Finding a good mechanic can be hard. The days of people knowing exactly how to work on cars are gone. The change has also come because cars have gone from lots of parts and pieces to lots of electronics and chips within the vehicle.
1. Ask your friends
Ask the people you know who they go to as a mechanic. Find someone that may have the same car as you even. Ask your friends who have the same pickiness as you about having a nice, well-maintained car.
Questions to ask:
Where are they located?
Do they work promptly?
Do they communicate with you?
Do they stick to a schedule?
Do you know other people who bring their vehicle to the mechanic?
Where were they trained?
What is their specialty?
Do they do this as a full-item job or job on the side?
References?
2. Ask dealerships, car tire stores, and the local parts store
Many times the best mechanics don’t advertise and are known locally. Sometimes they even work out of their own home. Some of the best mechanics held a job during the week and worked on cars when at home.
You may find you like the mechanic at the local dealership because the dealership employs them, you can go into a specific location, they are a respected dealership, and if your car needs work, you may get a rental.
Sometimes dealerships are more expensive to work on your car. The prices also change based on your vehicle. If you have a Porsche with expensive Porsche parts, that will cost you a different price than someone with a Honda sedan.
3. Research your mechanic and try to find reviews or ask for references. You don’t want to find a mechanic that just takes your money or takes advantage of you. Dive deep into this research and use the internet as much as you can.
4. Find a mechanic that can do a range of skills. Mechanics now don’t just have to fix a car; they have to know how to work the computer systems in the vehicles. This takes extra training and knowledge. Sometimes there is a chip that isn’t responding, or there is a miscommunication with the vehicle. Mechanics now needs to have those diagnostic systems when working on vehicles.
5. Paying a mechanic
Protect yourself by only releasing funds when the job is complete. Keep an eye on what the mechanic may work on and ask lots of questions. A Good mechanic will appreciate that you care about your vehicle. Some mechanics take cash because they have a regular job during the week. Be careful to get receipts and proof of work before paying them.
6. Gut feeling
Always go with your gut when interviewing candidates. You want to have a good feeling about the person because they will be working with you closely as they help maintain or fix your vehicle. Get to know the mechanic, so you get a good feeling about who they are. IF they don’t have time for you, then they don’t have time for your car. If they don’t respond to you, they won’t respond when there is an issue. If they aren’t on time, then they don’t value time when working.
