Owning a car can be stressful, and fun at the same time, but when it has problems, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s in good hands.  When you find out that your car is having troubles, you want to make sure that you’re taking it to an experienced mechanic.

How do I find a good mechanic in my area?

Ask friends and family: This can go for anything.  Whenever I want a reference, the first person that I go to are my family, and friends.  I ask them who they use, and what they think.  If I get a good response, I proceed to use their services.

Use review sites online: Reviews sites like Yelp come in handy when you’re looking for reviews of companies online.  Simply input the area you’re living in, and see what other people are saying.  Another good way to find out reviews is by Googling the company name.

Check with the BBB: Whenever I sign up with a company, I want to make sure that the company is legit, and don’t have a shady past.  If you want to make sure the company you’re going to deal with is focused on customer service, I would recommend you look into the BBB (better business bureau).

Check for certification: Every mechanic shop should be ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified.  You don’t want to work with a company that doesn’t know what they are doing to your car.  Either check online for credentials, or ask the mechanic in the shop.

Compare for prices: Just because you find a good mechanic, it doesn’t mean you’re going to get great prices. You’ll want to find at least 2 – 3 mechanics that can help you.  Ask for a ball park estimate, as well as another one from other shops.  You will then want to choose the one that works best for you.

Check for a warranty: When the work is all said and done, you will want to see what kind of warranty you’re going to get.  Most repairs come with a 90 day+ warranty.  If something does go wrong, you can bring it back free of charge, and get the work done.

By following these steps, you should be able to find a good mechanic in your area.  Ask around, try these tips, and more to see who does the best work in your town.