How to find a good, reliable auto mechanic

What things should you look for when choosing a mechanic?

All good mechanics should:

• Have the requisite skills (certification)
• Have the required (and up-to-date) training and qualifications to diagnose the trickiest issues
• Have a compliant and safe shop and all the latest tools and equipment needed for the job
• Offer a beneficial warranty on their work and be willing to honour it. By law, any repair over $50 made in a garage must be guaranteed for three months or 5,000 km for parts and labour. However, CAA-Quebec members also benefit from warranties that go beyond the legal minimum on parts purchased and installed at Approved Auto Repair Service Locations.
• Post their prices. Local garages are generally less expensive than the dealership. But they’re all required to display their hourly rates where customers can see them. They also have to give you a free written quote on any repairs over $100, so make sure you understand exactly what repairs they’ll be doing. If none of it makes any sense, it might be time to find a new mechanic.
• Provide impeccable customer service (it’s easy to check them out on the OPC (Office de la protection du consommateur) website.
• Dispose of all polluting and hazardous materials in an environmentally friendly way.

Do you have to go to the dealership if your car is under warranty?

For regular maintenance (oil changes and other routine inspections recommended by the manufacturer—see your owner’s manual for details), you can go anywhere you want. Just hold onto your receipts. However, only dealerships can honour your vehicle’s warranty and do covered repairs free of charge.

CAA-Quebec’s network of Approved Auto Repair Service Locations includes independent local garages, as well as dealerships, body shops, and specialists that must all meet stringent evaluation standards. CAA-Quebec members also get CAA Dollars back as well as access to a dispute resolution service in the event of a dispute with an Approved Auto Repair Service Location.

When should I turn to a specialized shop?

While many jobs are no problem for general mechanics, for some issues, like muffler problems, you’re better off going with a specialist. Specialists will also have good contacts with replacement part manufacturers or be able make the parts you need themselves. It’s their bread and butter! Other garages specialize in tires, transmissions, windshields, cooling or air conditioning system, and so on.

What does an auto repair shop technical advisor do?

Technical advisors are very important experts who act as a go-between between you and the mechanic. They’re the ones you’ll talk to about your car troubles or any warning lights that have lit up on your dashboard. They will also clearly explain what’s wrong with your vehicle and the repairs it needs. In short, they need to have a solid understanding of auto mechanics and how to explain things in plain language.

Maintaining a good relationship with your mechanic

When it comes to mechanics, trust is essential. Nobody likes feeling taken advantage of. But you have to be able to tell the difference between solid expert advice and pushy sales tactics. A good repair shop will follow your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. They’ll be able to make recommendations and explain the associated risks if you opt not to go through with the repairs (additional breakdowns, safety risks for the driver or passengers, etc.). They can also help you decide which repairs are most pressing if you need to spread them out to avoid breaking the bank.

Of course, having a good basic knowledge of your vehicle (and of the repairs and maintenance you’ve had done) is still the best way to avoid problems and unnecessary spending.

Looking for a good mechanic?

CAA-Quebec’s Automotive Advisory Services can help you out. You can also do your own research from our network of CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Service Locations.