Auto Mechanics: Separating the Best from the Rest
When it comes to taking care of our cars, most of us tend to find a good mechanic and stick with them. Car service is not really something that we like to experiment with – there are just too many safety and satisfaction issues! However, all good things must come to an end ? you may have moved house, your mechanic may have swapped jobs, or you might have had a disappointing experience with a previously good car repairer. If you?re on the hunt for a new mechanic, it doesn?t have to be a hit and miss operation; we look at how to separate the best mechanics from the rest.
Look for quality, value and good service
The markers of a good mechanic are mostly the same as the markers of any other good business – they will do quality work, for a good value price, and display good customer service skills while doing so! In terms of car repairs, these three things have a few specific details:
- Quality work in terms of car service means that they utilise quality parts and follow the safest procedures for putting them in
- A good value price will vary enormously – and remember that value is dependent on quality
- You should expect that your mechanic will explain what they have done in a way that is understandable to you, take good care of your car while they have it, and be friendly and courteous – these are the hallmarks of good customers service in mechanical terms.
Get a written quote
All good mechanics will offer you a written quote itemizing the parts that are required, and an estimated number of labour hours to complete the repairs. It is worth getting written quotes from several different shops when you are looking for a new car repairer. If a mechanic doesn?t offer written quotes, move on to the next one. Good mechanics will want to assure you that there won?t be any hidden charges when you come to pick your car up, and a written quote is the best method for doing this.
Do they offer a warranty?
This is one of the strongest indicators that you’ve found one of the better mechanics available! Good mechanics should offer a warranty for their car repairs, both for the parts and the labour performed on your car.
Size does matter
While the majority of car repair shops and mechanics in Australia are small, owner-operator businesses, there are several nationwide chains that you can check out, in all metro and most rural areas. While there are exceptions to every rule, there are quite a few reasons why it is ‘safer’ to go with a larger company for your mechanic, rather than an owner-operator business.
- Larger companies are more likely to offer written quotes
- Larger companies are more likely to offer a warranty on their parts and labour.
- Larger companies have more of an investment in branding and reputation … and therefore more to lose when they disappoint customers! You’ll often find that customer service policies are better established in larger car repair companies.
- Nationwide chains will have service centers all over Australia to back up their warranty – you can take interstate trips without worrying about your car.
Ask around- referrals are best
A simple and easy way to separate the best mechanics from the rest is to ask your friends and family who they would recommend! If you don?t know anyone in the area, look for a mechanic that offers testimonials from their customers on their website.
Dean Phillips says:
I really like how you said that a good mechanic will perform quality work, have good prices, and display good customer service. Last week, my brother was driving home from work when a car ran a red light and smashed in the side of his truck. He may want to take it into a reputable mechanic to have his car serviced and repaired as quickly as possible.
May 6th, 2019 at 11:39 pm