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In this day and age, sometimes it’s hard to tell who you can and can’t trust.  There are a lot of people out there that are just looking to make a buck at any cost.  The car maintenance and repair industry has been booming recently as more people invest in their current vehicles rather than purchasing new ones.  Everyone’s had a friend that’s gone in for a routine check up and somehow got swindled by a mechanic and spent way more than they should have.  It happens all of the time.  It’s more important than ever to find a reliable mechanic that you can trust.  If you stick to these few simple guidelines, you should be able to find someone in no time.

The first thing you should do is talk to friends, family, and coworkers.  Word of mouth is the best way to determine a shop’s reputation.  Ask about the services and the helpfulness of the staff.  See if your friend felt like the amount paid was fair and reasonable for the services performed.  Make sure there have never been any major surprise extra costs or additions to the bill.  That’s one of the first signs of a mechanic looking to just make a few more dollars off of you.  If you find someone that your friends or family can trust, chances are things will work out well for you also.

Check to see the shop’s and mechanic’s certifications.  Most reputable places will be registered with the Better Business Bureau.  Make sure that all technicians that will be working on your vehicle have the proper certifications.  Going to a dealership for maintenance pretty much guarantees that experts will be working on your car.  Their services typically come at a higher premium, but the extra cost is well worth the peace of mind.  Speak with the shop manager or crew lead and gauge how you’re treated.  Good customer service is also sometimes worth shelling out a few extra bucks.

If you’re looking to get any type of repair completed, shop around.  Only go to places that will offer written estimates or has predetermined prices for certain services.  These shops typically offer the same competitive pricing to all of their customers and may haggle with you if you find a lower bid somewhere else.  The lowest bid isn’t always the best.  Factor in the shop’s reputation as well.  In the end, it’s usually best to go with your gut.

With a little bit patience, you’ll be able to find a trustworthy mechanic in no time.

Arturo Chuong is currently writing articles related to traveling, sporting, hiking, and business bags including, backpacks, laptop cases, and functional luggage.