If you rely on a car to get to work, run errands, and get around in general, your vehicle is one of the most important parts of your life. That’s why when it comes to hiring a mechanic, you want someone experienced and knowledgeable for the best possible results. In this article, United Car Care reviews how to find a mechanic who’s reliable and trustworthy to avoid being ripped off.

Since most people don’t know much about cars, many repair shops routinely take advantage of their naivety. They can make a simple—or even nonexistent—problem seem like a significant issue that can result in the driver paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for no reason. This problem is especially common with younger drivers and women, which makes finding a trustworthy mechanic all the more critical.

The ideal car mechanic has the experience and knowledge to fix your car correctly but also has the integrity to provide honest advice on the diagnostics and estimates. While they can be hard to come by, here are some helpful tips for finding one.

Ask Around for Recommendations
One of the easiest and most dependable ways to find a good car mechanic is by asking others for recommendations. Their experiences can help narrow down your options by sorting out the good from the rest.

Ask if they would return to them and would recommend someone else to go to them. Referrals from your friends and family members are a good sign that they offer quality, reasonably priced services, and honesty.

Research Your Options
Once you’ve picked out a few potential places to go to, look them up online and check their reviews. Keep an eye out for well-rated shops and avoid those that have numerous poor marks.

Go to a Local Establishment
Choosing a local repair shop over one that has numerous locations all over the state or country not only means you’re supporting your local economy, but it means that they are more likely to treat you fairly.

Because they are a local shop, the owner probably grew up nearby, has invested his life into serving the community, and more likely cares about your business, which is why they are less likely to rip you off. 

Get an Estimate
If you’re still not sure about where to bring your car for repairs, ask a few shops for an estimate. They may need to look at your vehicle for an hour or more, but they should be able to give you a straightforward answer. Steer clear of any mechanics that don’t want to provide you with a precise estimate and/or doesn’t want to explain certain charges.

Educate Yourself
Lastly, don’t forget to educate yourself about your car. Shady car mechanics like to pick on those who don’t know anything about their vehicle. Knowing more can protect you from them.
You don’t have to be an expert; start by reading your car’s owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the parts. For more specific details about certain issues, check out an online forum where owners post solutions to their car’s problems.

About United Car Care:
United Car Care vehicle service contracts offer reliable protection at an affordable cost, which is exactly what consumers want when looking for mechanical protection for their vehicles. Our product is backed by an A-rated insurer, thus providing our contract holders with the utmost security.

United Car Care has earned an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, which speaks to the way we do business—with integrity. We are proud of the fact that we have had over a million satisfied customers as well as many long-time relationships with our dealers and agents. These relationships are a true testimonial to United Car Care’s core values: quality, dependability, and customer service.