DIY Network

Auto Primer Basic: Finding a Good Mechanic From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-102

The quality of information you get when speaking with a shop's head mechanic should be a good indicator of the quality of work the shop does.

In this episode of DIY's Auto Primer, host Leilani Munter covers what you should do when your car's check-engine light comes on.

Some factors that can cause this situation are easily diagnosed and are easy fixes that you can do yourself. (For example, a loose gas cap or loose oil-dipstick can trigger the check-engine light.) Others are far more complicated and will require that you take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

In this final segment of episode 102, Leilani offers tips for finding a good mechanic and communicating effectively with him.

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• Finding a good mechanic doesn't always happen automatically. You'd be wise to "shop around" before trusting your car to a repair person you whom don't know. Good word-of-mouth is often an indicator of a reliable and trustworthy mechanic. Asking friends about their car-repair experiences can yield valuable information. Shopping around by phone, with specific questions, is also a good idea. You may want to contact the Better Business Bureau, or a local consumer protection agency, for professional recommendations.

• There is no substitute for visiting a garage yourself and speaking directly with the mechanic. Ask to speak to the head mechanic, and ask these simple questions:
  • Are you affiliated with the Automotive Service Association? The ASA only affiliates itself with garages which have a consistent record of excellent service.
    

    Figure A

  • Do you have an Automotive Service Excellence certificate? ASE workers do onsite evaluations at vehicle-repair establishments across the country, and only grant certificates (figure A) to those that meet specific ASE standards.

• Once you find a good mechanic, good communication with him will help assure proper diagnosis of your car's problem. Call and make an appointment to have your car inspected.

• When you speak with the mechanic, describe the symptoms but not what you suspect the problem may be. Suggesting specific problems areas may result in unnecessary work being done.

• Provide the mechanic with copies of your maintenance records, written details and a contact phone-number.

• Remove personal items of value before leaving your car, and leave only the keys that the mechanic will need to do the work.
  

  Figure B

• It's a good idea to keep a written log describing any symptoms that your car exhibits (figure B). Make notes of any problems when the car is started and when it idles. Drive the car uphill, fast, slow and through all gears and make notes of symptoms that occur during any of these. Provide your notes and comments to the mechanic.
  

  Note: These articles contain a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with your vehicle's owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

Consumer-grade diagnostic scan tool $100 - 250
(Professional versions may cost as much as $1500.)
Mass airflow sensor $200 - 900
Oxygen sensor $100 - 600
Professional diagnostic scan $75
(With some cars, an OBD II scan tool is required to turn off the check-engine light. Some dealerships may offer this service free of charge, so call around.)

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
To order this title from Amazon, click here.

What's Wrong With My Car?: A Quick and Easy Guide to Most Common Symptoms of Car Trouble
Author: Bob Cerullo
ISBN: 0452269938
Publisher: Plume (1993)
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.