When your vehicle begins making a funny noise or breaks-down completely, it's not the best time to have to shop around and find a reputable mechanic. So, before your car is in dire need of repair, start vetting local mechanics to find a shop that is credible, honest and provides expert service. Here are a few tips for comparing auto shops and choosing the right one for you and your car.
Check certifications
A mechanic without any certifications may be knowledgable and perform high quality work, but there's no way to know that for certain. Rather than hoping your mechanic is honest and capable, look for certifications like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. A mechanic that's ASE certified will have passed a competency test that verifies they know what they're talking about. Additionally, shops that are part of the Automotive Service Association will be bound by a code of ethics, which ensure that you get what you pay for. These certifications and memberships will likely be displayed near the front of the shop or by the customer service desk. If you don't see them when you walk in, be sure to ask. You can also further vet a mechanic by checking for their listings at the Better Business Bureau and in online reviews.
Interviews and references
You wouldn't hire anyone to work for you without interviewing them and checking their references, so why would you hire a mechanic to work on your car without talking to them first? Honest mechanics will be willing to answer your questions and even give you some free advice about how to keep your vehicle in peak condition. This process can even help you eliminate shops that aren't equipped to work on your specific vehicle and those that are too backed up to perform timely repairs. Ask for references as well so you can speak to those who have done work with the mechanic in the past and find out what an expected cost of repairs may be, how quickly they're performed and the level of customer service.
Inspect the shop
You don't need to walk around every inch of the auto shop, but don't conduct all your research online or over the phone. Walk into the shop and see if it looks organized and clean. The individual bays may be a little dirty, but lobby or waiting room should be clean and professional. You can usually tell if a garage is organized and running smoothly, or if it's operated in chaos, which makes it easier for mistakes to be made.
Find a specialist
When you own a high-performance vehicle like a BMW or Mercedes, you don't want to trust it to just any mechanic. These vehicles are highly tuned and require specific maintenance to continue operating optimally. It's worth it to take the time to find a mechanic who specializes in the make of car you drive. They'll be able to perform repairs more efficiently and likely help you spot early warning signs and avoid costly repairs down the road.
At Benzin Motor Works, our technicians offer specialized expertise in BMW, Mercedes and Hummer H1 maintenance. Stop by and see us or give us a call at 918-728-6081.