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If you're like many people, your car is a vital aspect in your daily life. Because your car is so important, and likely worth several thousand dollars, you may be hesitant to trust its maintenance to someone you don't know. However, taking your car to a mechanic becomes a necessary part of car ownership. This guide is designed to teach you how to find a car mechanic you can trust.
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If you're like many people, your car is a vital aspect in your daily life. Because your car is so important, and likely worth several thousand dollars, you may be hesitant to trust its maintenance to someone you don't know. However, car repair is often a necessary part of car ownership. This guide is designed to teach you how to find a car mechanic you can trust.
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Introduction
- Unless you're an expert in car repairs, you're going to have to take your car to a mechanic at one point or another. Even if you can do your own basic repairs, you probably don't have the tools or resources to do major repairs on your car. Although you have likely heard horror stories or may have even had your own negative experience with an inexperienced or inept car mechanic, be assured that there are reliable car repairmen out there. You may have to put in some time to find an efficient person to do your car repairs, but the effort will prove well worth your time.
Step 1: Make Use of Your Warranty
- If you have purchased a new car, it is likely under warranty for several years. If you are provided with the opportunity, you may also want to consider spending the extra money to buy an extended warranty. While it is under warranty, if anything goes wrong with your car, you will likely be asked to either take it in to the dealership's in-house mechanic or to an off-site mechanic as recommended by the dealer. This way, you don't have to worry about finding a mechanic and any repairs that are done will be guaranteed.
Step 2: Ask Your Dealer
- If you have bought a used car from a reputable dealer (and even if you've gotten a free car history report) ask him or her what mechanic they use or would recommend for car repairs. Because they are involved in the business, car dealers are likely to be familiar with area mechanics. Also, since used cars that come into a lot are usually inspected and repaired before they are resold, the dealer almost certainly uses a mechanic that is trustworthy.
Step 3: Other Options
- If you purchased your car online, privately, or at an auction, your car will likely not be under warranty and you will have to use other resources to find a good mechanic. To do so, try:
- Asking friends, co-workers and family members where they take their car for repairs
- Checking with the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, the Automotive Service Association and the American Automobile Association for mechanics that are affiliated with their association
- Going to the CarTalk website and use their Mechanics Files search to find a mechanic in your area who has been rated and recommended by other car owners
- Scanning your local newspaper's "Best of" or "Best in Town" listings, if the option is available
Conclusion
- Having a skilled mechanic that you trust to maintain and repair your car can definitely help put your mind at ease when something goes wrong with your car. If your car is not under warranty, ask around to try and get a personal recommendation regarding a good mechanic. If you are having your auto insurance company pay for the repairs, make sure that the mechanic you choose takes your car insurance
