Keeping a trustworthy mechanic in your contact list is important for every car owner. Not only will it save you a tremendous amount of headaches and money, it will give you peace of mind knowing your car is fit to keep you safe on the road.

Unfortunately, finding an honest and professional mechanic can be challenging. According to a recent survey, two out of three drivers simply don’t trust auto repair shops. If that’s you, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of trustworthy mechanics out there, you just have to know how to look.

Bookmark this page and use it as a guide during your search to find a trustworthy mechanic.

Find Out What People Are Saying

The first step in finding a good mechanic is to do some research. Look online to find the top-rated repair shops in your area. Then read online reviews to learn what past customers have to say about their experience with those mechanics.

Talk to your friends and acquaintances to learn who they use. Do they recommend their mechanic? What do they know about the market in your community? Utilize your network! You’ll likely find the best referrals this way.

Check Affiliations And Certificates

Once you’ve identified some top choices, dig deeper to learn more about the background, licenses, and legitimacy of the mechanic. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What certifications do the mechanics have?
  • What’s the history of the shop.
  • How long have they been in business?
  • Do they have multiple locations?

Aim to walk away from this step knowing whether or not the shop is an established and credible business in the community.

Look At The Shop’s Appearance

A shop’s appearance should be viewed as an extension of the work they do. Take a trip down to the garage, keeping a close eye out for these three things:

  • Cleanliness – The shop should show signs of being cleaned on a regular basis. There shouldn’t be trash or large amounts of dust piled up in corners. The building should appear well maintained.
  • Organization – Tools should be neatly kept and organized. Cars waiting in their lot should be organized, not parked haphazardly.
  • Efficiency – The garage should be well lit and a comfortable temperature.

Remember, reputable businesses take pride in their appearance.

Meet The Team

You need to feel comfortable communicating with the people working on your car. As you visit the shop, take time to meet with staff members. Does the mechanic have a receptionist or customer service point person? How are you greeted when entering the shop?

Talk with the mechanics in person. Are they friendly? Are the receptive to your questions? Look for a mechanic who is excited about educating you about your vehicle.

Ask About Their Products

Talk to the shop about the type of products they use and why. The mechanic should be acutely familiar with the tools they use and able to explain the benefits of the particular brand.

When you receive a quote for a repair or service, do some research to learn how much parts cost. Learn how much time a repair should take. This information will help ensure you’re not getting overcharged.

Request To Watch

Ask the shop if you’ll be able to watch while they service your, or another car. A trustworthy mechanic won’t be afraid to let you sit nearby and see the quality and speed at which they work.

Start With A Small Repair

Work on building a relationship with your mechanic through small, routine jobs. After a fix is complete, make an assessment of the experience, asking yourself these questions:

  • Was the price reasonable?
  • Did the mechanic try to up-sell you?
  • Did the mechanic provide options for you to choose from, in terms of price?
  • How quick was the repair?
  • How well were all your questions answered?
  • Was it easy to communicate throughout the entire process?

If these first, small experiences are positive, then you’re on your way toward trusting your mechanic with larger repairs.

A Final Tip

Take the time to research and know your car’s needs. Understanding the ins and outs of your car’s maintenance standards is key to making sure you don’t get taken for a ride by a dishonest, or uninformed, mechanic.

Trustworthy Service From Express Lube

Is your car due for oil change or other service? If you’re in the Springfield and Scappoose areas, drop by Express Lube for all your car service needs.

Our friendly and trustworthy staff are experts in car maintenance. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have–no appointment needed!