ALT-6 Secrets to Finding the right Mechanic
First on the list of things to do is to take both hands and raise them to your head, then grab two big handfuls of hair and pull outward until the pain brings tears to your eyes. I think we need to determine first of all what we mean by the word "right" when referring to someone in the automobile repair industry. The "right" mechanic would be someone who is not merely competent, but also worthy of trusting with one of our most prized possessions.
A mechanic's competency can be tested and then proven with even the simplest mechanical problem. If the guy can fix it, and it stays fixed, then he can successfully repair a car. That's a good start. Next comes the hard part: can you trust him? Even the simplest mechanical problem can turn into a marathon of late nights and expensive parts in the hands of a dishonest mechanic. So how do you know you can trust a mechanic? It's simple. You can't. Well, it's very hard to do so, anyway. And you shouldn't do so too soon.
Mechanics have families with problems and homes with lots of bills just like everyone else. When their main source of income rests inside the pockets of a stingy car owner, their priority isn't how low they can keep the price of your repair. Their priorities are the vacation their wife has been asking for since last summer, the clothes the kids need because they're growing like weeds, and the water heater that has been begging for attention in the basement. The more money they can convince you to give to them, the better off they will be at home and in their personal lives. The problem arises when the mechanic tries to take the easy path to your carefully guarded cash.
The mechanic with a good heart knows that if he treats you, the customer, with respect and fairness, you will be happy with his work. The quality will shine through and you will notice it when you share your car repair stories with friends or family. Respect and fairness become evident over time, whereas sneaky practices usually raise their heads much sooner. The trustworthy mechanic knows that he will prosper if he can convince you to return to him with not only your future repair needs, but also those of your friends and family. He knows he doesn't have to cheat you to get more money from you because cars break down all on their own all the time.
The answer is really very simple. Ask previous customers of a particular mechanic what they think of the service they received. Call the Better Business Bureau and see if there have been any complaints registered about a certain repair shop. Do your homework. Ask questions. It doesn't take long to ferret out the good mechanic from the cheat.
