To help you select the right car mechanic for your vehicle, we suggest these 5 Important Tips on Choosing the best Car Mechanic.
1. Authorized, Accredited Mechanics
An authorized and accredited mechanic to service your vehicle means that the business has passed the requirements by acknowledged and reputable organizations in the mechanical and automotive industry to guarantee that work undertaken by them will meet and uphold the standards for quality of service and workmanship set by organizations, such as the Motor Traders Association, or The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers. Accreditation by these organizations means that the Car Mechanic has pledged to abide by these standards. This can have a bearing on potential future sale of you vehicle, and insurance, as it assures that your car has been properly maintained by an accredited, reputable company endorsed by an Authorized Organization.
2. Word Of Mouth
One of the best endorsements for a good car mechanic is word of mouth. A recommendation for a car mechanic speaks volumes about them as being reliable, trustworthy and importantly value for money! Ask for recommendations from people you trust, who may have vehicles of the same make as yours and/or who have a regular and ongoing relationship with the company. This way you can ask as many questions as you want about the mechanic before you visit the workshop and can save you time and money.
You can also search the internet and read ALL of the reviews. Check the review dates (old reviews may no longer be relevant) and the specifics of the comments – this will give you an overview of what people think of the company.
3. Compare Mechanics
Compare mechanic in your area, don’t just go with your first option. Research Mechanics who specialize in your make of vehicle first, they are usually the most knowledgeable about your car.
Also many top-quality experienced mechanics work with several different makes of cars. If this is a better option for you, then visit the workshops and compare the orderliness, cleanliness and maintenance of their equipment and spare parts. This is a time to trust your instincts. Check out their customer service manner, are they friendly, knowledgeable and professional in their attitude towards you? An experienced professional mechanic will listen to your concerns and requirements with interest and openly provide you with their assessment, with an understanding of the estimated cost.
You may want to give a selected mechanic a ‘try’ before committing your vehicle to more comprehensive work. Choose a small repair job, this gives you the opportunity to see the quality of workmanship, time taken, customer relations and honesty.
4. Experience
When choosing the best car mechanic for your car, experience is vital. You don’t want to entrust your vehicle to an inexperienced mechanic who is not conversant with its requirements. Check how long they have been in business, and what experience they have with cars of your make. A mechanic who has been in business for many years, has generally built up a reputation in the area, so check locally with businesses nearby and via internet reviews. If it is a new business, check the history and qualifications of the owner and staff. A new business doesn’t necessarily mean that the people in the business don’t have experience and knowledge, they may have previous experience with other reputable companies which means you can check with previous employers or businesses on their experience and honesty. It’s the experience of the mechanics that you want, not just how long the business has been operating.
5. Guarantees and Warranties
All good car mechanics will offer you a written guarantee of quality workmanship. If the business is an accredited business with a reputable Auto Mechanic Organization, then they are bound to the standards set by the organization and have pledged to uphold those standards.
Ask for a written estimate/quotation for any work undertaken, before committing your car to the workshop. Also ask for a full written report on the work done, verifying the warranty conditions, when collecting your car and paying for the service, to ensure that your vehicle is serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Is there a courtesy car available while your vehicle is being serviced? Not all businesses can provide this, but many will offer an alternative option such as a lift to and/from your home or place of work.
