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7 Questions to Ask A Mechanic

Roberta Willson • March 4, 2022

Imagine this: you are driving down the road and you hear a funny sound, a clunking sound or even smell something weird coming from your vehicle. You decide you need to bring it in to see a professional mechanic but you do not know who to go to and how to know if they are an honest business. Here are 7 questions to ask a mechanic before you decide if you want him or her to work on your vehicle.


     1. What automotive associations does this shop belong to?


You are most likely heard of AAA, this is a common association for a repair shop to belong to. When a mechanic shop is a member, this means that they meet standards where AAA would recommend them to their members. This is a good sign you are at a reputable mechanic. The largest organization for an auto repair shop to be a member of is the Automotive Service Association. This association requires its members to abide by regulations and a code of ethics. 


    2. Do you offer free estimates?


Any auto repair shop that is honest will offer an estimate of services without a charge. This is a great question to ask to make sure you feel comfortable in the process. Keep in mind that estimates are just that, estimates - there are times that more is going on with your vehicle than originally known and cannot be determined until they begin the process. 


     3. Have you worked on cars like mine before?


So auto mechanics specialize in certain make or models, some are certified to work on certain vehicles and some are just familiar with your vehicle. It is important to ask what kind of experience they have working on vehicles like yours in order for you to feel comfortable with their knowledge and expertise while solving your vehicle issues.


     4. Do you provide a warranty for parts and services?


Most reputable mechanics have some guarantees on parts and service just in case something happens. It might be a timeframe from when the part was installed or it might be a mileage type of warranty. You should be asking these questions before you decide on any mechanic for the job.


     5. How long have you been in business?


Simply put, good mechanics have experience. Asking a mechanic how long they have been in business will be a very easy way to tell if they have experience. These days, checking online reviews is another great way to tell if a mechanic has a good reputation over the course of their business. 


     6. Will you explain to me the details of the necessary repairs?


I know this seems like an odd question but some bad mechanics will “over-explain” what they need to do in order to make it seem like you owe them more. A good and honest mechanic or shop will lay out what needs to be done to your vehicle simply and in plain terms. It is also important to get a detailed invoice of all the services that were provided in case you need to use the warranty discussed earlier. 


     7. Will I be able to choose what car parts are used for the repair?


All dependent on what needs to be done to fix your vehicle but a lot of times, there are cheaper ways to fix your vehicle by choosing used parts vs. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Used parts are a great way to save some money. If you are getting your vehicle repaired at R.H. Willson, our new and used auto parts come with a warranty so you never have to worry. 


Summary


We hope these 7 questions will help you in case you need to find a good, honest and affordable mechanic. If you need your vehicle repaired or a free estimate, do not hesitate to call or stop by R.H. Willson.


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