Criteria for Choosing a Good Independent Mechanic
Finding a mechanic you can turn to for help when your car needs maintenance or repair service is critical to keeping the car running well at all times. But choosing the right independent mechanic can be an overwhelming and sometimes unsettling task because you will be basically putting your car in the care of a complete stranger.
Follow this criteria to ensure you select a suitable independent mechanic to provide you with the car service you'll require.
Location
Driving for several hours just so you can have your car serviced or repaired can be extremely tiring. Plus, more problems might crop up while you're making the long trip. For that reason, one of the most important factors you should consider when selecting an independent mechanic shop is its location. It is convenient to look for a mechanic shop that is located as close as possible to your home, so you can take your car to the auto shop without travelling long distances.
Specialisation
In most cases, the mechanics working at independent car service shops specialise in particular areas. For example, they could have been previously employed at a franchise dealership before going independent, and therefore only work on certain car brands. Or they could specialise in providing particular services, like engine service, car body work, wheel alignment and tyre balancing, and so on. Therefore, it's a prudent move to do some homework before booking your car into a particular mechanic shop.
Reputation
Like in any other trade, the reputation of an independent mechanic matters a whole lot. Therefore, you should research on what past customers are saying about a particular mechanic. A mechanic that has a good reputation can be trusted to deliver quality service. On the other hand, a mechanic with a bad reputation should be avoided at all costs. Look for a mechanic that is known for providing satisfactory service to their customers.
Price
Last but not least, you must consider the price that an independent mechanic charges. While you can be tempted to go for the mechanic that charges the lowest price, you should have in mind that you'll probably get what you pay for. Therefore, it is important that you strike a proper balance between price and what is included in the price. You might find out that by paying a little extra, you will be getting so much more!
By taking the above points into consideration, you stand a good chance at choosing a good independent mechanic for your car.