Most people go to a familiar doctor when they’re sick. Many have a primary care physician who knows their history. However, most people assume that, unlike their own bodies, a car or truck isn’t going to have weird tics that others of that make don’t have, so when they search for a mechanic, they look at the price tag first and foremost.
Unfortunately, car insurance doesn’t cover normal maintenance. If you get in an accident, your insurance will step in, but unlike your own health insurance, which covers normal office visits, your vehicle’s insurance won’t cover such things. This means that costs add up quickly, leading people to put off basic maintenance and tempting them to merely look for the cheapest mechanic available when things start to go awry.
However, there are other things to look for in a mechanic other than price, and, much like having a doctor, having a mechanic who knows your vehicle and its quirks can help diagnose problems faster, saving on cost. This is how to find a good mechanic:
1. Get a Referral
The nice thing about mechanics is that it’s easy to find out about them solely through word-of-mouth. Ask someone you trust to recommend an auto repair shop or mechanic.
Once you have a recommendation, go online and check out reviews or see if they have a website. A website can go a long way toward telling you how knowledgeable an auto repair shop is about vehicles, and reviews can help you weigh up various experiences that others have had with a mechanic.
Be aware, however, that reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, especially if there are only a few of them. More people are likely to complain about a negative experience online than praise a positive one. Balance out what you read online with what you hear from the people who recommend them.
2. See if They’re Patient, Friendly, and Concerned for Your Safety
When you talk to a mechanic or visit an auto repair shop, you may find that many people are working there. While not everyone is going to be the same, try and see if, in a general way, the people there are patient, willing to answer any questions, and friendly. They should also demonstrate a desire to keep you and your family safe.
A good mechanic will listen to your concerns and share how they’ll diagnose and service your car or truck. Don’t be afraid of sounding stupid for asking questions; instead, be on your toes for mechanics who act impatient or make you feel small.
3. What Certifications Do They Have?
You don’t need an education with fancy certifications to know cars. However, having certifications demonstrates that a mechanic, garage, or repair shop takes pride in themselves and their business. Sometimes, this can help customers feel that the mechanic will go above and beyond to make customers happy, too. Your mileage may vary on this one, but certifications usually point in a positive direction.
4. Consider Cost
Cheap mechanics aren’t bad, nor are expensive mechanics better than others. However, a good mechanic will understand that car maintenance and repair can be expensive and won’t assume everyone is made of money. Good mechanics won’t charge for every little thing they do and check, they won’t try and upsell you on multiple add-ons, and will give you a heads-up about any maintenance that you’ll have to address in the future.
The cost of maintaining and fixing your vehicle should be fair. If you feel like your mechanic or auto repair shop is trying to squeeze every dime they can out of you, then you need to do some more checking around.
5. Are They Willing to Explain Things to You?
Good mechanics will be able to explain the problem and why it needs to be repaired in the way it does, whether by fixing it or replacing a part entirely. Bonus points if they actually show you the problem so you can see it yourself.
A good thing to remember is that whenever there’s a failure somewhere in the vehicle, it can usually be felt, heard, or seen. This means that you should be able to compare what you’ve been feeling, hearing, or seeing with what the mechanic claims to have found while diagnosing your vehicle.
Your mechanic should never make you feel inferior or take a pandering approach when explaining your vehicle’s problems.
Final Thoughts
A good mechanic is someone you should feel comfortable around. They should have respect for themselves and respect for your time and money, never growing impatient and always being willing to answer questions and explain things in a way that doesn’t make you feel inferior to them.
If you feel unsure about a mechanic, it’s usually best to go with your gut feelings. Having a mechanic you can trust means your vehicle will run in good condition for much longer.
