Put your mechanic in check.

Manage your visit to the car repair shop with these savvy strategies

Getting satisfaction on car repairs is one of the most challenging and, all too often, frustrating experiences a consumer can face. It can be difficult to find a place that does a proper oil change, properly diagnoses an intermittent problem or completely mends major crash damage. Let's look at solving two of the toughest problems: finding an honest and qualified professional and getting the best work possible for a fair price.

The best time to find a mechanic is before you need one. Ask friends, associates and neighbors--particularly those with similar vehicles--if they're satisfied with the professional they use. To further investigate a contractor or repair shop, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB), attorney general's office or local chamber of commerce to find out if there are any complaints against the business. After you've made your selection, check it out by taking your vehicle in for routine service--have your oil changed, for example. Then ask yourself the following questions: How does the shop rate in cleanliness? Does the service manager take the time to answer your questions in a way you understand? Does the technician listen to you when you explain the problem? Are you comfortable in the shop's environment? Can you establish a reasonable level of trust? Does the mechanic satisfactorily answer your questions about his qualifications? A good mechanic will explain them with pride. Here are some other suggestions:

Let your mechanic know you're looking for a long-term "relationship." Choose a shop that will work with you and become familiar with your vehicle. Remember, a good mechanic spots trouble before it becomes expensive and keeps you informed about your car's needs. That's far different from the unscrupulous mechanic who will try to get you to pay for unnecessary repairs.

Look for signs indicating membership in trade organizations. Those from the BBB, Automotive Service Association (ASA) and, for crash repair, Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) indicate repair shops that are probably professional, responsible businesses in the community. Most importantly, look for mechanics trained by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Such technicians actually pass tests in specific areas and requalify every five years. You will almost always see them proudly display their certificates and wear a shoulder patch on their uniforms.

Don't always go for the lowest price--consider quality, too. The best shop is the one that does quality work the first time and delivers on a promise. Talk to other customers who are waiting for their cars. Ask if they regularly visit the shop. Return customers are good signs.

Get a second opinion, particularly for expensive repairs. Once you get an itemized estimate from one shop, take your car to another shop. Without mentioning the first diagnosis, see if the second mechanic discovers the same problems and the same solutions. This allows you to compare costs and the amount of time it's going to take to get them done. Before allowing anyone to examine your car, ask if there is a fee to evaluate the car even if you don't commit to the work.

Ask the shop how it disposes of hazardous material. Every fluid in your car--antifreeze, oil, gasoline, etc.--is hazardous. Be aware of how the repair facility disposes of these materials. A shop that cuts corners when it comes to dangerous chemicals is also likely to cut corners in other areas.

If you own an unusual car, network with other car owners for information and resources. Owners or enthusiasts of off-road vehicles, high-performance sports cars or antiques often form car clubs. If there's an organization--from a formal club to an Internet news group--this can be an ideal way to share information. Club members love to discuss how and where to keep their cars running. Specialty shops are often owned by enthusiasts who may have extra insight into your particular model.

Consider using the shop recommended by your insurance company for collision damages. Collision repair can be a special case because an insurance company is typically involved. You may or may not be obligated to go to one of their "approved" shops. Even if you're not, it might be a good idea to take their recommendation, particularly if the contract guarantees the repair will be done properly. This covers you even if additional damage is discovered later--either during the repair or several months down the road.

Have newer cars evaluated with modern equipment. These days, sophisticated computerized equipment is often needed to diagnose various symptoms. Newer cars have more complex electronics than their older counterparts. With so many electrical problems (the most common complaint with new cars), well-equipped repair shops are starting to look more like laboratories than garages.

Keep track of the problem. Just like a doctor, your mechanic needs to know where it hurts. The best thing to do is write things down. If your car is making strange noises, describe them as accurately as possible. The most difficult trouble to diagnose is an intermittent problem. Take note when it occurs, such as whether the engine is cold or hot, if it happens when cornering or braking or if it begins to happen more frequently. The more information you have, the easier and faster the technician will find and fix the problem--even an expert mechanic is not a magician.

Give a clear description of what you want evaluated. All too often, the service manager is told: "Give it a tune-up and check it out." That statement could be interpreted many different ways. A thorough check-out would require dismantling and thousands of dollars in labor. Service managers realize that's not what you want, so they just make a quick visual inspection, unless a specific request is made. Instead of trying to tell the mechanic what the car needs, simply report any changes in the car's performance. Also, read the work order carefully before signing it and be available by phone to authorize any extra work the mechanic discovers later.

When you pick up your car, hate the technician explain and show you what was done. Get any guarantees in writing and make sure the receipt itemizes all charges. And once you've found a repair shop you like, spread the word. You want a good business to remain successful.