Finding The Right Auto Repair Center

In my last post, I gave the pros and cons of different automotive repair shop types.  So as promised, I said I’d read between the lines and help you decide what is best.

You need your vehicle serviced – honestly, safely and at the best possible cost. This we all agree upon. What we don’t agree upon is where to go and how to find this. My mission with AutoTechnician.org is to help alleviate this anxiety somewhat by using the Internet as a research portal and feedback system to narrow your search more productively. I also want to offer exposure to those deserving men and women out there who do a great job of keeping our vehicles running smooth while weeding out those who don’t.

Things you need to know first…

• There are no magic diagnostic computers or scanners that just “plug in and tell me everything that’s wrong”. That’s a myth, and a whole other topic. Any tool is only as good as the person using it. That’s a fact.
• There is no such thing as a tune-up any more. There hasn’t been since the 1970’s. It is a phrase now commonly used for scheduled maintenance parts replacement like spark plugs and filters. So if your engine runs poorly or a warning lamp is on, it doesn’t need a tune-up. It needs a diagnostic service and repair.
• Cars and trucks get dirty, therefore employees and shops get dirty. Some do up-keep better than others, but neither fix your vehicle better because of house cleaning. If cleanliness is your hang-up, you will find it very difficult finding the right person. Get over it!
• There are really bad mechanics and really good ones too, just like any other trade. Auto repair is always trial and error but references and feedback can save you from big headaches. Be sure to leave feedback in the Directory for your favorite technician!
• Vehicle technology and make/model changes happen every year and force those in the field to keep up or drop out. To use a common comparison, doctors only work on two models that pretty much stay the same mechanically but are elevated to a higher pay scale and social status. Be nice to your mechanic and treat them with the respect they deserve.  A box of donuts or bagels for the staff or even a simple thank you goes a very long way!!
• Make no mistake, this is a skilled trade. It requires dexterity, efficiency, confidence and education. However education MOSTLY comes from on-the-job work experience.  Yes, mechanics learn or your vehicles every day at your expense. Always look for the most experienced in terms of years.
• Certifications show professionalism, but it is often NOT an indicator of competence level or ability.  The most certified technician could sometimes be the worst choice if they have bad attitudes or poor work ethics. A “paper tech” is an excellent test-taker, but a poor performing tech with his or her hands and brain. On the other hand, a mechanic with no certifications may not be able to pass a written test, but just may be the absolute best person to service your vehicle!
• Journeymen automotive mechanics and techs are becoming more and more difficult to find. These individuals have been in the field over 20 years or more. Most have either retired or found other means of work (like yours truly). When you find one, hang on tight and treat them with respect and you’ll get the best from them.
• High physical demands, poorly devised pay scale systems (like flat rate), expensive tools and customer perception of the trade in general keep many young aspiring mechanics from developing into mature journeymen techs. Demand for auto repair mechanics grows higher every year.
• Most mistakes and poor customer service happen at the point of customer drop-off. The service desk staff normally handles this task however they may have no clue what is really wrong with your vehicle or know what questions to ask. Always insist to talk to the mechanic! Making a point to meet the person servicing your vehicle in person can often lead to much better and higher quality service and possibly lower costs.

Use the technician member directory to your advantage. Search for those based on their skills and experience, not where they work. Be sure to leave feedback NOT on the garage, but on the experience with person who serviced your vehicle. Each member of the directory had to select what service areas and symptoms they are good with upon registration.  They could be in a dealership or a private independent garage around the corner. The garage may look like a war zone but may employ the absolute best person for your vehicle.

If you know of a person who is suited to be in this directory but they are not, be sure to tell them about it. You are helping them by increasing their value with their employer and getting them the public recognition they deserve.