ALT-1 How to Deal with Auto Mechanics
Auto mechanics are people too! Contrary to popular belief they are not sunlight tolerant vampires. Not all of them anyway. There is a check list that I like to go by when dealing with a auto mechanic.
1. Know the general problem ahead of time and research it a bit to know what it will take for the mechanic to fix the problem. Ignorance is the number one reason people get robbed at the auto shop.
2. Ask around. Many times if a mechanic is not very good at his job or has a habit of fleecing the public, people in the area will let you know. Going into your local Auto Zone and talking to the people that work there might even help a bit.
3. Look at your mechanics hands. I have never met a good mechanic with clean hands. No matter how hard they scrub there are still signs of the job. Dirty hands in a mechanic means lots of work. Lots of work means a good reputation.
4. Price compare. A good mechanic will not try to rob you on the job. Many websites will tell you how many shop hours a job should take. Jobs should generally not take longer than this time frame. If your mechanic is trying to charge you over the estimated time, odds are good he's a crook.
5. Talk to your mechanic. These guys will generally take the time to let you know all that is going wrong with your car and let you know a general idea of what he will be doing. A mechanic that doesn't want you to know what they are doing to your car is not the person you want under your hood.
Your mechanic wants to be treated as well as you want them to treat you. A good mechanic knows the bad stigma that comes with his profession and the amount of crooks that there are out there giving him and others a bad name from the beginning. Deal with your mechanic just like you would deal with your doctor. That's what he is after all a doctor for your car. A person researches a doctor before they allow the to work on them it is only wise to do the same with your cars doctor. Find somebody in your area that is reputable and then treat them the way you want you and your car to be treated and odds are good you will never have a bad mechanic experience.
