If your car is recently out of warranty, or if you're new to an are, you will find yourself in a situation requiring the services of a mechanic. Of course, you should start by asking friends and family for referrals, and using sites such as Mechanic Advisor to find the mechanic that's right for you. But it's also important to find out as much information as possible before trusting someone to work on your car. Many unpleasant (and expensive) situations can be avoided by asking the following questions up front:
1) Do you have any certifications?- Ask the mechanic what kind of certifications they carry, and whether or not they are ASE certified. While it's not necessarily a deal-breaker if the're not, such certification is valuable because it means that the mechanic has passed uniform testing requirements, and takes their work and position seriously. ASE is the benchmark of the automotive repair industry.
2) What is your hourly labor rate? - Finding out the shop's labor rates is absolutely imperative before handing your keys over. While the rates themselves don't necessarily mean much without knowing how long a job will take, the rate will give you a general idea of shop pricing, as most mechanics will explain how they calculate their pricing after being asked this question.
3) What type of parts do you use? - Always ask what kind of parts the mechanic plans on using in your car. Does the shop use parts directly from the vehicle manufacturer, or aftermarket parts that are cheaper? It's critically important to find out whether the mechanic will install used or new parts in your car, so make sure to ask, as used parts can raise additional questions about your repairs.
4) Do you warranty your work? - This question is absolutely critical to ask, as warranties can vary between different mechanics. Ask how long the warranty is good for, and find out if the parts as well as the labor are covered. If you bought your own parts and brought them to the mechanic, it's unlikely that they will cover them with a warranty, so make sure to keep that in mind.
5) Can you provide a written estimate on company letterhead? - Always get a written estimate for your work. The mechanic should be happy to provide one as it protects them just as much as it protects you. With an estimate, neither one of you can claim that the agreed on pricing was any different than the final price, and it serves as proof of agreed-upon work. If the mechanic has a problem providing an estimate on company letterhead, then you should take your business somewhere else.
MechanicAdvisor.com is one of the largest online mechanic resources in the US. We are the premier website for consumers to research and connect with reputable local mechanics for routine and specialty automotive repair. Our website features instructional videos, articles about maintaining your car, and detailed profiles of over 500,000 mechanics across the country. If you're a shop owner, please claim your shop page for free here 
