5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mechanic

We’ve all been there: your car makes a noise, a light comes on, and something stops working properly. The task of attaining an honest, quality, timely repair can be daunting. When you start looking for a mechanic or an automotive repair shop (known as an “automotive repair dealer”), you should be equipped with all the necessary information to make an informed choice and ensure you are receiving quality service for your vehicle. The following questions can better prepare you in selecting the mechanic or auto repair shop that best suits your needs and the needs of your vehicle.

1. Are you licensed to perform automotive maintenance and repair services?

In the state of California, all automotive repair dealers must be licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). BAR is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and provides regulation of the automotive repair industry. The requirements for licensure vary by state, so be sure to check local regulations when outside CA. The BAR website has provides an Auto Shop Locator that allows consumers to search by address, city, or zip code, to assist with finding a licensed repair shop.

2. Do you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform maintenance or service on a specific make or model?

When selecting an automotive repair dealer, always confirm the ability of the shop or mechanic to accommodate the make and model of your vehicle. Without the right knowledge or equipment, the repair shop will be unable to properly perform the service on your vehicle. Failure to perform proper maintenance or repairs has the potential to be dangerous.

3. What is the cost of labor?

Prices for labor vary across the industry, and can even vary within a state or across towns and cities. According to AAA, as of January 17, 2017, the cost for labor in automotive repair shops ranged from $47 per hour to $215 per hour on average. By asking about the labor rate before scheduling an appointment, you can quickly estimate your cost by multiplying that number by the “book rate” amount of time required for a given service or repair. The “book rate” is the average amount of time allotted for service and repairs, which are generated and compiled by industry professionals into a manual, such as the Labor Guide provided by Chilton.

4. Can you guarantee your work?

With a guarantee or warranty of the service or repair provided, you have reassurance in the event of a repair failure or other new damage caused by the automotive repair dealer. Quality automotive repair dealers should be able to guarantee their work, and should provide this to you in writing. If they do not provide a guarantee or warranty of their own work, or do not provide you with a written copy of their existing guarantee, consumers should feel empowered to ask, “Why?” and promote transparency within the automotive repair industry.

5. When is payment due?

Knowing when you are required to pay the amount due is very helpful, particularly with something that can be costly, such as automotive repair. Typically, mechanics and auto repair shops will collect payment after services have been rendered and the service or repair is complete. Some shops carry inventory, such as oil and oil filters, and may not require payment for these parts up front. However, most shops do not carry all parts necessary to service or repair multiple makes and models of vehicles, and certain services or repairs may require the parts to be ordered through a third-party vendor. In this circumstance, payment of the parts order before the order is placed is the industry standard.

Located in Westwood, CA, Mike’s Auto Repair was founded to provide transparent, quality automotive services and repairs to consumers in Northern California and North-Eastern Nevada. Mike’s Auto Repair is committed to trust, quality, value, and camaraderie.

A1. Mike’s Auto Repair is licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Mike’s Auto Repair has been licensed by BAR since 2021 as an Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) and maintains ARD #299609.

A2. Mike’s Auto Repair has extensive experience with various types of vehicles.

Mike Miller, owner and lead technician, has nearly 20 years of experience in the service and repair of multiple makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. Mike has the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver quality, timely repairs to all of the most common foreign and domestic vehicles.

A3. The labor rate at Mike’s Auto Repair is $100 per hour.

This price was determined by analyzing industry trends and has been set to cover shop expenses and other overhead.

A4. Yes!

Mike’s Auto Repair is proud to provide a Signature Quality Guarantee on all service and repairs performed in our shop. Should the service or repair fail for any reason directly related to the services performed by Mike’s Auto Repair, we will re-complete or repair the mistake at no additional charge.

A5. Parts that must be ordered are required to be paid in advance.

At the time of publishing, Mike’s Auto Repair does not maintain parts inventory. In order to purchase the necessary parts, the customer is required to pay for the parts prior to the purchase of the parts from our supplier. Mike’s Auto Repair is currently partnered with O’Reilly Auto Parts. All other payments may be made after services have been rendered and the service or repair is complete.