When you are dealing with mechanics, it can be a little tough to find the right fit. There are a ton of shops, and finding a mechanic who you can trust and that will charge you the right amount seems to be practically impossible. As a towing company we have our own trusted mechanics, and we thought it was about time that we told you why they are trusted. Here are some ways to tell your mechanic is a good one.
Pricing
When you are dealing with a mechanic, one of the first things you want to know about is pricing. Labor is one thing, but most shops charge roughly the same amount of labor as the next shop, so the real difference will be parts. When you get a repair quote, it is often best to take a look at other shops and see what they are charging for the same part. There are minor markups and other costs that could be hidden, but if your shop is quoting you a competitive price with the other guys, typically you are in good hands.
The right tools
A mechanic with any level of skill will always have the right tools for the job, and that means that they have a lot of them. At the shop, you should notice a lift, a large number of tool drawers and fluids. As well, you need to chat with your mechanic and see if they are equipped with a scan tool from the manufacturer. These handy little gizmos are only sold or given to mechanics with good reputations and the expertise to work on that brand of cars. Many mechanics are considered experts on a variety of vehicles, so do not be surprised if your mechanic has a few scanners.
How you are treated
It is one of those tangible things that are tough to measure, but how you are treated goes a long way to determining if your mechanic is a good one. Ask yourself these questions to see if your mechanic is a good one!
- Did they greet you when you called or stopped by the repair shop?
- Did the mechanic take the time to review the repairs that were completed in a way that you understood why and what they did?
- Did they provide you with a written warranty?
- Was your vehicle clean on the inside and out?
Not all mechanics are the right fit
One thing to understand is all mechanics are created equal, and although a shop might do great work if you do not like the mechanic, there are other options. A mechanic is much like finding a good doctor, you need to be able to trust them with the small stuff before going to them for something big. Make sure to test out some local mechanics, and see what works for you. There are plenty of options to be a little picky! Remember, a car is an expensive thing to fix, and if your mechanic is not someone you can trust with an oil change, you should probably find someone who is a good fit for you.
