The time will come when you will have to bring your car to an auto shop whether for routine service or a more serious car problem. However, you don’t know much about cars. Hmm … how do you find an honest auto repair mechanic who will not take advantage of your lack of knowledge? The following tips will help!
1. Do Your Research – Check Out the Competition – Review Your Options
Above all, don’t panic and settle on the first mechanic or car repair shop that shows up in the search engine or on Google. Be aware and educate yourself by doing your research first and knowing your options. Very quickly you should have a substantial list of potential local mechanics and auto repair shops to research further.
2. Read Reviews – Look at Websites – Track Online Presence
Reviews are paramount! Look at the dates of the reviews too. How long ago were they? Did the auto repair shop respond to both positive and negative reviews? Note the tone of the responses, if they legitimately addressed the feedback, and how timely it was. Make a mental note of red flags like snarky responses, blaming the customer, etc. (Consider as well that sometimes there is no pleasing any customer and it’s not always the fault of a company or owner either. Use your best judgment and don’t discount your instincts.) Also, be aware if there aren’t any reviews at all. Any auto shop that has been in business for a good period of time should definitely have a review or two.
3. Longevity in Business – Certifications – Number of Auto Mechanics – Rates
Contact the car shop(s) you find with your internet search and reference the above questions. Any legitimate and honest auto repair mechanic is happy to provide this information to you prior to you scheduling an appointment. This phone contact will help narrow down the list of potential mechanics quickly.
Don’t Have ‘Service Only’ Tunnel Vision
Don’t just be focused solely on the services of a business, ask ABOUT the business. How long have they been in business? Are they privately owned or a chain or franchise? Is there a customer loyalty program? Are they running any promotions or specials currently? First-time customer discounts?
Go for a Test Drive – Do a Test Run
Just like you would take a test drive when considering a new car purchase, do the same with a potential mechanic. Bring your car in for a routine service like an oil change or tire rotation. Note the service you receive from start to finish and how you feel overall about mechanic, employees, and shop ‘vibe’. This test run should give make it clear if you trust them moving forward or need to look for another honest auto mechanic for you and your needs.
Like the relationship you have with your hairdresser or banker; finding an honest, local auto or car repair shop is no different – it takes a bit of effort and time to build that trust, but it’s totally worth it.
Old Hickory, Madison, and Hermitage residents have come to trust and rely on The Car Doctor Auto Repair for all their car care and auto repair needs. Owner, Michael Barbuto, has been in business locally for over 10 years and has over 35 years’ experience as an auto mechanic. Michael welcomes your questions and looks forward to becoming your trusted auto repair mechanic and shop for years to come. Give him a call today!