There are many honest, qualified independent mechanics you can find in your local area. According to a survey of owners of almost 350,000 vehicles conducted by the ConsumerReport.org in 2008, people who used independent mechanics were generally more satisfied than those who had their car serviced at a dealership. However, sometimes finding the one you can trust can be a very challenging task. And, if you don’t do your homework before selecting a mechanic who will work on your car, you may end up with one of a few bad guys out there. Recently, the Attorney General of California sued 22 chain repair shops to stop a “massive bait-and-switch scam” in which customers were offered cheap brake specials and then charged hundreds of dollars more for unnecessary repairs.

Here are things you should do to find a good mechanic:

1. Ask your friends and families for their recommendation. If possible, ask someone who has the same car make.
2. Go online and visit websites that list local businesses and automotive related websites, search for auto repair shops and review their reviews and ratings.
3. Find a shop that focuses on your car make. A shop that is specialized on your car make is more likely to have more experience fixing similar cars and has the latest training and equipments to fix your car.
4. Look for the shop’s credentials and certifications. Ask if the mechanic or shop is ASE certified, AAA approved, and/or a member of Better Business Bureau. You may want to call the Better Business Bureau to check whether the shop has any complaints on file.
5. Ask if the shop provides warranty for their work. Also, ask if the warranty covers both parts and labor and the warranty period. AAA approved shops are required to provide 12 months/12,000 miles limited warranty on parts and labor.
6. Ask if the shop provides a written estimate and will not do additional works without prior authorization.
7. Ask for a full explanation of what are the problems and what are to be done. Also, ask if you will have access to the replaced parts.

For big repair work, you may want to get estimates from different mechanics. However, don’t choose a shop just because it gives you the lowest estimate. Dishonest mechanics may use inferior parts to be able to give you the lowest estimate. Saving a hundred now may cost you a thousand in repair cost in the future. It is better to pay a little bit more and gets high quality service than to regret later.

Finally, don’t forget to check if the shop is convenient. Is it open late at night? Is it open during weekend? Is it closed to public transportation? Do they provide local shuttle service? Do they allow after office hour/early bird drop off?

At AutoSally, you can easily search for repair shops with specific credentials they are looking for by using our Refine Search feature available in our online Mechanic Directory. Whether you are looking for a mechanic that is specializing in a specific car make, AAA approved, ASE certified, BBB accredited, providing warranty for their works, open during weekend, or offering local shuttle, you will be able to find it easily.

Notes:

What is an AAA Approved Auto Repairs^TM?

An AAA Approved Auto Repairs^TM facility is a repair shop that signs an agreement with AAA to provide reliable, high quality service and agrees to meet strict, standard AAA requirements such as:

- The repair facility must receive a favorable response of 90% or better in each rating category of the AAA Auto Repair Service.
- The repair facility must have a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanic or equivalent for each area of service which the facility offers.
- The repair facility must provide AAA members 12-month/12,000-mile warranty for parts and labor on work done, for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles (for most repairs, unless otherwise noted).
- The repair facility must have a formal training system for keeping employees up-to-date on new automotive systems.
- The repair facility must have an effective quality control program in existence.
- The repair facility must provide guaranteed estimate either verbally or in writing (local and state regulations will take precedence regarding notification of repair costs).
- Should a disagreement arise between the repair facility and an AAA member, AAA will investigate the claims and seek a resolution. AAA’s recommendation will automatically be accepted by the repair facility but the AAA member will not be bound by the decision.

Click here to learn more about AAA Approved Auto Repairs^TM

What is ASE Certified Technician?

ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, an independent, non-profit organization established in 1972 to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the voluntary testing and certification of technicians and other automotive service professionals. ASE also encourages and assists in the development of automotive training programs. An ASE Certified Technician is an individual who took and passed one or more standardized tests managed by ASE. ASE tests are divided into “Test Series”, each covering a particular discipline within the automotive industry (for example, automobile, medium/heavy truck, machinist, etc.). To become an ASE certified, an individual must pass an ASE test and have at least two years of relevant full-time hands-on work experience in the motor vehicle service industry.

What is ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program?

In addition to ASE certifications, ASE also offers a recognition opportunity for highly qualified repair facilities called the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program. The program’s emphasis is to identify establishments with a large percentage of ASE-certified professionals. It is a recognition program for businesses striving to be the best, and willing to prove their commitment. To qualify, a repair facility must meet the following requirements:

- At least 75% of technicians performing diagnosis and repairs must be ASE certified.
- Each area of service offered in the shop must be covered by at least one ASE-certified technician.

What is BBB Accredited Businesses?

If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public. Some of the standards are:

1. Build Trust – Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
2. Advertise Honestly – Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.
3. Tell the Truth – Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.
4. Be Transparent – Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.
5. Honor Promises – Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.
6. Be Responsive – Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
7. Safeguard Privacy – Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.
8. Embody Integrity – Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

Click here to learn more about BBB Accredited Businesses