There’s a lot to consider before choosing a new
auto mechanic

Nothing seems to get people revved up more than the thought of taking their car in for repairs.

For most people, finding a good mechanic is on the same importance level as finding a good doctor.

You don’t place your health care in the hands of just anyone, nor do you want to place your car in the garage of an untrustworthy repair shop.

Before allowing a mechanic to perform any work, check his credentials and get a second opinion.

Of course, many people want the best mechanic they can get at the best price. But in this day and age with all the new computerized gadgets on vehicles, having a reliable and knowledgeable mechanic may mean more than saving money.

The best way to take the scare out of car repair is to talk to family, friends and co-workers.

Where do they go? Word of mouth has always been one of the best ways to find a good car mechanic.

Just as one would look over a neighborhood before buying a house or a preschool before enrolling a child, shop around for a mechanic before you need one.

By doing this, you’re not faced with a rushed decision of choosing someone should your vehicle conk out on the highway.

Just like doctors have licenses, so do repair shops. Most garages will display their license, but if you don’t see it hanging on the wall, ask to see a current license.

Also look for any special certifications, such as an Automotive Service Excellence seal. A shop that has this seal has been tested and certified in all major technical areas of repair. To earn this seal, technicians have to be re-tested every five years. Constant changes are being made with engine repair as well as air conditioning, breaks and smog requirements.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has a website where consumers can find its Blue Seal shops. For more information, visit www.asecert. org.

There are also agencies that consumers can check with to see if there have been any complaints against a business. The Better Business Bureau is one of the most common places to find this information, but a call to your state attorney general’s office can also be a good source.

When checking with the Better Business Bureau or a local protection agency, information should also be available on how long the business has been in operation.

For more information, visit www.bbb.org.

Whether a visit is made in person to the repair shop or information is obtained by telephone, find out if the technician has had much experience in working on your model of vehicle. You wouldn’t want to take a BMW to a mechanic who has spent most of his time working on Dodges, for instance.

If your car is still under warranty, you may be obligated to take it to a dealer until it is off warranty. But sometimes repairs may need to be made while out of town and you’re not near a dealer.

If this happens, make sure the shop will honor the warranty.

Before having any work done on a car, get a written estimate.

No mechanic should have any problem giving you a draft of potential costs. If they don’t want to put anything in writing, that should be an immediate red flag to a consumer. An estimate should list the repairs, the parts and labor charge. Some mechanics set a flat labor charge while others may charge hourly.

The final detail to check on in a repair shop is its service warranty.

Does it have one? Make sure you understand warranty limitations. Car repairs are a big investment so you want to protect yourself.

Once these guidelines have been followed, a motorist should feel pretty safe and confident in the repair shop chosen.