Owning a vehicle is an investment, and to protect that investment a good vehicle owner knows that proper maintenance and repairs will help extend the life of their car, truck, or SUV. For this reason, finding a good mechanic is as essential as having a trusted family doctor: a good mechanic is someone that you can trust with the health of your vehicle. Let’s face it, most of us can tell when something needs to be fixed on our car, but to get the best protection and peace of mind, a highly skilled mechanic is the best bet when it comes to repairs. When choosing a mechanic, a little research can go a long way.

First off, know the options in your area. Whether it is a chain or an established community staple, finding a good local mechanic is as quick these days as an internet search. If you choose a mechanic that is close to work, home, or school, make sure it is the best place to stop in for either a quick oil change, or a longer repair. Most establishments have a wealth of information online such as locations, business hours, company history, customer reviews, and often ways to get direct quotes on services. A good tip is that many local tire and automotive repair shops offer seasonal discounts or rates on many of the basic services most vehicles need, as well as the same rebates on goods that many top-retailers offer but at a much lower price. So, shopping around online is customer savvy way of researching price ranges and options for vehicle specific needs.

A good mechanic will be interested in providing the best service with your safety in mind, not the bottom line. Communication is key- understanding the underlying issue and honestly assessing the problem will help you make repair decisions based on your needs and budget. An honest mechanic will assess your vehicle and provide options that will help keep your vehicle on the road and at its peak performance. Having a mechanic that explains their work, what they did and what they need to do, will help you make informed decisions, and may even save you time and money over future costly repairs. Also, a good mechanic will listen to your concerns and work with you to provide only the services you need, so you don’t pay for repairs that aren’t warranted, and will help prevent being over charged.

Many automotive repair shops will make sure their employees are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, or may fall under other top certification standards. Check with your preferred automotive center online or by phone to determine their mechanics requirements.

Last but not least a good mechanic will not only be friendly, but will be proactive. Whether you are stopping in for an oil change, a brake check, or to get new tires installed, a reputable mechanic will do a thorough visual check to see if all is functioning well under the hood. Make sure to ask what your mechanic includes in basic services. Do they check the rotors when rotating tires? Are they looking for leaky hoses when they change the oil? Is there anything else they could recommend to you based on the age and use of the vehicle?

With the partnership of a good mechanic, your vehicle will stay on the road longer, perform better, and keep you and your loved ones safe throughout all seasons and driving conditions. Finding someone who is friendly, trustworthy, honest, and dependable can help you make the right decisions for your needs.

Rick Benson is an Auto Repair Mechanic, and auto industry blogger for http://ITDroll.com. The company provides Tires Kansas City, as well as St. Louis Tires at discount prices!

Rick Benson is an Auto Repair Mechanic, and auto industry blogger for http://ITDroll.com. The company provides Tires Kansas City, as well as St. Louis Tires at discount prices!

Author Bio: Rick Benson is an Auto Repair Mechanic, and auto industry blogger for http://ITDroll.com. The company provides Tires Kansas City, as well as St. Louis Tires at discount prices!

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, mechanic, auto repair shop, auto mechanic, discount tires, brake repair, oil change