How to Find the Best Auto Repair Service in Your Area
The average driver keeps their car for almost seven years. But your car can last much longer than
that. The key to getting more out of your ride is staying on top of routine maintenance and repairs.
Unfortunately for many drivers, taking care of repairs isn’t always as simple as it should be. Why?
Because finding a reliable auto repair shop is tough—almost tougher than finding a car you’re happy to drive for years on end.
So, where do you start? Here are a few proven tips to help you find an auto repair expert that you can trust.
Ask the People You Know
The best place to start looking for auto repair shops you can trust in your area is to speak with your
personal network. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations.
The chances are that someone you know can recommend a great mechanic. If you end up scheduling an estimate with a mechanic they recommend, let the auto shop know that your friend referred you to them.
In some cases, this can earn both you and your friend a discount on future service.
You can also head into a local auto part store and ask the staff who they trust. Remember, they know the local mechanics and can tell you who is great at their job and who you should avoid.
Read up on Online Reviews
If no one you know has a mechanic they trust, don’t panic. Instead, search online for auto repair
shops in your area.
Read up on the reviews for each shop to see what others have to say about the quality of their service and the knowledge their mechanics have.
If most of the reviews are positive, you’ll likely have a good experience working with the mechanics
on-site. However, if most of the reviews are negative or mention the same complaints over and over
again, keep looking.
More people having the same problems means it’s incredibly likely that you’ll have the same issues if you work with the shop.
Look for Shops That Specialize in Your Type of Car
Large chain auto repair companies work on almost every car that comes into their shop. This is
convenient, but it’s not always the best thing for your ride.
Whenever possible, try to choose a mechanic that specializes in your car’s brand. Look for brand-
specific certifications if possible and find out if they’ve worked on your make and model in the past. If they have, your car will be in better hands.
The easiest way to find out what types of cars shops work on most is to go online. Visit different repair companies’ websites and click on their about us pages to see what types of cars they work on most.
Visit Several Shops in Your Area
If you can, try to visit several shops in your area before you make your decision. Drive by and make
sure the location is in a part of town that you feel safe in.
The last thing you want to do is trust your car to a mechanic that operates in an unsafe area.
While you’re there, also pay attention to the condition of the shop itself. The reception area should be clean and the mechanic’s bay should be well organized and in good shape.
If you notice tools on the ground or see tons of dirt and grime around the facility, it’s likely that the
mechanics won’t take great care of your car.
It’s also a good idea to ask for proof of license and insurance. Reputable shops will happily provide you with the proof you need. If the shop doesn’t or tells you they don’t have coverage, keep looking.
Get Quotes From Different Mechanics
This is your chance to see how comfortable you feel with each mechanic you’re considering working with. Pay attention to the way they treat you during your visit.
Do they take the time to explain your car’s general condition? Are they willing to walk you through the types of repairs your car needs or the services they provide?
If so, put them on your short list. If they don’t or they’re dismissive of your concerns, keep looking.
It’s also worth taking the time to compare prices for the services each shop offers. Though it’s
tempting to choose an auto repair service based on price alone, don’t. Instead, choose the company that offers the best price for the highest quality of service.
You may end up paying slightly more for repairs and routine maintenance. But you’ll have peace of
mind knowing that your car is in good hands.
Give the Auto Repair Shop a Chance
If you’ve found a shop you’re confident in working with, try it out. Schedule a routine maintenance
appointment with them and see how it goes.
Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other basic repairs are easy and affordable. It will allow you to see how they work, learn about the types of recommendations they make for your car, and gives you a chance to see how well they care for your ride in the bay.
If the appointment goes well and you’re happy with the service you received, you can work with them in the future. But if the mechanic leaves a bunch of dirt and grease inside your car or doesn’t explain what they did in detail, keep looking.
Choosing the Right Shop Takes Time
Choosing a mechanic and Auto Repair Service shop that you can trust is the best way to keep your car in good shape. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to find a mechanic you can rely on for both big and small repairs.
As long as you stay on top of routine maintenance and deal with repairs quickly, you’ll be able to keep your car on the road for years to come.
Want more tips on how to keep your car looking and running like new? Check out our latest posts for more helpful hints.
