Are you due for routine car maintenance, or looking for an expert for an unexpected fix? Once you've figured out how to find a good mechanic, save their details! Reliable mechanics can keep you safe and confidently on the road.
We recommend researching reliable recommendations and checking for professional certifications to ensure the shop operates with complete transparency. Read on to learn about these and other steps for finding an honest mechanic.
Step 1: Research Repair Shop Types
The first step is to know the type of repair shop you need.There are four basic types of repair shops, and the type you choose can make a big difference in your experience, costs, and the quality of work.
1. Dealership Service Departments
Best for: New or under-warranty vehicles, or complex manufacturer-specific issues, including recalls.
Dealership service departments are attached to a car dealership or brand, such as the service department at your local Honda dealership.
Pros:
- Factory-trained technicians who specialize in your vehicle's make
- Access to proprietary diagnostic tools and manufacturer service bulletins
- Genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and updates on recalls or warranty repairs
Cons:
- Often the most expensive option for labor and parts
- Less personal , you might not speak directly with the technician
- May recommend extra services that aren't strictly necessary
Tip: Dealership repair shops can be great if your car is still covered by warranty or if you drive a newer or luxury vehicle and would benefit from factory-level expertise.
2. Independent Repair Shops
Best for: Out-of-warranty vehicles, long-term relationships, and cost savings.
Independent repair shops are owned and operated by independent people or groups, and are unaffiliated with dealerships or chains.
Pros:
- Usually lower labor rates than dealerships
- More personal service , often means you'll deal directly with the owner
- Flexibility to use high-quality aftermarket or OEM-equivalent parts
Cons:
- Quality varies widely , not all independents provide the same level of service
- May lack some brand-specific tools or training
- Warranties on repairs can differ from shop to shop
3. Specialty Repair Shops
Best for: Vehicles with unique needs (e.g., European, hybrid, diesel, transmission, or performance tuning)
Specialty repair shops specialize in a type of vehicle or specific types of repairs , for example, transmission-only repair shops or shops that specialize in diesel engines.
Pros:
- Deep expertise in a specific make or system
- Often more efficient at diagnosing and fixing specialized issues
- Better access to rare parts and specialized knowledge
Cons:
- May cost more than a general independent shop
- Limited scope , may not be suitable for general maintenance
Tip: Great if you drive a specialized vehicle or have a specific problem (like a hybrid battery or transmission repair).
4. Auto Repair Chains
Best for: Routine maintenance and simple, high-volume services.
Auto repair chains have standardized packages of services that are offered across their repair shops , for example, national-level chains that specialize in tires or oil changes.
Pros:
- Competitive prices and frequent coupons or deals
- Convenient locations and standardized processes
- Often good for oil changes, brakes, batteries, or tires
Cons:
- Technician skill level can vary
- Focus on volume may mean less personalized attention
- Some may upsell services aggressively
Step 2. Evaluate Ratings and Reviews
When you find an option you prefer, research local forums and look for discussions about the repair shop. If you're on social media, you can check local groups for people's experiences, or create a post asking for recommendations for your specific car repair needs.
Look carefully at any online reviews, noting any patterns. One or two poor reviews are normal for any business, but if there is a pattern of similar negative comments, this is a red flag. Be especially cautious if multiple reviews mention surprise charges or issues right after repair.
Step 3. Look For ASE Certification
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certification confirms that mechanics meet national standards for competence. Technicians must retest every five years to confirm they still meet current standards. Having this certification should be a minimum for finding a good mechanic.
Other certifications to look for include any specialized manufacturer OEM certifications and accreditations, such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau). AAA-Approved Auto Repair shops have proven they meet the stringent standards for AAA to accredit them.
Step 4. Know The Red Flags
Some mechanics may raise red flags, such as being disorganized or evasive about giving an estimate. Beware any of these red flags when looking for a mechanic, and overall, trust your gut if something doesn't feel right.
- Vague or incomplete estimates. Sometimes diagnostic work is needed and is usually charged separately, but if they know what the problem is and can't give you a clear and full estimate, be wary.
- Disorganized environment. A messy, disorganized environment can be a red flag, especially if it goes along with vague estimates or poor communication.
- Poor communication. Not returning phone calls or not being able to explain what they need to do may a sign of poor service.
- Reluctance to make any guarantees. Reputable shops stand behind their repairs, and even short warranties (like 30 to 90 days) on parts and labor are standard.
- No paper trail. If they won't give written estimates and only want cash payment, that leaves you with no proof if something goes wrong.
- High-pressure upselling. Be wary if a mechanic tries to insist you need something else right now. If that's true, they should be able to show you exactly why.
Step 5: Communicate Well With Your Mechanic
Good communication with your mechanic can save you time, money, and frustration and ensures your car gets the right care the first time. Here are some tips for keeping the conversation clear and productive:
- Describe the problem clearly. Explain what you hear, see, smell, or feel, and when it happens , for example, say, It makes a grinding noise when I brake, instead of It's broken.
- Avoid diagnosing the issue yourself. Focus on the symptoms rather than telling the mechanic what to fix.
- Be honest about the car's history. Share any recent repairs, accidents, or unusual events that might help them pinpoint the cause.
- Ask questions. A good mechanic will gladly explain what's wrong, what your options are, and which repairs are most urgent versus optional.
- Request a written estimate and timeline. This ensures you both understand the expected costs and how long the job should take.
- Confirm parts and warranties. Ask whether the shop uses OEM or aftermarket parts and what warranty applies to the work.
- Stay reachable. Provide your phone number and check messages in case the shop needs approval before proceeding.
Stay On The Road With AAA
Like many motorists today, you may be keeping your car longer. This makes it more important than ever to use a trusted professional auto repair shop. Using these tips will help you with how to find a good mechanic, hopefully someone you can rely on long-term!
AAA is here to help with a network of AAA Approved Auto Repair shops. If you need roadside assistance or towing to a shop, your AAA Membership can cover those services, helping you to get back on the road quickly.
FAQ
Here are some typical FAQs for how to find a good mechanic.
How do I check if a mechanic is legit?
There are a few signs to look for in a trustworthy mechanic, such as great reviews and recommendations, ASE or OEM certification and an organized shop environment. Look for accreditations such as AAA Approved Auto Repair shop and BBB status as well.
What is a good test job to try a new mechanic?
Starting small is generally a good way to test a new mechanic. Small jobs include things like an oil change, brake inspection or replacement, or tire rotation and balancing.
How should a good mechanic handle a customer complaint or mistake?
Good mechanics see the professional handling of customer complaints as part of long-term customer care. They should listen fully and stay respectful, ask clarifying questions, acknowledge if any mistakes occurred and provide clear next steps.
How can I tell the difference between an urgent repair and an unnecessary one?
If you don't have professional expertise, it can be tricky to determine the difference between urgent and non-urgent repairs. You can take some steps to help you evaluate repairs though, such as: 1) Ask a trustworthy mechanic to explain the risk; 2) Check explanations in your owner's manual; 3) Get a second opinion.