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The Key to Finding a Quality Mechanic

    It’s a new age for .automobile mechanics. .Computerized equipment in most late model cars has made automotive repair increasingly complex. Mechanics must be better trained than ever before to use the special equipment required in diagnosing engine problems. However, knowing how to run sophisticated computer equipment is not enough. A mechanic must still know the “nuts and bolts” of basic auto repair.

    Obviously, with such varied demands on automobile mechanics, it is essential that you find a repair shop with trained, experienced, and reliable personnel. This is even more important when you consider that most people need their automobiles serviced more than any other product they own.

Consult Owner’s Manual & Warranty

    If you are a new car owner, the first step toward getting your car repaired is to be sure you follow the warranty requirements so that your warranty will be in effect for the full term. Most new car warranties require that repairs be performed by an authorized franchised dealership that sells your make of vehicle. However, if any type of maintenance work is performed by someone other than a franchised dealership, you should keep accurate records. For example, if you change your own oil, keep receipts as proof that you purchased oil and filters. Also keep a log of the maintenance performed on you vehicle.

     Requirements for extended warranties are different. You may be able to have the work performed by the company of your choice, but authorization by the warranty company might be necessary.

Finding a Repair Company

    When looking for a repair shop, ask friends, neighbors, relatives and business associates for recommendations. Call the BBB for a company report.

When you visit a repair shop, ask these questions and look for the following:

• Is the shop clean?

• Are the mechanics certified?  While only some of the mechanics may be certified, this shows that the shop is trying to keep up with the latest technology. Look for these certification designations: Delco, ASE, and AAA. Also check to see if the certification is up-to-date.

• Does the shop have professional equipment?

• Is the equipment up-to-date? Check this regardless of where you take your car. Even some dealerships do not have the proper equipment.

• Are the shop’s mechanics supervised?

• Does the shop carry liability insurance?

• What type of warranty does the shop offer on its repairs? Do you understand the warranty and what you must do to maintain the warranty?

Diagnosing the Problem

   Remember to leave the diagnosis to the repair shop. Making the diagnosis yourself could cost you money if you request a specific repair that may not solve the problem. Instead, make a list of everything that is wrong with your car. Report any unusual sounds or other problems. When does the problem occur? Is the engine cold or warm when the problem occurs? Is the problem consistent or sporadic? Does the problem go away once the engine is warm?

    Because cars have become so complex, computerized diagnostics will likely need to be run to locate the problem. Since this requires time, the work of trained mechanics, and the use of expensive equipment, the shop may charge to run diagnostic tests.

Performing the Repair

    Before work on your car gets under way, be sure you understand the work order. The work order becomes your authorization to have repairs performed. If additional repairs are made to your vehicle without your authorization, then the work order will document your side of the story in a dispute.

    Ask about any replacement parts that will be needed. If you have a late model automobile, it may be wise to request that the shop use only original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts. While they cost 20 to 30 percent more, they may fit better. However, if you have an older automobile, you may want to request after-market or rebuilt parts, which cost considerably less. Either way, be sure the shop uses quality parts.

    There are times during a repair when a mechanic spots another problem. In this case, the shop should call you with an additional estimate. Keep in mind that most reliable shops do this as a service to the customer and to establish that the problem existed prior to the time the customer brought in the car. However, there are some less reputable shops which report other problems that do not exist as a way to charge for unneeded repairs.

Other advice for consumers

    Be sure to get any guarantees or promises in writing. Be sure the bill is itemized so if a problem occurs later, you can show that a particular item is covered by the shop’s guarantee or warranty. Keep these tips in mind:

• Remember, you usually get what you pay for. A substantially lower estimate by one shop may mean the shop misdiagnosed the problem with your vehicle. A low-ball estimate may evolve into additional charges once the work begins.

• If your car starts to sound or operate abnormally, don’t just hope the problem will go away. Have your car checked out before it stops running.

• Once you find a repair shop that does good work at a fair price, continue to patronize the shop. In the long run, you will save money and be satisfied.

Maintenance

    Preventive maintenance will keep your car running longer and performing better. To find out what items are the most important to maintain properly, consult your owner’s manual or check with your repair shop.

    One of the most important items on your maintenance checklist should be oil changes every 3,000 miles. Other items that should be maintained regularly are the transmission, belts, and hoses. Be certain that your tires are properly inflated and that you rotate them every 5,000 miles. Also, don’t overlook the wheel bearings, particularly if you drive your automobile through high water.