How to Pick Auto Repair Shops

Many people put off vital car repairs because they do not know how to find an auto repair shop that they can trust. However, this can be detrimental to both your car and your wallet. By doing some research, you can find an honest mechanic.

Use one or several of these methods to find an auto repair shop:

• Talk to your friends or co-workers to get a personal reference. Often, a recommendation from a friend is the best way to find a trustworthy mechanic. Ask them about the work that they have done in the past and what the price was for parts and labor.


• Contact the American Automotive Association to find approved mechanics in your area. The AAA rates mechanics using exacting standards, so you can trust any auto shop that is AAA approved.


• Go to a business rating website such as Angie's List. For a small fee, you can find honest assessments of auto repair shops in your area. Consumers write the content on these sites and they are often frank and helpful.


• Visit the website for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. You can use the site to find ASE certified mechanics and shops in your area. An ASE-recognized shop has top mechanics and uses the highest standards, or else their certification will be revoked.


• Check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB grades companies on a scale from A+ to F. They can also tell you the number of complaints leveled against the auto shop and if they have been resolved in a satisfactory manner.