How to Find a Car Mechanic

While some car-savvy people can fix problems with their vehicle themselves, others are better off finding a trusted car mechanic to perform tune-ups for them. Even those who can perform basic auto repairs at home may come to a problem they need professional help to fix. Knowing who to take your vehicle to if need be is an essential part of car ownership.

Ask Your Dealer

The dealership you purchase, loan or lease your vehicle from may have a mechanic to recommend to you. 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.

If you are given a name, do some background research of your own to determine whether the mechanic is legitimate before giving over your business to them.c

Use Your Warranty

If your car is under warranty, you can take it to the dealership's mechanic or a dealership-recommended mechanic for no extra costs to you. You can also purchase an extended warranty for an extra amount to continue using the dealer mechanic free of added charges as long as the car is yours.c

Ask Trusted Friends

If you don't have a mechanic in mind or do not trust the one your dealership referred you to, ask family, friends and co-workers in your area who they use. You can cross-reference mechanic recommendations with the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, the Automotive Service Association or the American Automobile Association to see if they are affiliated.c

Perform an Online Search

There are a wide variety of websites that offer mechanic reviews and recommendations. It cannot hurt to perform a search and compare well-rated mechanics in your area before making a decision on who to take your vehicle to for a tune-up.

Reliable mechanic rating sites include Mechanic Advisor, Edmunds, Car Talk and Car Repair Ratings.

References

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