BY KEVIN SAWYER – One of the great challenges in life is finding a reliable, honest and skilled auto mechanic. As most of us have found out, it is no easy thing trying to find one. This is quite often a despairing task when you have moved to a new state or town. You don’t know who’s who yet and navigating around can be tough. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to find just the right mechanic for you.
- The first, and perhaps, the most reliable source of finding a new mechanic is to ask around town. Ask your friends, acquaintances, and even work colleagues, who they use to maintain their vehicle. The good ones are far too busy to do any sort of marketing and, for the most part, rely on the ever reliable word-of-mouth advertising.
- Next, you can head out online to check reviews on a few of them. Also, check for their certifications like ASA. You want to know that they are experienced and capable. Once you have narrowed your choices down to a few that seem reliable, start checking them out. Drive by their shops. Are they busy and clean? Do they look safe and respectable? Are the vehicles being worked on like yours?
- Next, you can just go in and run a test on them. If you have narrowed your choice down to one, go in and set an appointment for an oil change. First, your car will never be hurt by an oil change and, second, this gives you a great opportunity to talk with the mechanic and see how he or she conducts business. You should have a good feel for this mechanic when you are done.
- If the mechanic does have a website, which is likely, you can see what the labor charges are and make your comparisons. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. Your not looking for the cheapest. Maybe when you buy peanut butter but not when it comes to the safety and maintenance of your vehicle. It’s a cost but one you need to make because you need your vehicle to be there for you when you need it.
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