You may only think about taking your car to a mechanic if it breaks down. However, properly maintaining your car is just as important (if not more important) than making repairs.
Proper maintenance through a qualified mechanic can ultimately save you money and reduce major issues down the road. This can mitigate the need for large, expensive repairs. Plus, knowing your car is in tip-top shape can go a long way in reducing driving anxiety, whether you’re preparing for a road trip or going about your daily routine.
The only question is, how to find a mechanic who’s both affordable and reliable. We can help you there. Keep reading for a quick guide on how to find the best mechanic.
Ask What Level of Certification They Hold
There are different areas of certification for auto mechanics. These areas include:
- Engine repair
- Manual drive train and axles
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
- Brakes
- Engine performance
- Suspension and steering
- Electrical systems
- Heating and A/C
If a mechanic is certified in all eight categories, they earn the title of “Master Certified.” Ask a mechanic what level of certification they have to determine if they are the right professional to work on your car. They don’t need to be Master Certified, but they should be certified in the appropriate area.
Do They Have Experiencing Working on Vehicles Like Yours?
Next, find a mechanic who has worked on similar vehicles. A qualified mechanic will have experience working on the make and model of your car. This is especially important if you have an exotic, rare, or vintage car.
Do they Belong to any Professional Organizations?
When looking for a “mechanic near me,” find out if they belong to any professional organizations. For example, members of the Automotive Service Association are held to higher standards of auto repair and customer service. If you find a mechanic who is a member of the ASA or similar organizations, you know your vehicle is in good hands.
Will They Provide a Free Quote or Diagnosis?
When searching for a qualified mechanic, find out if they will diagnosis your vehicle’s problem for free. This is particularly important if you don’t know why a warning light has come on or if you don’t know what’s wrong with your car.
If you already know what’s wrong with your car, call the leading mechanic shops in your area and ask for a free quote. You may need to have it looked at in person before they’ll be able to give you an accurate estimate.
Will They Show You the Completed Work or Replaced Parts?
Finally, ask a mechanic if they will show you the part of your car they worked on after the service is complete. They should be willing to show you what they repaired or what part they replaced.
If you’re not working with an honest certified mechanic, they might charge you for new parts when they only repaired your existing parts. You can avoid getting overcharged by verifying their work.
Are You Looking for a Quality Mechanic?
If your vehicle needs work, find a mechanic in your area as soon as possible. The longer you drive your vehicle in disrepair, the more issues you’re going to have. Follow the tips listed above to find a quality mechanic who you can trust.
Maintaining your vehicle will help keep you and your passengers safe. Of course, driver maintenance is also important to make sure you have the safest ride every time you pull away from home.
An online defensive driving course can enhance your road knowledge and improve your driving skills. It can even help you save money on your car insurance. Learn more about the benefits driver improvement courses offer. And check out why our DriveSafe Online Defensive Driving Course is the best option available today.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.