- Use a dealer service center. While this may cost more than an independent auto repair shop, service centers typically specialize in specific makes. ...
- Do a web search. Using a search engine, search for repair shops in your city or ZIP code. This should bring up a number of options to look through.
- Check the yellow pages. Yes, the Yellow Pages do still exist in most urban and even rural locations. ...
- Ask around. Ask your coworkers, friends, and family members if they know of any local repair shops that offer efficient and trustworthy service. ...
Full Answer
How do I choose a good auto repair shop?
Your mechanic and shop should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. Auto repair shops rank 12th on the bureau's list of common complaints. Go to www.bbb.org; the information you find might help you figure out which shops you should avoid.
How do I find out how much a car repair costs?
You can call multiple repair shops near you and ask for an estimate (for the repair and the hourly rate for labor). You have the right to know how much a repair costs. If a shop won’t tell you, if they’re rude, or seems especially expensive, take your business elsewhere.
Do auto repair shops get complaints?
Auto repair shops rank 16th on the Better Business Bureau’s list of companies that get complaints. Go to the bureau’s website to check on any repair shops you’re considering. You might want to try out some local shops for smaller repairs or maintenance work, such as oil or filter changes.
How do I know if my car repair shop is AAA approved?
Warranty – Quality shops offer at least a 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty on their work. Look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign – Shop that display this logo have met high quality standards. Like most motorists today, you may be keeping your car longer.
How do I find the best repair shop?
Here are some more things to look for when hiring someone to maintain or repair your vehicle.The shop has the right certifications. ... The shop has a good reputation. ... The shop has a clean rap sheet. ... The shop shows pride in its appearance. ... The shop's technicians communicate well. ... The shop has a clear warranty policy.More items...•
How do I find the right mechanic?
How to find a great car mechanicFind a shop for your brand of car. Many garages specialize in certain makes. ... Ask your family and friends. ... Search the Internet. ... Check for certification. ... Check the Better Business Bureau. ... Give the shop a tryout. ... Ask about warranties. ... Make sure the shop is convenient.
How do you trust a mechanic?
0:381:35How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBuild a relationship with the technician. So they get to know your vehicle. And your personal needsMoreBuild a relationship with the technician. So they get to know your vehicle. And your personal needs car trouble can be stressful. So do your homework.
How do I know if my mechanic is honest?
Honest mechanics will communicate clearly with you in words you can understand before, during and after the repair. Compare any scheduled repair with your owner's manual. Honest mechanics will give you written estimates including parts, labor, and other supplies.
How do I find my local mechanic?
Use these tips to find a mechanic that you can trust to do right by you and your car.Find Out Who Services the Big Business Fleets in Your Area. ... Search for a Good Mechanic Online. ... Choose Someone From the AAA-Approved Auto Repair Network. ... Look Up ASE and Manufacturer-Certified Shops. ... Check With the Better Business Bureau.More items...•
What makes a good mechanic?
A good car mechanic knows who to trust with a certain job, how to solve problems quickly, and how to be completely honest and transparent when dealing with customers and solving tricky problems. Problem solving skills are also a must.
Do mechanics upsell?
If you've been to an auto repair shop in the past year, there's a good chance you paid more than you should've for service… That's because many repair shops operate on an incentivized pay structure. In other words, mechanics get paid more to upsell you on services (which you may… or may not actually need).
Can a mechanic charge you if they don't fix the problem?
Even if your mechanic doesn't fix the problem, you may still be charged a diagnostic fee.
Should you trust mechanics?
And a trusted car mechanic will help keep your car on the road and safe. But some less ethical mechanics are taking those shop visits—often for a safety recall or as part of a routine oil change—as an opportunity to pressure car owners to perform service work that isn't necessary.
How do you tell if a mechanic is ripping you off?
8 Ways Your Mechanic Is Ripping You OffTelling you your brake rotors need to be replaced, when they don't. ... Changing the spark plugs on a 50,000 mile car. ... Recommending miracle cure additives. ... Charging you full price for remanufactured parts.
How can I tell if my mechanic is lying?
0:2433:11#33 How to tell if a Mechanic is lying to you? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's how you know when your mechanics lying to you he's talking yep he's talking exactly whyMoreAnd that's how you know when your mechanics lying to you he's talking yep he's talking exactly why stay quiet so we're inside the shop we've got the papal.
How do you tell if a mechanic is overcharging you?
10 Signs Your Mechanic Is Cheating YouHe Won't Show You Old Parts. ... Fixing Something Unrelated to the Initial Issue. ... Name Brand Everything. ... Things Get Personal. ... Flushes and Top-Offs. ... They Use, “You Wouldn't Understand,” or “It's Complicated.” ... It's Always the Biggest Possible Problem.More items...•
Tips to guide you to the best local mechanics and how to judge the repair estimate
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
Sanity-Check Your Repair Estimate
Repair estimates can be confusing. But there are ways to make sure you’re not being overcharged for repairs beyond basic maintenance, such as oil changes. Start by checking CR’s Car Repair Assistant to find out roughly how much a specific repair should cost in your area. Compare that with a written estimate from your mechanic.
Car Maintenance Myths
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to keeping your car running smoothly. On the “ Consumer 101 ” TV show, host Jack Rico learns from Consumer Reports expert Jon Linkov the truth behind some of the biggest maintenance myths.
How many AAA approved auto repair facilities are there in the US?
The AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility Locator is a powerful search tool that gives you easy access to information on over 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
What is a specialty shop?
Specialists – Some independent auto repair shops specialize in certain vehicle makes or systems. By focusing on a limited part of the market, these shops can provide very efficient and effective service. A specialty shop can be a good choice if you drive the make of vehicle it services, or need the type of repairs it provides.
What is it like to visit a mechanic?
Visiting a mechanic is a lot like going to the doctor. You find yourself there when you are already having trouble and need help the most. You put your faith in their hands to offer the best remedy to get you back up and running. But, with two in three consumers saying they don’t trust auto repair shops in general, how do you choose a repair shop that’s right for you? One thing is certain – the worst time to try to pick a shop is when your car is already broken down and you’re rushed to make a decision.
How many AAA approved auto repair facilities are there in the US?
The AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility Locator is a powerful search tool that gives you easy access to information on over 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
Word of Mouth
You can get online and see ratings for independent repair shops, but often those are manipulated. I prefer the good old-fashioned word of mouth method. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers if they know a good place.
Check for ASE Certified Mechanics
ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which tests a technician’s knowledge after he or she has worked in his or her field for two years minimally. ASE tests specialized fields such as air conditioning, engine repair, tune-ups, brakes, diesel engines, and the list goes on and on.
Ask about Repair Estimates, Test Drives, Wrecker Services and Insurance
Other questions to ask a potential repair shop is if it offers estimates and if those estimates include parts, labor, tax, etc. There is nothing worse than an unpleasant surprise when your bill is presented. Ask if they get your authorization in advance if the bill is going to be higher than you approved.
In Closing
Just like when buying a car, building a relationship with your garage is critical, it will make the difference between an unpleasant experience and a good experience. If you use a dealership, get to know your service advisor and go to the same one each visit. This will save you a lot of time, and you will feel better about your service experience.
Why won't a mechanic let you ride along?
They should want you along because you’re helping them get to a satisfactory repair. If you have to demand it, there could be bigger issues with the shop. Similarly, don’t be in a hurry to have them tell you what’s wrong. Your job is to study the problem when it happens, and see if you can replicate the noise, shudder, squeal, rattle, stall, etc. for them. Make sure the shop knows why you’re coming in and that you want to go for a ride with the tech to replicate the problem. Don’t just drop it off and expect them to figure it out.
Why use AAA.com?
Why? Because auto shops that follow AAA’s guidelines demand that Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians are employed for every repair. ASE is an independent, non-profit organization that provides voluntary testing and certification of mechanics. If a shop has passed ASE standards, drivers have tangible proof of technical knowledge and a way to gauge a repair professional’s level of expertise before you hire them to fix your car .
Do you need to refresh oil?
Depending on where you live and how you drive (like if you tow), you might need to refresh the oil more frequently than the owner’s manual indicates. And again, a good shop that knows you and how you drive will make recommendations that may vary slightly from the manual. That’s okay.
Is there a licensing for auto repair?
“It’s crazy, but there’s no licensing in the auto repair industry,” says Mattinat. She relies on the Automotive Service Association, a not-for-profit trade association that serves independent automotive professionals in the mechanical and collision repair industries, which demands mechanics always give estimates and pledges better customer service.
Why do mechanics hate my car?
Mechanics hate my car because Saturns aren’t made anymore so they can never find parts for it. Saturns were a short-lived production by General Motors that didn’t pan out. GM dealers are able to find parts easier and their mechanics have more experience with the type of car.
Can you be met at a car dealership?
At the dealership, there’s a good chance you won’t actually be met by the mechanic —an advantage you get with a smaller repair shop. There will likely be someone hired specifically for customer service that will explain what’s wrong with your car and take your money.
Do mechanics need a website?
At the very least, you’ll know if someone had a bad experience with a certain mechanic or shop. But not all mechanics are going to have significant presence online. In fact, the best ones might not need to have a website or a Facebook page because they already have a enough business from word-of-mouth referrals.
