Need A Mechanic? Here’s What to Look For

Car mechanics seem to be everywhere as you search your neighborhood or online for local dealerships and repair shops. But you’ll quickly learn that finding a great mechanic to cover your car is harder than it seems. Once you find the right mechanic, review Protect My Car warranty plans to cover your repair bills.

It’s a Relationship

Finding the best mechanic for your car isn’t easy. The process is similar to finding a reliable support such as a babysitter, whom you entrust with your child’s life. Maybe it’s not quite as hard as finding a future soul mate on your very first date, but the search process is remarkably similar. Most people intend to own the same car for many years, so finding an honest mechanic who you can trust is very important. You’ll build a long-term relationship and come to trust your mechanic to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics without worrying about mistakes or excessively high bills.

Chances are, you won’t settle for the first mechanic you find. Just like looking for the best person to date in a relationship, there are things to look for and things to avoid when looking for a mechanic to cover your car.

Just like any real relationship, you don’t want a mechanic who will lead you down a long, winding path only to disappoint you in the end. There is a difference between servicing your car and repairing a problem. You can get covered service by the dealer, if the car is still under warranty. You need a mechanic who can do both and be honest when letting you know what your car needs.

Avoiding Mr. Wrong

Car dealerships aren’t known for their honesty and inexpensive service. This is another reason to find your own mechanic who performs regular maintenance services and other repairs. Any dealer that handles your vehicle’s make can perform routine service and maintenance. You are also free to bring your car to your own mechanic, where these services are usually cheaper. Most services are covered by the dealer if your car is still under warranty. Even if your car is no longer under the factory/dealer warranty, you may be able to keep it under warranty with Protect My Car. Either way, you are free to bring your car to your own trusted mechanic without going through a dealer.

One thing you should always bring up with a dealer who handles your type of vehicle is a vehicle recall. If there is a recall out on your vehicle, don’t ignore it. The dealer is obligated to perform the repair whether your car is under warranty or not, at no cost to you. A good mechanic has access to technical service bulletins (TSBs) to let you know if any recalls are out on your car and advise you to take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs. Not-so-good mechanics may see the alert, make the repair, and try to charge you for it.

Specifics to look for in a great mechanic:

• The mechanic specializes in working on your specific make and model.
• The mechanic and shop have great reputations from ratings and word of mouth.
• They have up-to-date certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• Test the shop on a trial run with something small or just with general questions you have about your vehicle.
• The shop has a great score with the Better Business Bureau.

Finding a great mechanic has a little to do with getting along since you will have to deal with speaking to them, but keep in mind that this isn’t the highest priority on the list. There are great mechanics with terrible people skills and nice people who can’t turn a wrench the right way. Choose your mechanic by the quality of work they do, not their personality.

Saving Cash & Using Protect My Car Warranty Plans

If your car is no longer under the factory or dealer warranty, you can get it covered by a warranty from Protect My Car. Save on costly repairs and services with any of the plans you choose. Find the mechanic of your dreams, get protection with a warranty from Protect My Car, and you’ve got a solid relationship with no worries.

There are three different plans to choose from, depending on your car and situation. The Driveline, the Select and the Supreme all offer great coverage, small deductibles, flexible payments, roadside assistance, and more.

Cover Your Car in Any Situation

The search for a good mechanic doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow a few ‘dating’ rules. Ask around about reputation, talk to them before getting too involved, and do a little digging to learn about any past disgruntled customers.

To make all of your car repairs painless and easy, find your dream mechanic and get a warranty from Protect My Car. It’s like the icing on the cake to your relationship with your mechanic. Get great coverage and know you’re getting what you need to take care of your car. Check out Protect My Car today to find the best coverage for your car.