Questions to ask before Selecting a new Auto Mechanic
There are many types of mechanics and repair shops, many types of cars, many types of people needing car repairs, and many types of repairs. Mechanics range from the guy next door who is always working on cars to the dealership that sold the car in the first place, small shops to nationwide repair franchises, tire stores, transmission shops, A/C specialists, muffler specialists or import specialists. The guy next door may be just what you need to replace a fan belt. He is local and inexpensive, but if your new BMW is making a funny noise, he may not be the best choice, unless he is always working on BMW's in the front yard.
Start your quest for a new mechanic online, look for customer reviews, check the Better Business Bureau, see if the shop has a website to see what sort of repairs they do or what certifications they have. Ask friends and co-workers for referrals.
When you are in the shop or on the telephone with the mechanic, ask again about certifications, just because the national chain hasASEcertified mechanics doesn't guarantee the local shop has one.
Ask if the mechanic has worked on your make of car before and how much experience he has with this type of problem, or if he has manufacturers' training or certifications.
Ask how much the repair will cost and get it in writing. The work order should contain what is going to be replaced, the price of parts, estimated labor hours and charge per hour, and any other charges like supplies, lift fee or tire disposal fee.
Ask about the parts: Are they new? What is the warranty on the parts? What is the warranty on the labor? A lifetime warranty on a $40 muffler may sound good, but the shop may charge you the labor again even if it falls off next week.
Ask to see the defective or replaced parts, and if possible to show you the new ones installed on the vehicle. It is a good idea to demand this in writing on the work order, if the mechanic can't produce the replaced parts then he has not completed the contract.
Ask what the shop will charge to diagnose the problem or what is the inspection fee, then have them contact you for approval before commencing repairs. Treat the diagnosis and repair as separate contracts. A free brake inspection can become a $200 repair bill if you are not mindful.
Ask how long it will take to complete repairs, when they will start and when can you pick up your car.
Ask about service extras like a loner car, even small shops may have an old clunker you could use for a few days. If not, see if they can give you a ride to work or pick you up. Ask about payment methods, credit cards or checks. Some shops may let you make payments as long as they think you will do so in a timely manner.
Asking questions of your new mechanic is the best way to be satisfied when the repair is complete, you may not be happy about shelling out $500 to fix your car, but it is better than paying $1000 and still not having it fixed correctly.
