If you’re having car trouble, you’ll soon find that there’s no shortage of mechanics in your area. This can be a good thing, as it offers you options when deciding where to get your car fixed.
But it can also be daunting because you don’t know which mechanic to choose. So, you may be wondering, “How do I choose a mechanic for my car?” This article will answer that question by offering questions to ask your mechanic.
Do you have experience working on my car’s make and model?
Each car is unique, and it’s impossible for every mechanic to have worked on every single type of car, so finding out if they’ve worked on your type of car can help you decide if you want to hire that mechanic. If you have a Honda SUV, it will stand to reason you’d want to select a mechanic who’s worked on Hondas, SUVs or your specific Honda SUV.
What certifications do your mechanics have?
To date, there are just under 300,000 mechanics that are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To earn their ASE certification, a mechanic must pass a written test and have years of field experience working as a mechanic. ASE-certified technicians are retested often to ensure they keep up with the latest technology. It’s easy to see why you’d want an ASE-certified technician to work on your car.
When was your business founded?
If you’re looking for a mechanic and you find one that’s been in business for multiple decades, they must be doing something right. It’s likely that they not only have loads of experience but that they do quality work as well. This could also speak to their customer service, as people who are satisfied become repeat customers. If the shop was lacking in these areas, then the business would have likely folded long ago.
Can you provide references from previous customers?
While you could and should conduct some online research of your own, asking a mechanic to provide references from previous customers they’ve serviced is a perfectly reasonable request. A quality auto repair shop should be able to put you in touch with multiple people who can speak to the excellence of their work.
Can I get a free estimate?
Some auto repair shops offer free estimates—others do not. If the estimate will not be free, you should inquire about how the cost is determined. For example, you can ask if there will be a flat fee or if it will be billed by the hour. Charging for an estimate shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Will I receive an itemized invoice of all the repairs performed?
This is a crucial piece of information for you to have because it documents exactly what was done to your car, when it was done and how much it cost. For warranty and insurance purposes (and if you ever decide to sell your car), you need assurance that you’ll receive this, so this should be something you ask your mechanic.
Call for a tune-up today
Now that you know some questions to ask your mechanic, you should have an easier time choosing a mechanic for your car. For anything from an oil change to brake work, give us a call at Pat Doll Automotive LLC. We’ve been in business for over 80 years, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that your vehicle can safely get you where you need to go.