While we at O’Reilly Auto Parts are proponents of DIY vehicle maintenance and repairs, we know that some tasks can be too big or too time-consuming to tackle alone. When it comes to finding the best mechanic for your vehicle’s service or repair needs, O’Reilly Auto Parts understands how important it is to choose the right shop to take care of your car. Finding a mechanic dedicated to getting the job done right and in a reasonable amount of time can be challenging. That’s why we have created this list of questions you should ask your mechanic to make sure your car is getting the best service for a fair price. Whether you’re in need of a routine maintenance task or a big repair, choosing a trustworthy professional technician is the best way to make sure your vehicle is taken care of and stays running at its best. If you are in need of suggestions, our Professional Parts People™ at O’Reilly Auto Parts are happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
To learn more about how to choose the right mechanic for your vehicle, take a look at these top questions to ask before selecting a shop.
Are Your Technicians ASE Certified?
When selecting an automotive shop to complete your vehicle repairs or service needs, it’s important to make sure your technician is ASE certified. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, and this certification ensures your mechanic has obtained and displayed a mastery of automotive repair. ASE certifications are only granted to professionals who have completed automotive service and repair training and passed a series of standardized tests demonstrating their knowledge of automotive systems. Finding an automotive shop with ASE-certified mechanics can provide peace of mind when leaving your vehicle in their hands for your necessary repairs or maintenance.
Have You Worked on My Vehicle’s Make and Model Before?
While most ASE-certified mechanics have knowledge of nearly all vehicle types, some automotive shops specialize in certain makes and models. If you can find a shop that specializes in your vehicle's make and model, your vehicle will be repaired by not only a certified mechanic, but also by an expert on your specific vehicle. Some specialty shops even hold make- and model-specific certifications, which can provide even more confidence in their ability to properly repair or maintain vehicles like yours. Even if your mechanic is certified to work on a variety of vehicles, make sure your make and model are among their professional certifications to ensure your service or repair needs will be met efficiently. It’s also important to remember that some mechanic shops specialize in certain vehicle repairs or systems, such as transmission and drivetrain repair, engine overhauling, and electrical system repair. When choosing a mechanic, it’s a good idea to make sure the mechanic you are taking your vehicle to is prepared and qualified to perform your specific repair.
What is Your Repair/Service Estimate Process?
The repair and service estimate process can vary depending on the mechanic you are working with. Before choosing a mechanic to complete your repair, it’s important to inquire about their estimate process. Some mechanics offer free estimates and, in some cases, vehicle diagnostic exams when you bring your vehicle in, while others may charge a price for the estimate, the diagnosis, or both. If the mechanic does charge an estimate fee, it’s a good idea to ask how the estimated price is determined – either by an hourly or flat rate – and what you can expect to be charged. To avoid any unwanted estimate or diagnostic costs, we recommend calling or visiting the shop prior to bringing your vehicle in if possible to check on their estimate process. This gives you a chance to find a shop that offers free estimates and diagnostic checks, or ensure that if you are being charged for these services, it is worthwhile.
Do You Offer Parts and Services Under Warranty?
Parts and service warranties vary from place to place. Some warranties and services may be valid for a certain amount of time, while others may be valid until your vehicle reaches a specific mileage. For some services, like oil changes, the service warranty may only last as long as the ideal mileage interval is before you will need to service your oil and oil filter again. These warranties vary depending on the automotive shop you are working with, and you should inquire about the warranty before accepting any services or repairs. In some cases, it may also be advantageous or more cost-effective for you to bring in your own parts, but shops may not warranty their labor if you do so. It is important to make sure your vehicle is not already under a warranty from its manufacturer or dealership before taking your car to a mechanic. If your vehicle is under warranty with your manufacturer, you may risk voiding the existing warranty by taking it to a different mechanic than those listed as an option in your warranty. Your vehicle’s owners manual should contain any warranty details and stipulations you need to know before choosing an automotive shop for your service or repair.
Will You Contact Me With Unexpected Expenses or Repair Needs?
Even if you received an estimate before your mechanic began working on your vehicle, that quote could change depending on what the mechanic finds after beginning the agreed-upon repair. Many states actually require that your mechanic contact you with updated prices on parts or services to get your approval before completing the repair. If you don’t live in a state where this communication is required on the mechanic’s behalf, or if you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to ask whether you will be contacted if the scope of the repair changes before choosing the automotive shop that you will be using. Ensuring you will be contacted if anything comes up that will increase the total cost of the repair or service, or if additional services are required, can help you be confident that you know what you will be paying and that the repair will be completed properly.
How Long Will My Repair Take?
Your vehicle is your means of transportation, and going without it can be a hassle. One of the more obvious questions to ask your mechanic before leaving your vehicle for any repairs or services is how long it will take to complete the job. While it can be hard for mechanics to guarantee that your vehicle will be done by a certain time, especially if your repairs or damage are extensive, they can often give you an estimate of how long you can expect your vehicle to be in the shop. Some automotive shops or your insurance company will even help you find a rental car to drive if necessary, which can help eliminate the stress and hassle of losing your source of transportation.
What Are The Details of My Service/Repair?
When it comes to extensive repairs, such as body damage from accidents, engine or system failure, or electrical repairs, it can be hard to understand the extent of the damage or what will be involved in your repairs. It’s important to ask your mechanic to explain the details of your repair so you have an idea of what exactly needs to be fixed. Your mechanic or service writer should be able to explain the repair process in a way that’s easy for you to understand. This will allow you to ask informed follow-up questions and have a stronger understanding of what is being worked on, while also being able to take note of these repairs or services for future reference.
What Are My Repair/Service Options?
More often than not, most car problems have more than one solution, and these solutions may differ in price. While mechanics should be open to discussing all possible courses of action, some may automatically offer the most expensive repair or maintenance plan if you don’t inquire about other options. Before agreeing to any repairs, make sure to ask about all potential repair or service options, and that your mechanic explains each route thoroughly. Always remember, it’s your service writer or mechanic's job to help you understand the necessary repairs for your vehicle and help you make the most informed decision possible.
Can You Provide a Maintenance Plan?
While most vehicles have a maintenance plan or checklist developed by the manufacturer included in their owners manual, it won’t hurt to ask your mechanic to provide you with a basic plan to keep your car in excellent condition. If you have misplaced your owners manual, your mechanic should be able to provide a detailed copy of the manufacturer specifications for your vehicle. Always cross-reference your mechanic’s plan with the maintenance needs specified in your owners manual to ensure your car's service needs are being met properly, and to make sure you are not being charged or scheduled for any unnecessary services. For a better understanding of common maintenance myths and a routine maintenance overview, you can also check out the resources in our How-To-Hub.
Do My Repairs Require Immediate Attention?
While we always recommend completing any needed repairs or services as soon as possible, we understand that making immediate repairs can be a challenge. If your vehicle is still operating safely and doesn’t pose a threat to your safety or potential for causing further damage, it’s okay to ask your mechanic if your repair requires immediate attention. If you’re unsure of what repairs can wait and what repairs can’t, take a look at our helpful article about prioritizing vehicle projects to learn more.
If you stop by O’Reilly Auto Parts for a part or tool but aren’t sure if you are comfortable tackling the job yourself, our Professional Parts People™ are always happy to provide repair and service advice. If your vehicle isn’t running properly, or if your Check Engine light is on, we can run a free diagnostic check to help you find the cause of the problem. If necessary, we can also help you find a mechanic in your area to complete your repair job and keep your car running at its best. For all the DIY repair and service guides you need to determine the extent of necessary repairs, complete with step-by-step instructions and videos, visit the O’Reilly How-To-Hub today. No matter the task at hand, O’Reilly Auto Parts wants to make sure you have the automotive knowledge and assistance you and your vehicle need.