The best advice when searching for a reputable local auto mechanic is to begin looking before you're stranded on the side of the road.
Dealerships or independent auto repair shops?
Check with your car's manufacturer to see whether the needed repairs may be under warranty. Most manufacturer warranties cover parts and operating systems for at least three years or 30,000 miles.
Most warranties cover maintenance from independent shops. Know the specifics of your warranty and make sure you're not going to be billed for work that isn't covered.
What can I expect from an independent auto mechanic?
Generally speaking, there are two types of independent auto service shops — those that specialize in certain areas, such as brake repair and exhaust systems, and comprehensive service centers that are equipped to handle all of your automotive needs.
Independent auto repair shops generally are less expensive than the repair shops at the local auto dealership because the parts are "after-market" (an industry term for generic, non-brand-name parts) vs. the brand-name (and premium-priced) parts often carried by dealerships.
Which independent repair shop should I use?
If you decide to go the independent route, you'll want to make sure the repair shop is qualified to do the work you need. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence gives what's considered a "seal of approval" for the automotive industry. Visit the ASE website to check whether an auto mechanic is ASE-certified.
The Better Business Bureau also should be on your list of resources to check once you've found a repair shop you may use. The Better Business Bureau's website will indicate whether any customer complaints have been filed against a particular shop you might be considering.
It's also possible to test potential shops before entrusting them with more complex vehicle repairs. Take your car or truck to a shop for preventive maintenance work, such as an oil change, and judge the shop by its level of service, prices and your overall customer experience. A simple test like this is an excellent indicator of how the shop might serve you later.
Whether you're having your transmission troubles resolved or your brakes fixed, remember to ask for a detailed estimate before any work begins. Also, demand that the repair shop give you a call if the work on your car is going to exceed the estimate by more than 10 percent.
Of course, when it comes to keeping your car or truck in its best operating shape, preventive maintenance at the manufacturer's recommended intervals is key.
Being an Automotive Technician and a Repair Shop Owner for many years. The advice given here is very good for the most part. The part that I would like to add to is, most independent repair shops do offer name brand replacement parts for any repair job if the customer doesn't have a problem with paying for them. So all a customer has to do is ask for Dealership name brand parts.I do believe that any repair facility will be more than happy to assist in giving the customer what he/she may want on their vehicle for any repair job.
Great advice for the most part of independent shops for auto repair. My independent repair shop has ASE Certified Technicians,Better Business Bureau Approved Etc. They also offer Name Brand replacement parts with a great price to go along with the best service that anyone could ever recieve from any automotive repair facility. Great price with the best service that anyone can get with Dealership brand named replacement parts, what more could anyone ask for?
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