What are some tips for finding the right mechanic shop for you and your vehicle(s)?
Make and Model Familiarity
First, make sure that the mechanic you choose is familiar with your type of vehicle and has both the knowledge and tools to work on it properly. For instance, some mechanics are very good at dealing with older cars from the 1950s and 1960s, while others specialize in high-end luxury vehicles, etc. The type of vehicle you own often dictates what kind of mechanic you’ll utilize. Most mechanics are generalists and can handle all sorts of vehicles from all eras. If you have a very unique vehicle, though, you might need to find that “diamond in the rough” who can fix and maintain your particular vehicle.
Next, you can ask if the mechanic shop has access to the manufacturer’s latest technical service bulletins (TSBs)– these are instructions on how to fix common problems with particular models.
Customer Retention
Thirdly, ask friends and family members who they use and what they think of them. If you don’t have anyone local to ask, search the Internet for online reviews.
If you want to know if a mechanic shop is legitimate and good with customers, check to see if they’re certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and also check the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to see if they’ve had a lot of complaints or not.
Start Small Before Going Big
Meanwhile, you can always try out a particular shop and see how it goes. Perhaps do this with little jobs like oil changes. This way you can see whether or not they’re friendly, get the work done quickly (or not), affordable and/or trustworthy. Don’t be afraid to ask about guarantees on repair work and/or warranties they offer.
Proper Planning is Paramount
Then there’s the issue of location. Ideally, you want to work with a mechanic shop that is reasonably close to your house or workplace so it’s convenient to get to and from the shop. Ask if they offer transportation after you drop off your vehicle.
Rather than wait until you have a major reason to visit a mechanic shop, start looking in advance, such that you’re not obligated to go there, but you just want to see how they are and what they offer. A little pre-planning on your part can save you headaches down the line. Visit a couple mechanic shops in your neighborhood. Even something as simple as pulling into the parking lot to observe each place can give you quite a bit of insight as to how they operate.
Alternatively, if you’re bold, go inside and ask them to show you around and tell you their philosophy on car repairs and such! While visiting shops, look for plaques and certificates on the wall. You can get a good feel for a place just by visiting it in person. Is it clean or dirty? Are the workers friendly or do they ignore you? Do customers seem happy there, or not?
Clarity on Prices
If price is an issue for you, get written estimates from a couple mechanic shops in your area so you can compare pricing and make your decision based on that… usually people avoid the most and least expensive options, going with the one in the middle.
AV Bumper to Bumper is Lancaster, CA’s Preferred Mechanic
Finally, if you live or work in/around Lancaster, California, you’re welcome to check out/visit AV Bumper to Bumper, a popular mechanic shop that’s run by the Fawcett family– Ed Sr., Ed Jr. and Amy. The Fawcetts are not just mechanics but machinists as well; They work on almost all makes and models. In business since the year 2000, AV Bumper to Bumper is known for providing quality work at fair prices. Call 661-949-1999 for more info, or stop by on a weekday at 44559 N. Division St. in Lancaster, CA. You can also use the online contact page, here.
