11 Things to Look for When Choosing a Mechanic

A mechanic holds a lot of power when it comes to vehicle care, and you know what they say about power and responsibility. Choosing a mechanic that you can trust with your car may be daunting, but the rewards are great. Once you find a team that you can trust, you can be sure your vehicle is in good hands. 

What Does a Mechanic Do?

A good mechanic covers both routine vehicle maintenance and vehicle repairs when they come up. This means that the scope of their business is pretty broad, from regular alignment checks, tire rotations and replacements, and oil changes to one-time auto-body repair after an accident or overhauling a transmission or engine.

What Are the Signs of a Good Mechanic? 

There are plenty of stories out there of mechanic fraud and cutting corners, and the goal when choosing a mechanic is to avoid such liability. You can’t really know for certain if a mechanic is good before you have a working relationship with their shop, but there are some things you can look for before committing:

• They value their customers. A good mechanic will answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and never brush you aside. They provide timely and helpful service and real solutions for your vehicle.
• They explain the work. Without giving jargon-heavy descriptions of every detail, a good mechanic will keep you in the loop of what’s happening under the hood of your vehicle. This allows you as a vehicle owner to take better care of your car and helps you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• They are accountable. A good mechanic will be candid if they can’t find the root of your vehicle’s problem or if it cannot be fixed. They deliver their promised work in a timely manner and charge their promised rates.
• They have integrity. When choosing a mechanic, look for a team that will not cut corners or compromise on quality. If they are above board with you, you can trust that is how they do their business.

Do Your Research to Find the Right Mechanic for You

Again, we know that choosing a mechanic can be an overwhelming task, but once you have found the right fit for you and your vehicle, you can establish a business relationship of trust. Having a regular mechanic is the best way for a professional to know the ins and outs of your vehicle, and that can give you peace of mind knowing they are well equipped to help you maintain it. To get to that point, consider these suggestions:

• Start with the dealership. The dealership where you bought your vehicle is a bank of experience and information. The dealership’s representatives will have expertise tailored very specifically to your make, model, and year, including things like current recalls, parts, and service warranties. The dealership is very likely your most expensive option, but it is also more likely to be covered by warranty.
• Look locally or online for reviews. Word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews are another good place to start looking for good companies. Take each positive and negative review with a grain of salt knowing that individual experiences are highly subjective.
• Scope out the BBB. The Better Business Bureau is another good resource for finding reputable companies and learning which shops to avoid.
• Keep it local. At least at first, look for shops in your area so you don’t have to travel far when your car needs care. 
• Put stock in experience. While there are many good mechanics with limited experience, a long history of good work is a green flag. Look for teams with the necessary knowledge and technical skills to service your specific vehicle. Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a must.
• Compare quotes. Shop around and compare what different companies have to offer. It’s also a good idea to do your own financial analysis and be prepared to assess how fair each mechanic’s quote is. You can also see if they have financing options.
• Find a team that loves what they do. Mechanics who love their work do it well and can usually communicate it well too. You can’t put a price on that.

Choosing a Mechanic in Layton, UT

With all of these considerations in mind, we recommend our team at Layton Car Care for those choosing a mechanic. Yes, we’re a little biased, but that doesn’t change the fact that our team loves what we do and does it well. Our customers are guaranteed the best workmanship and the best service. We strive to be the local mechanic that folks can trust so they can feel safe and satisfied in their vehicles.

If you’re in the process of choosing a mechanic in the Layton, UT area, give us a call today to see what we’re about.