need some routine maintenance, it’s vital to turn to a trusted mechanic. If they are going to be working on your vehicle, you want to be confident that they know what they are doing. In the Arkansas area, the SLA team has proven to be reliable, safe, and honest. So, book an appointment today or contact us to learn more about how we can help with your Subaru and BMW needs!
