CROMWELL — Consumers have a love/hate relationship with their vehicles. When they work, we love them, and when they break down or need maintenance, it can be a big headache if you don’t have a competent and trustworthy mechanic.
The Better Business Bureau received more than 10,000 complaints against auto service and repair companies nationwide in 2014. Many consumers find a mechanic through word of mouth. Unfortunately, a recommendation alone does not provide vital information about the mechanic’s certification and work ethics.
A good place to begin your search is through the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), which has partnered with Better Business Bureau to streamline the process of finding a good mechanic.
BBB offers a checklist for vehicle owners who need immediate work on their car or truck, or detect signs of imminent breakdown:
Start with trust – Find a mechanic or body shop that is BBB-accredited and checks out online at bbb.org. Read consumer complaints and reviews, ask friends for recommendations and scope the out business first by ensuring it’s clean and orderly and that the staff is polite.
Know your vehicle – Any unusual noises, smells or alert indicators can spell trouble. Refer to the owner’s manual for immediate problems. It may be a good idea to find a mechanic first, before the vehicle starts acting up.
Request an estimate – Have the mechanic spell out exactly what the repairs will entail and how much they will cost. Ask to be notified in advance for permission if any additional work needs to be done on the vehicle. Understand labor rates, guarantees and shop policies before agreeing to the repairs.
Get everything in writing – Ask for a written explanation of all work completed and be sure to include any guarantees. The repair bill should be itemized and list any new parts that have been installed. You also are entitled to see any parts that were replaced.
Contact BBB AUTO LINE – If the mechanic’s repairs didn’t seem to do the trick, check out BBB Auto Line in case there is a motor vehicle warranty issue. BBB Auto Line is a dispute resolution program that helps consumers resolve their complaint without the help of a lawyer.
