As a car owner, you must rely on the services of a skilled mechanic to ensure the best care for your vehicle. For tips on how to find a mechanic whom you can trust, keep reading this post by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake.

All car owners need a mechanic they can trust to take good care of their vehicles. Yet, finding a reputable pro is more complicated than you think. On the one hand, you need to look for someone who can offer you reasonable prices. At the same time, you'll want to find a skilled expert who can give you peace of mind whenever your car needs a routine checkup or an emergency repair. So, this post has listed some tips you may find handy to find a mechanic you can trust. Read on to find out more.

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How to Find a Mechanic

Ask Your Family and Friends

Asking for recommendations is the best starting point for finding the right mechanic. Thus, ask your family and friends about their experiences with different repair shops. Be sure to ask for as many details as possible whenever a person recommends a mechanic's shop. For instance, let's say your best friend talks to you about the repair shop they go to every year. In that case, the best thing to do would be to ask them about their mechanic's average price range for routine services (such as an oil change). You could also ask them if the shop they recommend offers warranty policies on repairs. You might also inquire about the shop's cleanliness, customer service, and anything else that interests you. The more information you get, the easier it will be to detect which places fit your needs and budget.

Do an Online Search

Besides listening to your acquaintances' recommendations, search for strangers' opinions on the Internet. Sites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp can help verify a mechanic shop's trustworthiness. Just check the online ratings and reviews to get a clearer idea of each place's pros and cons. You can start with a simple "auto repair shops near me" query on Google to find the top-ranked sites around you. In most results, you can expect to see a few negative opinions among many good reviews. Yet, avoid focusing on isolated bad customer experiences. Instead, rule out the options with repeated complaints. That way, you'll be able to narrow your search to the top-rated options by their customers.

Keeping up to date with your car oil changes ensures superior engine protection for maximum performance. Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 and ask about the most effective synthetic oil change in Ham Lake. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to explore the full line of top-shelf products for your car's routine maintenance.

Look for a Certified Pro

You can also look for mechanics certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). As you may imagine, obtaining such a certificate is not easy. Applicants must prove their knowledge by passing a test with up to 70 questions. They must also get two years of work experience or, if applicable, a degree in automotive repair. In short, such certification validates professionals with advanced preparation, knowledge, and skills. That is why opting for a certified technician is the most reasonable thing you can do to get the best quality service for your car.

Ask For and Compare Quotes

Your budget is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a mechanic. It's no secret that some shops often overcharge for basic routine services. To avoid such places, call the repair shops at the top of your list and ask them for an estimate. Ideally, you should ask for a quote for the same type of service, let's say, an oil change. Once you receive the estimates, be sure to review them carefully so you can understand each rate. If you have any confusion or doubts, contact the shop in question. Once you are clear on what each shop charges, stick with the ones that offer the most reasonable prices.

Finally, Follow Your Gut

Ultimately, choose the mechanic with whom you feel most comfortable. Listening to your intuition is vital, especially if, by the end, you have to choose between two or three excellent professionals. To that end, ask yourself the following:

• Which professional is better at explaining details about your vehicle?
• Which mechanic is more willing to help you and answer your questions?
• Which shop is the cleanest and neatest?
• Which site did you find the most reliable?

We hope this post's tips will make it easier for you to find a mechanic. For more information on engine care, call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 and talk to their oil pros about the best oil formulas and products for your car. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake.