5 Essential Traits of a Reliable Mechanic
Car troubles are among the most considerable inconveniences in day-to-day life. You rely on your car to travel to work, get groceries, and pick up your kids from school. When something goes wrong with your vehicle, you need someone you can trust to fix it.
But how can you find a reliable mechanic that won’t rip you off or perform substandard repairs?
Keep reading as we discuss the essential traits of a reliable mechanic you should look out for when you need car repairs.
Concern for You and Your Vehicle
Your mechanic should be completely transparent throughout the process of repairing your vehicle. They should clearly state what is wrong with your car, what they intend to do to fix it, and the cost of the repairs.
If you are afraid to ask questions, and your mechanic leaves you needing clarification on the repairs they will perform, this is a red flag. You need to know what the mechanic will do to your vehicle so that you can determine whether the cost is fair.
Concern for Your Budget
Your mechanic should not try to upsell you or suggest other repairs your car needs – when they aren’t needed. They should outline the condition of your vehicle and spot any issues they spot during their inspection. They should advise you on what repairs are necessary and which ones are less urgent. You need to be fully aware of what the repairs will cost you, and you shouldn’t feel like your mechanic is adding repairs to the list.
Concern for Your Time And Needs
In addition to providing transparency during the repair process for your budget and repairs, your mechanic should also be transparent about the projected completion date and how long the repairs will take. If you have a busy schedule, you need to know your options for collecting your car. Your mechanic should be concerned about your time and needs and should offer a convenient time to collect your vehicle from the shop.
Guarantees and Warranties
If your mechanic needs to be qualified to perform the work on your vehicle, they should make you aware of this and recommend another specialist for the job. Reliable mechanics know their limitations and will only try to keep the job for themselves if they have the proper knowledge and experience. You should look for guarantee policies at the garage and ensure that the garage offers warranties for the work they perform – so if the repairs do not solve the problem with your car, you will be covered.
Certifications
Although you do not need certifications to run a repair shop, this should be important when deciding which mechanic to choose for your repairs. The main certification you should be looking for is the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate. This will indicate that the mechanic is committed to improving and advancing their skills in the field, taking pride in their work.
Common Ways Your Mechanic can Rip You Off
To understand whether you’re entitled to compensation, you must learn how to spot when your mechanic is ripping you off. Here are some of the common ways your mechanic might rip you off:
- Charging more than 10% over their quoted price for the repairs.
- Not installing the parts you paid for or not performing the work you paid for.
- Damage other parts or your vehicle’s paintwork during the repairs.
- Performing low-quality repairs that leave your car with complications.
If the above issues apply, you should seek compensation for the work, and you can begin taking steps to receive this compensation. You should never have to overpay for car repairs, and your mechanic should fulfill their obligation to get your car back in working order.
What to Do if Your Mechanic Rips You Off
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how many steps you take to find a reliable mechanic. You can still leave the transaction feeling as though you were ripped off or taken advantage of. In these situations, knowing the right actions to take to receive compensation or resolve the matter is essential. Below is a list of some things you can do if your mechanic rips you off.
Contact Your Mechanic
If you feel your mechanic has acted unlawfully or mistreated you during the repair process, you should contact them directly to begin the process of your complaint. If your mechanic prides themselves on quality customer service, they will be amenable to resolving the issue. You should ensure all of your communications with the mechanic are in writing, as you may need evidence of their response to the complaint later. Should they dismiss your complaint without sufficient explanation, then you are entitled to pursue further action.
Contact a Regulation Department
If your mechanic dismisses your complaint, you can go above them by contacting your local regulation department for mechanics. They will be able to hold the mechanic accountable. Before you do this, let the mechanic know that this is what you plan to do – it can work in your favor if you have leverage.
Make a Claim in Small Claims Court
If the regulation department cannot help you, and you wish to receive compensation for the poor quality of work, you can claim in small claims court. This isn’t as daunting as it may seem. There are services designed to help you file a claim quickly and conveniently, so you can get the compensation you deserve without the hassle. From there, the payment you receive is up to the judge in small claims court. Providing your written communications with the mechanic when making your claim is beneficial, as it will evidence the mechanic’s resistance to settling the matter.
Last Words
When choosing a mechanic, you need to be careful. There are common instances where people pay too much for their repairs or need to receive quality repairs. Spotting the signs that you’re being ripped off will allow you to pursue action against the mechanic and receive compensation. Claiming in small claims court is now easier than ever, so you can get your money back when these incidents happen.