Brake Repair: Choosing a Mechanic
Posted 11/13/09
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 have just moved to the area and you do not have a regular mechanic yet, then finding a good mechanic can be hard and stressful. Here are a few tips for locating a mechanic who specializes in brake repair.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 chains space their branches to cover the area, you are likely to be within a short drive or tow of a branch if you need more repairs, and the warranty on any repairs the chain does will allow you to get free followup repairs 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 is higher prices.
The second option is to find an independent shop in your area. Independent mechanics shops may have a longer wait time and may take slightly longer to finish the repairs on your car due to waits for ordered parts. 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, there's 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. Find out whether anyone has complained about the shop online or filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Find out whether the shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and whether the mechanics are all certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 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 inexperienced at car repair, is the mechanic respectful or condescending?
Get as many data points as you can before you choose a mechanic to do your brake repair. Whether you go with a chain or an independent, your life and the safety of those around you depends on the shop you choose to fix your brakes.
See these also
Car repair - Car repair -