Finding A Redmond Mechanic

Finding A Good Mechanic in Redmond WA

I decided to publish this post because of an experience my sister had looking for a mechanic in Redmond, Washington. We have all heard the horror stories of how mechanics have taken advantage of women over the years, and honestly, I think there are plenty of instances where men have been taken advantage of just as bad. After searching for a qualified mechanic to repair her car, she ended up using a company in Redmond called KD Automotive (https://www.kd-automotive.com/). KD is located off of Willows Road in the industrial area not far from the Redmond City Hall. She wound up there from a referral which is always nice. After talking to the manager she decided it seemed like a good place to do business and proceeded to have her car fixed at a very affordable price that came in far below what the other quotes were. Finding a mechanic can be difficult regardless which state you live in, so here are some helpful pointers to get your vehicle back up and running with the best mechanic in your area.

How To Find A Good Mechanic

auto repair mechanic Most Americans rely heavily on their vehicles for every day transportation. Whether it’s driving to work, carting the kids around or hauling the family on a well-deserved vacation, your vehicle is a workhorse. Since you use it so often, it makes sense to take care of its maintenance, much like anything else of value. To best care for your car, truck or van, you should enlist the services of a reputable mechanic.

Having a personal mechanic, or one that you truly trust, can be a godsend for your vehicles. A knowledgeable professional in any field is that knows you and your situation can only be an asset. If you are considering buying a used car, for example, having someone who knows which defects to look for can help you steer away from a lemon. Also, he or she can give you advice on how to keep your vehicle in top shape, and relay any telltale signs of problematic issues. When you take your car to the same mechanic, they get to know your car intimately, as opposed to going from mechanic to mechanic. A personal mechanic is more likely to give you a deal on services or parts whenever possible, too, knowing that you will be returning for additional services in the future.

So how do you find a reputable vehicle serviceperson, one that is skilled, experienced and affordable? It starts with research. Ask your family and friends for recommendations; they may know someone who can keep your car in shape that they trust. Online reviews can be helpful, too, to a certain degree. If a mechanic has a reputation for over-charging clients, you will see a series of comments online to reflect that concern. You will also see testimonials from clients who swear by their mechanic’s skills; this information should give you a good place to start with your search. Once you have determined which mechanics are close to you that have a good reputation, it is time to see who will be the best choice for you.

Interviewing Your Mechanic

When you interview a mechanic or take your car in for a service test, make sure the mechanic is ASA or ASE certified. These organizations require a code of ethics for their members. See if the shop is AAA certified, or has a good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Ask probing questions of your potential mechanic; it’s imperative that the mechanic knows how to handle a variety of situations and a variety of vehicles. If you are strictly a Chevrolet family, you will want to find someone who either specializes in the brand or can fix just about anything. For families that own a few different types of vehicles, it’s important to find someone skilled in many different models and makes. Makes sure that the mechanic can explain any problems in layman’s terms. It does you little good to have a doctor explain what ails you in medical jargon; the same is true with your car. You will also want to make sure that any recommendations the mechanic makes can be backed up with valid reasons for the repair.

You can always “test” the mechanic by bringing in your car for a particular service and then determine the labor cost, labor time, and parts costs. Get an estimate for the repairs in writing before he or she starts on your car. Investigate online the cost of repairs at other shops; keep in mind that specific dealership repair shops charge more since they specialize in a particular brand of car. You will also want to ensure that the mechanic has the proper tools to work on your car. Certain brands, like Mercedes, require different care than American made cars; and the mechanic should not only have the expertise to work on this type of vehicle, but the equipment to properly ensure it is fixed correctly.

hire a certified mechanic There are other attributes that a good mechanic should possess, like excellent communication skills. Not only should he or she be able to explain what is wrong with your car so that you can easily understand, but there must be an ease in the conversation. You may find a mechanic who is great with his or her hands but cannot convey to you what’s going on with your car, it may not benefit you in the long run, especially if you are looking for a long-term relationship. Assess how you are treated by the repair shop; did you feel rushed and as if your questions were not answered? If a change in the repair needed to be made, did the mechanic call you for authorization first? Were you satisfied with the repairs? Service is an important part of the entire process.

Your mechanic of choice should also know how to effectively problem solve. Sometimes, he or she will need to think outside the box to fix your vehicle. While you don’t want your car to be slapped together, you do want a mechanic who can conceivably repair a problem with more than one solution.

Consider, too, how you drive your vehicle. Are you “hard” on your cars? Do you go off-roading in your Camry? Do you own a vintage car that requires special care? If you own a brand new vehicle, you will need to find someone who knows the innovative computerized engines found in newer models. The kind of mechanic you need will be contingent upon the specialized needs of your vehicle. This is another reason finding a mechanic who can communicate with you is an important factor in keeping your car running its best.

Sometimes, you may decide that convenience trumps cost. If you find two equally qualified mechanics and one happens to be closer to you than the other, that may be the deciding factor. Or, maybe you find an experienced mechanic who checks all the boxes but another one who is willing to take your vehicle on off-hours, or even do a “house calls”; these are factors that may help you choose your vehicle’s long-term caretaker.

Your car is your baby; in order to keep it running smoothly, you need to find the right person to care for it so choose wisely!

.

Comments are Disabled