Finding a mechanic before you need one

It's easier to find a good repair shop while the car runs fine, when you have time to compare. Start by asking friends, family and neighbors where they take their cars. Then call a few of those shops and ask the questions below.

What to ask a shop

• Its repair warranty. There's no standard warranty on repairs, so shops differ. Ask what's covered and for how long, and get it in writing.
• How it charges labor. Some shops charge a flat rate, based on a published estimate of how long each repair takes. Others charge for the hours the technician actually works.
• The diagnostic charge. Many shops charge for the time it takes to find the problem. Ask whether you still pay it if you have the repair done somewhere else.
• Your car's warranty. If the car is still under warranty, ask whether the shop can do covered work.

Certifications and licenses

Look for shops that display certifications, such as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal. It means some or all of the technicians have passed tests of basic knowledge and skill. Check that the certifications are current. A certification alone doesn't guarantee good or honest work.

If your state or city requires repair shops to be licensed or registered, ask to see the current license.

Trying a shop out

A routine job such as an oil change is a low-risk first visit. Notice how clearly the shop explains what it found, and what it puts in writing.

The paperwork from a good visit

Before any work, ask for a written estimate. It names the problem to be fixed, the parts needed and the expected labor charge. Afterward, ask for a repair order that lists each repair, the parts and their cost, the labor charges and the odometer reading. How to read a car repair estimate goes through the estimate line by line.

An annotated example

What to do next

Ask a few people you trust where they take their cars. Call two or three of those shops and ask about the repair warranty, the labor rate and the diagnostic charge. Write the answers in the car's records, with each shop's name and number.