Choosing a good mechanic is serious business. Keep an ear open for recommendations and warnings when your friends and family have car troubles. If you already have a good mechanic shop on standby, you won't be as stressed the moment you actually need one.
Ask friends and people you know if they can suggest someone. I stay in touch with homeschooling families. They're often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they've felt were honest and reputable.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body shop. If there were any complaints, ask how they were resolved. Don't be surprised if you find complaints listed. Some people find something to complain about no matter how wonderful and professional a service is. But if you see a pattern of the same kinds of problems, beware.
After you've taken care of that, go by the shop and ask if they normally work on vehicles like yours. Check to see how long they've been in business. And how did the place make you feel? Are you treated with courtesy? Was everyone you came in contact with fairly professional?
It is not necessary to be overly worried about occasional dust, but the area should be well maintained and also adequately clean. Also, times are a'changin', and modern equipment is an absolute must.
Some specific repair procedures and certain tools are suggested by the manufacturer for optimum performance. Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary equipment.
Do you see any awards for civic service and community service? That's just another brownie point. Do you see diplomas or certificates of competence? Surely you want a staff you can trust.
Take an overall look. What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Is the staff handling everything professionally? Don't be shy about talking to folks in the waiting room to see they've tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they've received in the past.
One of the easiest ways to find a good mechanic is to ask others where they have found theirs. Even if your car is in need of repairs, and you are in a rush, you should ask a minimum of 15 people. See if more than one person mentions the same place. A little time spent on the basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run. And once you find the right mechanic, keeping your car in good shape is going to be less stressful than you thought.
Ask friends and people you know if they can suggest someone. I stay in touch with homeschooling families. They're often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics they've felt were honest and reputable.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body shop. If there were any complaints, ask how they were resolved. Don't be surprised if you find complaints listed. Some people find something to complain about no matter how wonderful and professional a service is. But if you see a pattern of the same kinds of problems, beware.
After you've taken care of that, go by the shop and ask if they normally work on vehicles like yours. Check to see how long they've been in business. And how did the place make you feel? Are you treated with courtesy? Was everyone you came in contact with fairly professional?
It is not necessary to be overly worried about occasional dust, but the area should be well maintained and also adequately clean. Also, times are a'changin', and modern equipment is an absolute must.
Some specific repair procedures and certain tools are suggested by the manufacturer for optimum performance. Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary equipment.
Do you see any awards for civic service and community service? That's just another brownie point. Do you see diplomas or certificates of competence? Surely you want a staff you can trust.
Take an overall look. What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Is the staff handling everything professionally? Don't be shy about talking to folks in the waiting room to see they've tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they've received in the past.
One of the easiest ways to find a good mechanic is to ask others where they have found theirs. Even if your car is in need of repairs, and you are in a rush, you should ask a minimum of 15 people. See if more than one person mentions the same place. A little time spent on the basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run. And once you find the right mechanic, keeping your car in good shape is going to be less stressful than you thought.