By BRANDON MULL
brandon@newsroom.byu.edu
Finding a reliable mechanic can be traumatic for anybody, especially college students far from home. But by following certain principles, customers can increase their chances of finding mechanics they can trust.
'I just don't want to be overcharged, or have the mechanic make the problem worse,' said Eric Fors, 18, a freshman from La Canada, Calif., majoring in business management.
One good way to select a mechanic is to ask people who have lived in the area for awhile.
'Some shops shark the kids in the area. They aren't worried about establishing long-term relationships with college students who are only in town for three or four years,' said Gary Moore, owner of International Auto Repair in American Fork.
Moore, an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified master technician, said he relies on recommendations from his customers for most of his business.
Customers should try to build a relationship with their mechanic as they would with the family doctor. When mutual trust is established, the mechanic will more readily do the little extra things to help out, Moore said.
'Find someone you're comfortable with and marry the guy,' he said.
When trying a new mechanic, pay attention to how they maintain their work environment. A neat, clean workplace can help indicate how your vehicle will be treated, Moore said.
Look at their ASE ratings. Check if the shop has a certified master technician.
Investigate if the mechanic has factory training. Find out what experience the mechanic has with your make and model. Somebody with specialized skills with your particular automobile is always preferable, Moore said.
Ask what type of data system they are working with. If they are working out of manuals instead of from a CD or online database, they are behind the times.
'CD and online databases carry more current information,' Moore said.
Make sure they give written estimates before they start work beyond diagnostics.
'Be wary if you go to some big franchise for a quick service and end up with a laundry list of things that need repair. If that happens, get a second opinion,' Moore said.
Customers should pay attention to how they are treated. Mechanics should be willing to explain the work being done. They should give customers the old parts when the work is done, Moore said.
Consumers tend to get ripped off in a couple specific areas, said Bob Brimhall, owner of Brimhall Automotive Marine in Orem.
'Be careful with automatic transmission work and front end alignment jobs. Some mechanics are taught to sell unnecessary parts,' he said.
If you feel unsure about any job, it never hurts to get a second opinion, Brimhall said.
And if you're female, it's a good idea to take a man with you, said Amy Hackett, 20, a junior from Salt Lake City majoring in elementary education.
'Mechanics assume guys know about cars, so they won't try so hard to take advantage of them,' she said.