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<\/a><\/p>\nDealerships can be expensive<\/strong><\/p>\n Anyone who\u2019s ever taken their car into the local dealership for major repairs that weren\u2019t covered by the manufacturer\u2019s warranty may have been brought to tears when the service writer announced what the parts and labor would cost. That\u2019s why so many people seek out an independent mechanic to do the work in hopes of getting a better shake when it\u2019s time to pay up.<\/p>\n However, you should be cautious when shopping for a new mechanic to take care of your four-wheeled pride and joy. While there are plenty of professional, trustworthy mechanics in your area who will treat you and your car right, the trick is finding one who won\u2019t gouge you with a smile after creating more problems than you started out with because the repairs were above his pay grade.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today\u2019s cars are highly-complicated machines<\/strong><\/p>\n Because today\u2019s cars have become highly-complicated machines that require specialized equipment to complete necessary repairs \u2013 and most of us have no clue whether we need this or that fixed \u2013 we\u2019re forced to take the word of a so-called expert with grease on his elbows.<\/p>\n Below are just a few of the ways to make sure you\u2019re not taken for a financial ride or risk having your vehicle ruined:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ask people whose opinion you value where they take their car for service. This is generally the best way to find a good and inexpensive mechanic.<\/p>\n A reputable mechanic will proudly display ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence<\/a>) or AAA (American Automobile Association) certifications on his wall. This lets his customers know he has the expertise and training to work on their vehicle. A state license, which is required in many states, should also be visible.<\/p>\n If the place is dirty and messy with rags and other debris all over the floor, you may be disappointed with the repairs or how your vehicle is treated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you agree to have any work done on your vehicle, you should receive a written estimate of the repairs. It should be included on an itemized invoice. If you hear: \u201cwe don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong \u2013 how can we give you an estimate?\u201d you should reconsider your choice.<\/p>\n Many of the quickie lube joints use this tactic to make well-over what they charge an unwitting customer for an oil and lube job. If your new mechanic starts off with this recommendation, grab your car keys and leave immediately. Newer cars don\u2019t need this service unless you drive a ridiculous amount of miles annually.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A cheap brake job usually means the use of cheap parts and pads. Request the mechanic use OEM (original equipment) parts or equivalent. They may cost a few bucks more, but they\u2019ll also last longer and keep you safer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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