Entrusting your car to a stranger can be daunting, especially when you don’t know what’s wrong with your vehicle. Even routine oil changes can increase stress levels when handing your car to the local auto repair shop. When the time comes to wheel your car in, anxieties will be eased knowing you have a good and honest mechanic.
Next time you decide where to go, consider these key aspects.
Things to Consider
Read the Reviews
Some of a repair shop’s harshest critics will be online reviewers, though their greatest compliments may also be written there. Looking at reviews will give you a good sense of the shop overall and may indicate who to seek out or avoid within the company. Often, online reviewers will call out technicians by name and let you know every detail of what to expect. These can serve as candid descriptions, though they should be held cautiously at arm’s length. Some reviews may be overdramatized or purely fabricated. Whatever the case, if the overwhelming amount of reviews is positive, this is a good sign.
Tool Quality and Shop Organization
Though you might not be offered a tour of the repair shop and technicians’ bay, tool quality, and shop organization can be a good indicator of the care your car will receive. If you get the chance to peer in, take stock of the overall appearance of the bay and the quality of tools. The appearance should be well organized and neat so that every technician can work efficiently. When determining quality, check to see if there’s rust on various tools or obvious distress. A repair shop and the mechanics who take care of their tools and station will likely exert extra effort on your car.
Talk to Outside Professionals
Maybe you know other mechanics and technicians who can give insight into the mechanic you’re considering. Even asking other repair shops their opinion can reveal insider information on what goes on behind the scenes. Leave no stone unturned; ask people you trust for any advice or recommendation.
Meet with Potential Mechanics
Ask to meet the mechanic who will be working on your car. The conversation doesn’t have to be long to be beneficial. Even hearing them describe how they would fix the car would give you a good idea of how knowledgeable they are about the issue. Their overall presence and demeanor may also put your mind at ease.
They’re Honest
Lastly, the mechanic will be honest and upfront with you on all aspects of your vehicle. They will try to save you money where they can and suggest possible options you both are comfortable with. They will explain their processes and solutions and ask permission before fixing any surprise issues. Their work is impeccable and reliable. They don’t sugar-coat the issue or over-exaggerate their skills. Simply put, they want what’s best for you and your car.
Award-Winning Auto Repair Shop
At Bland Street Auto Center, our technicians are ASE-certified professionals. With extensive experience, their automotive repair work fixes the toughest issues on the oldest cars. Whether new or old, foreign or domestic, our technicians work tirelessly to repair any vehicle.
We look forward to keeping you on the road. For more information, visit our website or call us at (304) 327-5025.
