How Can You Tell If A Mechanic is Good

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By Horizon Gitano-Briggs

While there is no sure-fire way to pick a mechanic there are a few things you can do that might help. Ask around to see if anyone you trust knows a good mecachanic.

Before contracting the shop to do the work, talk to the mechanic or foreman and explain the problem. Are they listening to you and understanding you, or simply waiting for you to leave so they can get on with it?

A good mechanic will ask you questions, and give you answers. He’ll try to verify the problem before attempting to fix it. Usually he can give you an estimate the cost or repairs, and even suggest various options (eg do you really need a new head, or can the valve seats be reground? Is the more expensive OEM part really worth it, or will a less expensive one last just as long?)

Some problems may require a little detective work to figure out.An intermittent ignition problem can be caused by faulty spark plug wires (ie a cheap fix) or replacing the ignition system (expensive).

A good mechanic will take the time (and grab a spare second hand set of spark plug wires) and figure it out, starting with the least expensive possibility first. Also he should have a service manual on hand, and know how to use it.After the work has been done, a good mechanic will take the time to explain how the problem occurred.

How can you spot a bad mechanic?

There is no real way of knowing ahead of time, but a few things you should be careful of is shops that are dirty (dirt and mechanical parts don’t mix well), shops that won’t guarantee their work, shops that can’t tell you when your vehicle will be ready and shops that are not interested in hearing out what the problem is or what you want done.

If you find a good reliable mechanic, let him know that you appreciate this work, and refer  your friends to him.

If you get a bad one, let him know that you are not happy with his work.