Factors Affecting Suspension Repair Costs in California

Tips for Finding an Honest Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop in California

Is the Shop Rated?

You should use AAA.com to make sure the shop is rated. Auto shops that adhere to AAA’s guidelines require that Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians are engaged in every repair. ASE is an independent, non-profit organization offering elected testing and certification for mechanics. When a shop has met these standards, drivers have actual evidence of the technical knowledge of their potential mechanic and can assess a mechanic’s level of expertise before choosing to hire them. 

Search for an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Affiliation

It may sound crazy, but there’s no licensing in the auto repair industry. Customers have to rely on the Automotive Service Association, a not-for-profit trade association serving independent automotive professionals in the mechanical and collision repair industries. These industries require that mechanics always provide estimates and pledges to their customers. 

It should also be a concern if a shop lacks a website of Facebook presence. It’s 2020, and not having a website is a telling sign because any shop that believes setting up a website isn’t needed may not be professional. It also shows poor customer service because a website is where customers first interact with a business. 

Can They Simply Explain What’s Wrong with Your Car?

The central issue common between mechanics and their customers isn’t that the mechanic doesn’t know what he or she is doing. Actually, it’s that they’re not good at communicating with their customers. In most cases, the customer won’t understand what’s actually wrong with their vehicle because the mechanic is unable to explain the issue in a way that is easy to understand. Staff at the auto repair shop should be trained to speak in the customer’s language, and customers should also ask questions if they don’t understand the problem. 

Do They Inspect your Car’s Three Main Safety Items Each Visit?

Tires, brakes, and wipers are the three primary items on your vehicle that have to be somewhat new to protect your life. If your vehicle doesn’t start, that’s an annoyance. However, if your vehicle doesn’t stop, that can be deadly. Any decent auto repair shop will always examine your breaks as a part of their routine, as well as the wear on your tires and wipers. If they don’t inspect these items in their usual checkup, that should be cause for concern. 

How Do They Handle Expensive Repairs?

What’s the value of your vehicle? Any good mechanic will consider this against the cost of a repair. If the estimate of the repair is greater than the vehicle’s value, and the mechanic fails to mention it, you should find yourself a new mechanic. 

Don’t Discount Generic Parts

Tips for Finding an Honest Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop in CaliforniaJust like generic medicine, generic parts aren’t a hazard — they’re cheaper alternatives. According to both the Insurance Information Institute and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, generic automotive parts haven’t been found to pose any significant threat compared to OEM counterparts. To understand if a mechanic is overcharging for a reaper, use the car repair estimator from Consumer Reports to get a general figure for a similar part or repair. Also, similar to getting a second opinion for a medical issue, you should always call around to a few shops to compare estimated, especially for common repairs. 

Are They Willing to Take You on a Ridealong?

It’s a fact that shops that won’t allow you to join the mechanic on a ridealong in order to demonstrate the problem shouldn’t be trusted. Mechanics should want you to come along because it will help them provide a satisfactory repair. If you demand a ridealong, there could be other issues with the repair shop. Also, don’t be in a rush to have them tell you what’s wrong with the car. Your job is to consider the problem as it happens and see if you can duplicate the noise, shudder, squeal, rattle, or stall for the mechanic. Ensure that the shop understands wh you’re coming in and that you want to go for a ride with the mechanic to demonstrate the issue. Don’t just drop off the car and expect that they will figure it out. 

They bring You into the Garage to Show You the Issue

The key to a good working relationship is when a mechanic shows the customer the problem with their vehicle. It can help build trust and show that the mechanic knows what he’s doing and they believe it’s important that you understand what they found, why it must be repaired, and the cost of the repair. If the auto repair shop doesn’t offer this information, especially after being diagnosed with a costly repair, you should demand it. In the end, it’s your money and your vehicle.

Always Trust Your Vehicle’s Manual

In the black and white print of the manual, you can find your car’s scheduled maintenance routine. Don’t blindly trust a mechanic or auto repair shop that says you have to have something because they know better than the manufacturer of your vehicle. Chances are they don’t. There are some exceptions, however. Depending on where you live and how you drive, you may need to refresh oil more often than indicated in the owner’s manual. Again, a good repair shop will understand this and can make recommendations that may diverge from what’s in the manual. That’s fine. Just don’t trust a mechanic who suggests too-frequent maintenance that’s not listed in your manual. 

Auto Repair Shops in San Diego 

Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experience. We will offer you a hassle-free auto repair starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.