7 Tips for Finding an Awesome Mechanic

Whether you’re looking for a new shop to go to, or wondering if your current mechanic is one of the best, here are 7 signs that will point you towards finding an awesome mechanic in your area.

1. They do the work right.

This is by far the most important piece to identifying a great mechanic. Even if you get a fair quote or connect with them instantly, if the job isn’t done right, it’s all for nothing. Getting your car back in good condition is the biggest indicator that you're in a good place. This is only the first tip-off though...keep reading to find more helpful signs.

2. There are other cars being worked on.

Sure, there are slow days and off-peak hours, but if you go past a shop a few times and don’t see cars in the shop, you’re probably not at the right place. Try and look inside when you drive by. No cars = no good. However, only use this sign as a clue. Above all, make sure that the reason for no activity isn’t because the shop is very small or that it just opened.

3. The estimate can change, and there’s always an explanation.

Estimates change, and that’s okay. The issue that needed fixing can be difficult to get to, or there could be something else wrong entirely. Either way, there should be a good explanation from the mechanic as to why the estimate went up. The ability for a mechanic to understand a person’s frustration also goes along way here. Good customer-mechanic relationships are founded on empathy and communication, and an estimate change is a good time to test both.

4. You can talk honestly with them.

As I wrote above, communication is key. Having a mechanic that takes time to answer your questions and explain things to you is very important. So long as there is mutual respect and a calm demeanor on your side and theirs, there should be no reason why both parties shouldn’t be able to talk about differences of opinion. If you’re not satisfied with the job that was done, and the mechanic can respond to you in an understanding way, you might still want to consider staying with them.

5. Great parts for fair prices.

Some parts are cheaper and some parts are more expensive. If you have the opportunity to, research the parts needed for your problem before you bring it in. Then, see which kind of parts they’re using. If your mechanic is charging you high prices for cheaper parts, that’s a no-go. But, if your mechanic is using high-quality parts for prices that are fair, that’s a good, honest mechanic you’re working with.

6. There’s an overall friendliness in the shop.

This doesn’t mean that they need to be the nicest people in the world, or even be outgoing at all. However, good shop employees should be polite, friendly and helpful. Having this will make interactions go smoothly for both sides, and hopefully, make everyone happy. This sign doesn’t mean that they’ll do great work, but it doesn’t hurt to see this in the shop you go to.

7. A friend told you about them.

Word of mouth is by far the best way to know whether you’re going to an awesome mechanic. If you have a referral from a friend who’s already had great work done, then give them a try! If you don’t have any referrals from friends, go to Mechanic Advisor's reviews to see if there are any on the various shops in your area.

Is there one point that you feel is most important above all else? Do you feel like there’s anything missing on the list? If so, be sure to write it down in the comments.

MechanicAdvisor.com is one of the largest online mechanic resources in the US. We are the premier website for consumers to research and connect with reputable local mechanics for routine and specialty automotive repair. Our website features instructional videos, articles about maintaining your car, and detailed profiles of over 500,000 mechanics across the country. If you're a shop owner, please claim your shop page for free here.