Five Tips for Finding an Honest Mechanic

A recent Gallup poll found that 72% of Americans rated mechanics as untrustworthy or very untrustworthy. Mechanics scored considerably lower than other professionals we depend on when we have a serious problem like doctors and dentists. Does this mean that most mechanics really are dishonest? Personally, I don’t think so. After talking with dozens of repair shop owners, I found that many see their customers as their most important asset.

So why do we see mechanics as so untrustworthy? I think many repair shops suffer from a communication problem that has gotten worse as our cars have grown technologically more complex. We enjoy benefits like better gas mileage, GPS and hands-free calling, but these technologies have also made it harder to understand how our cars work. Today it’s very difficult to tell the difference between an honest repair shop that has a hard time explaining why a repair is so expensive and shady repair shop selling us something we don’t need. Here are 5 tips for finding a mechanic you can trust.

1. Check with the Better Business Bureau

Take a look at how the Better Business Bureau rates the repair shop and check the shop’s number of complaints. If a repair shop has more than 2 or 3 unresolved complaints or is rated lower than a B, consider taking your car to another shop.

2. Ask for credentials

Over the years, an alphabet soup of organizations has emerged to help car owners. Here are three of the most important ones:

• The American Automobile Association (AAA) has one of the most comprehensive inspection processes in the industry. You don’t need to be a member to take advantage—just look for the AAA seal of approval on the shop’s website or in their window.
• The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is the largest auto repair association in the country and has a well-defined code of ethics. Repair shops that are ASA members are more likely to find a reasonable compromise that satisfies the customer rather than risk losing their membership.
• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification has been the standard for automotive professionals for many years. These certifications show that a mechanic has taken the initiative to learn the best practices in fixing your car. However, be aware that not all the mechanics at a shop need to be ASE certified for the shop itself to ASE certified (identified with the blue seal). Also, there are many different ASE certifications so it’s tough to know if the mechanic is certified in the specific repair your car needs. Bottom line, the training ASE provides is very good, but certification doesn’t necessarily mean a better repair. For these reasons I give ASE certification less consideration than the AAA seal of approval and ASA membership.

3. Demand good communication

If a repair shop can’t explain what’s wrong with your car or why you need a preventive maintenance item in terms you can understand, it’s best to find another shop. The shop might be honest, but poor communication is a problem that could end up costing you time, money and satisfaction.

4. Ask about options

A good repair shop will offer you options based on your situation. For example, if you plan to sell your car in the next few years, it may not make sense to install brakes with a lifetime warranty. Most car problems have short- and long-term solutions.

5. Check your owner’s manual

The service schedule in your owner’s manual is based on years of research by your car’s manufacturer. If a repair shop tells you that you need preventive maintenance more often or sooner than the manufacturer’s recommendation, this can be sign that they are trying to sell you something you don’t need.

By using these tips to separate the honest repair shops from the shady ones, you’ll be much less likely to be part of the 72% of consumers that find mechanics untrustworthy. As an added bonus, you’ll also be supporting a good business that provides an important service to the local community.

----

Has a mechanic ever surprised you with their honesty? Share your story on our Facebook page.

We want to hear about your car repair experiences! Take our 2 minute survey and register for a chance to win a $25 gas card.