Whether your car is brand new or a long-time companion, at some point repair and servicing isrequired. Unfortunately, selecting a mechanic can be a stressful experience for many motorists. Will he do quality work? Will I be overcharged? How will I know if I’m getting what I’ve paid for?

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There are several things you can do to ease your anxiety and ensure that your car is serviced by honest, competent technicians. First of all, ask your friends and family members for recommendations. If they’ve had a good experience with a repair facility, chances are you will too. If an insurance claim is involved, ask your agent for recommendations. Some Body Shops are preferred by major insurance compa-nies, which means you will not need to run around getting estimates. Second, establish a relationship with a repair facility before you need one. In an emergency, you want to be able to turn to someone you can trust. And finally, once you find a good mechanic, stick with him. Although other shops’ low price specials may tempt you, you’ll save money in the long run by patronizing a shop that fixes your car right the first time and doesn’t push you to buy unnecessary services.

Types of Repair Shops

There are several types of repair shops: dealerships, independents, chains, and quick service shops. The type you choose depends on what kind of service you need. For new or late model vehicles, a dealership might be the best bet, especially during the warranty period. Dealerships stock the best tools, the best parts, and the best technicians for your new car. A service writer at a dealership has the ability to choose from several technicians who specialize in specific repair areas. Dealerships also often provide courtesy transportation while your vehicle is being serviced. At the other end of the spectrum lie quick service shops. These shops are the McDonalds of auto maintenance: convenient, fast, and cheap. Unfortunately they might not have the staff or equipment to repair your car correctly. These shops are probably fine for routine maintenance or small repairs, but entrusting them with a complex job may be risky.

The only real proof of a technician's ability is in his repair work, but certain credentials can clue you in to his level of experience. Check for certification and/or approval ratings from industry associations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Automotive Service Excellence certification, or ASE, is a good earmark of a mechanic’s skill. The ASE review board is a national, industry-wide group which certifies technicians' competence in eight categories of automotive repair. Look for the blue and white ASE Seal of Excellence displayed in the shop.

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether speaking to a service writer or mechanic, open communication is the key to reliable repairs. Ask about the training and qualifications of the technician that will be working on your vehicle. When you go to the repair shop, bring a list with you that specifies your car’s problem. Don’t just say you’re having brake trouble— is the pedal difficult to depress or does it go to the floor? Does the car shimmy when it comes to a stop? What kind of noises does it make? With these kinds of details, the mechanic can make a more accurate diagnosis of the problem, saving his time and your money. A good mechanic or service writer will take the time to fully explain any procedures, using layman’s terms that you can understand. If he doesn’t, it’s time to drive elsewhere.

Confirm that any service and repair estimates will be presented in writing and that repairs will not be made without your approval. Ask about a warranty on labor and parts. If the repairs seem gratuitous or the price obscene, get a second opinion from another repair shop. When work is completed, you should be given a detailed printout of the procedures, parts, and labor costs. Final costs should come within close range of the estimate. You may want to ask a mechanic if he will guarantee that charges will not exceed the estimate by a specified percentage. After the repairs are completed, read the bill. Make sure the repair warranty is included and ask questions about items you don’t understand. Drive the car around the block to see if the problem persists. If it does, it will be easier to communicate your concert at this point, and it might save you another tip to the mechanic. Try to pay with a credit card—if a problem with the workmanship surfaces, you can alert your creditors, and you won’t have to pay until the dispute is resolved.

Be an informed consumer. Read your owner’s manual and be familiar with the type of servicing your vehicle requires and when it is recommended. Your car is a major investment, and the quality of its service should not be left to chance. By following the suggestions above, you can find a repair facility that is worth bringing your business to again and again. A little extra legwork done before your car has problems will pay off in dependable service when you need it the most.