Brake Repair: Choosing a Mechanic
Your life depends on your brakes. Getting brake repair done at a good mechanics shop is essential. If you do not have a regular mechanic, then finding a good mechanic to do your repairs can be daunting. Here is how to turn finding a good mechanic to do your brake repair into less of a hit or miss proposition.
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 they have branches everywhere, you are likely to be within a short drive or tow of a shop in the chain if you need additional repairs, and the chain’s warranty covers followup repairs done at any branch in the country. Also, because major chains usually have large, well stocked shops with plenty of mechanics, you may get your car back in less time than it would have taken 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. 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 find a truly good mechanic? Unfortunately, there’s no one way, no central clearinghouse for information on mechanics’ shops. 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: When you call the shop, can you reach someone, or do they let the phone ring? Does the mechanic you speak with sound sincere, or does he or she sound shady or overconfident? If you are not knowledgeable about cars, is the mechanic condescending or respectful?
Get as many data points as you can before you choose a mechanic 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.