Brake Repair: How to Find a Mechanic
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by: lucyjones
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Your brakes are the most important piece of safety equipment on your car, so it is important to get brake repair done quickly and correctly. If you do not have a regular mechanic, then finding a good mechanic to do your repairs can be daunting. Here is how to turn finding a good mechanic to do your brake repair into less of a hit or miss proposition.
Your first option is to choose a national chain, like Midas or Meineke, that does brake repair. Major chains generally have good mechanics on staff, so although you may not get the very best service the area has to offer, choosing a chain is a way to avoid the worst service. Because they have branches everywhere, you are likely to be within a short drive or tow of a shop in the chain if you need additional repairs, and the chains warranty covers followup repairs done at any branch in the country. Also, because national chains mechanic shops are usually large and efficient, you will probably be seen quickly and your repairs will be done in less time than it might take a smaller shop. The tradeoff for convenience and speed is higher prices.
Your second option is to find a local independent mechanic. Independent shops may take a little longer to do your repairs because they may need to order more parts and may have fewer mechanics available to do the work. They also have more variable quality than a national chain: You could find someone brilliant, or you could find a shyster. However, doing a little research beforehand will make it possible for you to find one of the very best.
How do you locate one of the best mechanics? Unfortunately, theres no one way, no central clearinghouse for information on mechanics shops. Find friends, family, and coworkers who needed the same kind of brake repair, and get recommendations from them. Look for complaints about the shop online and at the Better Business Bureau. Check whether the shop has been accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and whether the mechanics are National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. And go with your gut: Is it easy to reach someone who works at the shop, or does the phone ring endlessly? When you speak with a mechanic, does he or she sound sincere, or do you feel you are being told what you want to hear? If you are not knowledgeable about cars, is the mechanic condescending or respectful?
Get information from as many sources as you can before you pick a shop to do your brake repair. Whether you take your car to an independent shop or to a chain, your life and the lives of everyone around you depends upon the mechanic you pick to repair your brakes. More info Radiator service - Timing belt repair - Precision tune coupons -
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