The process of trying to find a trusted mechanic can be one of the toughest things to do. Too many people have been scammed simply because they had no idea how to find a good mechanic.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of mechanics out there that will trick you into believing something is wrong with your car to simply make you pay for something that you did not need. This happens all over the world and the best thing to do is to make sure that you approach the process with a plan.
Ask Your Friends
The first and most obvious place to ask for help is from your friends. Ask them if they know any trusted mechanics that will not charge a fortune. In order to find a good mechanic, a referral is almost the only way to guarantee that you will be getting good service. Finding a friend that is a mechanic is the ideal situation but this rarely happens and so it is better to ask your friends if they happen to have a friend that is a mechanic.
Talk To Car Owners That Have The Same Car
Though having the car manuals will give you the basic information about your car, most people will have no idea how to fix certain problems. This is why it is crucial that you find a really good mechanic by simply talking to people who have the same car as you. Though it might be tough for you to go up to people and to talk to them about their mechanic, this is a great way to ensure that you will find a trusted mechanic.
Scout The Internet
The internet is a great place to look for good mechanics because there are websites that will have certain reviews on how a mechanic works. Make sure that you take the time needed to look at the different websites and see what people are saying about them. You can even call the better business bureau to ensure that there are no complaints about that mechanic to take your worries away.
Accredited Mechanics
You need to also find out if the mechanic is accredited with the AAA and to figure out if they are licensed. These are two pieces of information that will help you make the right choice and to make sure that the mechanic is legit.
Experience
The most important thing to consider is experience and how long the mechanic has been in the business. Nothing will ever replace experience and so you must understand that experienced mechanics stay in the business for a long time because the customers come back. Look around for the best local mechanics in your area and ask about which ones have been in the business for a long time. Sometimes it will take a long time to find them but it is worth it.
Overall, if you are serious about being able to find a good mechanic, you will need to take these things into consideration. It can be a long process but once you find a good mechanic, make sure that you treat him with respect and to refer your friends when they need help as well. Take your time and never rush into hiring a mechanic that you do not have trust in yet.
About the author: Joseph Fitch writes prolifically on cars, lifestyle and tips for auto repair.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Nick Ares.