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01Find Out Who Services the Big Business Fleets in Your Area
Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images Delivery vans, taxis, company cars, government vehicles – they all have to stay on the road, so you better believe they're taken to a good mechanic when they need maintenance work or repairs.
Do a little digging to figure out who services the big fleets in your area. Then, consider taking your business there. Not sure how to find out? Just ask a few drivers who their company uses.
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02Search for a Good Mechanic Online
The Mechanics Files over on CarTalk is a great place to look for a mechanic recommendation or to check up on a mechanic that you're considering. It features reviews of over 30,000 mechanics!
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03Choose Someone From the AAA-Approved Auto Repair Network
Even if you don't have AAA, choosing a shop from their Approved Auto Repair Network can be a great way to vet a mechanic. All participating shops must offer 12 month/12,000 mile warranties on all repairs, use ASE or manufacturer-certified technicians and pass an annual AAA inspection.
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04Look Up ASE and Manufacturer-Certified Shops
When a mechanic is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the manufacturer of the particular make of car that they work on or both, that's a pretty good indication that they know their stuff.
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05Check With the Better Business Bureau
Once you've narrowed it down to a few mechanics, do a quick search on the Better Business Bureau website to check up on their ratings and reviews.
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06Interview Your Prospective Mechanic
Before you hand over your keys, ask your mechanic all of those questions that you have on your mind:
- How many years have they been in business? How many years of experience do they have?
- Do they guarantee their work? What sort of warranties do they offer?
- Are all of their mechanics ASE-certified? What type of training do their mechanics have?
- What types of parts do they use: new, used, OEM, after-market?
- Can you provide your own parts?
- What types of vehicles or work do they specialize in
- Are estimates free? Are there certain types of inspections that you'll have to pay for?
- Do they offer loaner cars or a free shuttle while your car is in the shop?
- Do they guarantee their estimates
- Do they have different labor rates for different times/different types of work?
- What are their payment policies?
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07Start Small
The best time to find a mechanic is before anything major happens. If your car is running smoothly now, use your next scheduled maintenance task–oil change, tire rotation, etc.–to test out a mechanic's skills and professionalism.
Need to start the relationship with a major repair? Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable, and make sure he shows you what's broken. A reputable mechanic should be willing to do whatever it takes to put you at ease and gain your confidence.
How to Find a Good Mechanic
A good mechanic can help to keep your car running longer and save you money on repairs. Use these tips to find a mechanic that you can trust to do right by you and your car.