Regardless of the time of year, it’s important to stick to your car’s preventative maintenance schedule to ensure its components are in good working order. Failure to maintain your car can lead to breakdowns and accidents, as well as premature aging of your car and the need to replace it sooner.

Interview 101: Learn more about the routine maintenance of your truck

But deciding where to take your car for maintenance or repairs can be a challenge, especially when you’re surrounded by multiple chains and dealerships begging for your business. These five tips for choosing an auto repair shop can help you find someone you can trust.

1. Ask your friends to recommend you

The best way to find a trustworthy mechanic is to ask close friends and family for their recommendations. Your aunt or your best friend may know the perfect mechanic who will give you simple advice and fix your car quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, your friends may also warn you about bad mechanics they may have encountered in the past.

Reach out to your local friends directly or post on social media (your personal journal or in a local group) to ask for recommendations.

2. View reviews online

These days, hardly anyone buys an item – big or small – without first reading the reviews online. Why should choosing a mechanic be any different? Check Yelp, Google, Facebook, and DealerRater for reviews (good and bad) from real customers that will help you choose a quality mechanic from the start.

Once you have a repair shop in mind, check the Better Business Bureau website to see if there are any complaints against them. Many times the company will have fixed the problem. It’s important to see, because no company can have 100% satisfied customers, so it’s important to see how they handle disputes. You can also check review sites to see how the repair shop has responded to negative reviews in the past.

3. Start searching ahead

Rather than waiting to find a mechanic until you need one, start looking as soon as you buy your car or move to a new location. If you’re trying to make a decision when you’re under pressure — for example, when your alternator has failed — you’re more likely to rush your decision and end up going somewhere untrustworthy.

Also keep in mind that you should regularly take your car to a mechanic for things like oil changes and tire rotations to help prevent future problems, so it’s important to have a plan for where. you will take your car to get them. benefits completed.

4. Visit the repair shop

Look for technician diplomas or training certificates from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on display in the waiting area. Additionally, labor rates, payment information, warranties and charges should be displayed at the front office. Also look for plaques or certificates naming awards, community projects, or BBB affiliation as a mark of an honest repair shop.

5. start small

When you’ve chosen a repair shop that you think has a good reputation, bring your car in for something minor, like an oil change or tire rotation. If you’re happy with the price, quality, and speed of service, you should be more confident if and when you need to bring your car in for a more serious repair.

Safety first: Here are the best safety systems for teen drivers

Catherine Hiles (her) is a Brit who lives and works in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written on a variety of topics, including finance, cars, and parenting. She frequently contributes to Dayton Moms Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine.

Cat lives with her husband, their two children and their energetic mix of pit bulls. She counts running, lifting weights, walking and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.