5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Mechanic

When your car is under-the-weather, a mechanic is exactly who you need to remedy the situation. However, choosing a mechanic is sometimes as difficult as finding a reliable doctor. With hundreds of options in your area, it’s no easy task to find the right one for you. So to speak, not every mechanic will have the same expertise or genuine personality that you’re looking for. Yet having a valued relationship with your mechanic is actually a lot bigger deal than some drivers put on. Should your vehicle break down or need a quick service before a summer road trip, you’ll want to drop it off with someone you can trust. After all, your vehicle is a big investment. You need someone that will treat it as one. To help our readers make an informed decision, we’ve outlined 5 questions to ask when interviewing a new mechanic.

What questions should I ask a mechanic?

Is your car in need of a repair but you don’t know who to turn to? Are you tired of getting ripped off by your current mechanic? Several drivers are looking to find a new mechanic that won’t overcharge nor provide subpar repairs and maintenance. Though it takes a bit of interviewing and research, knowing the right questions to ask will help prevent you from choosing the wrong mechanic. Therefore, take a few moments to scroll through our list of 5 questions to ask a mechanic before agreeing to a work order.

#1: Have you worked on my make and model before?

If the answer is yes, you should feel relatively comfortable leaving your vehicle in the hands of this mechanic. Should the response be no, it’s not the best idea to have a novice mechanic work on your car. In most cases, this leads to more expenses and potential problems down the road. On top of that, with a majority of new cars being made with internal computers, it’s important that a mechanic knows the inner-workings of fixing this type of machinery.

#2: Are you ASE certified?

ASE mechanics have more experience working with various types of motors. In essence, they are master mechanics for having received one or more certifications in their field. While you can certainly work as a mechanic without ASE certification, most employers and customers value the added knowledge and skill. If the mechanic you are interviewing is ASE certified, you’ll have greater peace of mind.

#3: Do you provide warranty for parts and services?

This is a really important question to ask regardless of which mechanic you choose. In general, car parts can malfunction or be faulty from the very beginning. For those reasons, most reputable mechanic shops offer warranty agreements on parts and labor to keep customers satisfied. Keep in mind, most warranties are only for a certain period of time. Once that warranty agreement comes to an end, you’ll be responsible for the necessary replacement.

#4: Do you offer free estimates?

When you’re searching for a new mechanic, look for an established shop that offers free evaluations without paying money upfront. Some shady repair shops will try to charge you a fee just for a rough estimate of what’s wrong with your vehicle. Basically, before they even start working or unscrewing the nuts and bolts on your car. That is why it’s always important to ask a mechanic how they form estimates. Do they charge you before the repair is even started? Although permissible, you will end up paying more with this type of mechanic.

#5: How long have you been in business?

When looking for a new mechanic, it’s like finding a new doctor. You want the person to be educated in their craft and have loads of experience under their belt. Since there are so many auto body shops around, it’s a great idea to research the business before agreeing to a repair. Most times, Google Reviews will do a good job of showcasing the relationship between a mechanic and their customers. You can also get a feel for how valued and respected this mechanic is in your hometown.

What should I look for when finding a mechanic?

All things are considered, you want a mechanic that provides top quality service. By taking these questions to ask into account, we hope you find the right person for the job. Most mechanics have years of experience and become a reliable source throughout your time as a driver. Once you find a mechanic that you can rely on, you’ll hope they never end up retiring or selling their shop!

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