When it comes to choosing the right auto mechanic, many people aren’t sure quite where to start.

You’ll want to be sure your mechanic is knowledgeable and experienced, and will take the time to do the job, whatever job that may be, the right way, while still giving you a fair price. Here are our top 10 pieces of advice to help you make the right decision in choosing a mechanic.

1. Check Reviews

The internet is your first line of defense against an unjust auto repair mechanic. With today’s socially focused atmosphere, most people are quick to post a review when something isn’t right. Check review sites, blogs, and other social media outlets to get an idea of what other people think of a particular mechanic in your area. Keep in mind that a single bad review doesn’t necessarily equal a bad mechanic, but if many people have similar complaints about a particular practice, it might be in your best interests to avoid this establishment.

2. Ask A Friend

Friends, family, neighbors, and even co-workers can be a reliable source of information when searching for a good auto mechanic. Almost everyone has a vehicle, and that means they will need to have it serviced somewhere. If you find that several people in your area are taking their vehicles to the same place regularly, that’s a sign they might be doing something right.

3. Request Certifications

Many good mechanics will be ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, and will have a certification to indicate their proficiency in certain areas. This can be an indicator of a mechanic’s desire to learn new things, as well. Don’t let the lack of a certification dissuade you if all the other signs check out, though. Some mechanics simply choose not to take the exams.

4. Drive By The Business

If you can make the time, drive by the business a few times to get an idea of how active the shop is, and the type of vehicles being frequently serviced. Owners of commercial vehicles such as busses and taxis are usually well informed and won’t frequent an auto repair shop that isn’t providing good service at a fair price.

5. Ask About Affiliations

Some affiliations such as AAA will certify local repair shops after examining their credentials and business policies. AAA members who bring their automobile to an approved location will benefit from repair guarantees, discounts, free inspections and vehicle triage when towed to the facility.

6. Show And Tell

If a customer requests to be shown the problem a trustworthy mechanic will always be willing to demonstrate the issue they found and discuss why it should be repaired and all options you may have at the time regarding the problem, no matter how simple or complex the issue at hand is. If you feel like your mechanic is resistant, or too busy to take the time to show you the problem, that might be a sign this isn’t the right place for you.

7. Trust Your Instincts

If at any time you feel your questions aren’t being answered, your estimate or invoice in unclear, the shop seems disorganized or inefficient, or something else just doesn’t sit well, there is no harm in trying your luck somewhere else. You should never feel you have been taken advantage of or talked down to when questioning a repair’s process or necessity. A good automotive repair mechanic will always want a happy customer – that means a customer who feels he has been well informed and fairly treated.