You may have just finished new car shopping, and while you may now know what to look for when buying a car, the question is: Do you know what to look for in a mechanic?
Finding a good auto mechanic can be crucial not only to the well-being of your car, but also to your own sanity. It’s nice to know you have a reliable garage to take your vehicle to if there’s any trouble. But how do you find the garage that’s right for you? Here are a few tips:
- Do Your Research – First, ask around among family and friends. They must have a good auto mechanic that they consider reliable, so try going with their recommendation. Short of that, do your own research online, and see which places have the best ratings and reviews.
- Check Their Credentials – Good auto mechanics will be ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified, and should have a certification indicating which areas they are proficient in. AAA will certify certain shops that they approve, and will list these shops on their website.
- Stake out the Shop – It’s actually helpful to get into your car and drive past the garage or shop. You want to look for clean and well-kept facilities, but also take not of the cars in the lot. You want to make sure your car will fit in. Plus, keep an eye out for taxis or work vans, because professional drivers are likely to be well-informed.
It’s natural to be nervous about a new person servicing your car, but if you put the work in ahead of time, it’s not difficult to find the right location to receive the best auto service. Find more.