A Guide to Finding a Mechanic Who Does Brake Repair
Posted 07/24/09
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.The first option is to go to a major chain that offers brake repair, like Meineke or Midas. 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 for convenience and speed is higher prices.
Your second option is to find a local independent mechanic. 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. Independent mechanics' quality is also more variable than that of the chains: The very best mechanics go to work for themselves, and so do the average mechanics and the very worst. 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? The world needs a central clearinghouse on mechanics, but unfortunately, that day has not yet come. You will need to gather the information on your own. Get recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers, especially from people who have had the same kind of brake repair done. Find out whether anyone has complained about the shop online or filed a complaint with 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. Trust your instincts: 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.