A good mechanic is your trusted partner in keeping your vehicle running year after year and saving you money on costly repairs. Here are useful pointers that will help you find one an independent mechanic in Sydney that you can rely on to do right by you and your precious car.
How do you look for an independent mechanic in Sydney?
- Look for a local car mechanic
Word of mouth advertising helps mechanics spread the word about their car servicing business. You can start by going around your Sydney neighbourhood and asking for estimates for common car repair services. Make sure to ask the cost of repairs and their hourly labour rate. Apart from knowledge and skills, check out their professionalism.
A trustworthy car repair company is transparent with their prices and will provide you with an estimate even without a guarantee that you’re taking your business with them. If a car mechanic is reluctant to reveal their prices, if they are rude, or if their standard repair costs and hour rates are higher than nearby shops, it’s a good idea to take your business elsewhere instead.
- Ask for certifications
Certificates will tell you the extensive skills and knowledge an independent car mechanic has obtained through the years. A mechanic with several specialty certificates and is registered with a trade association is a plus, since their involvement conveys their active participation to enrich their skills, which in turn allows them to expand their services and help more customers in the long run.
- Conduct an interview
Before you entrust your prized car to a car servicing centre, you need to ask the mechanic in charge of your vehicle a few questions. Here are a few things that you should ask a prospective mechanic for your car/s:
- How many years have you been working in the automotive repair industry?
- Do you provide guarantee with your work? What types of warranties do you offer?
- Are all the mechanics in your shop extensively trained and certified? What training have they completed in the last few years?
- What auto parts do you use when conducting repairs- brand new, second-hand/used, OEM, and after-market spare parts?
- It is also imperative to ask if you can provide them with your own spare parts.
- What is your specialisation? What vehicles, makes, or models is your car mechanic shop known to be excellent at servicing?
- Do you offer no-obligation quotes?
- Do you guarantee their quotations?
- Do you need to pay for the inspection if you decide not to proceed with repairs?
- What are your payment policies?
- Clear communication lines
Communication is integral when dealing with an independent auto mechanic. A seasoned mechanic should be able to use layman’s terms to discuss what’s wrong with your car. If they can convey the problem to you easily using terms that you understand, it means that they have mastered not only their craft, but their ability to deal with different types of clients. A good mechanic encourages his or her clients to ask more questions if they fail to understand the diagnosis.
- Pick a mechanic that offers you good alternatives
If you are a practical vehicle owner, you already have an understanding that cheaper generic parts are just as sturdy and efficient as OEM parts. Experts have concluded that generic automotive parts pose the same level or risk as OEM products. A good mechanic will always provide you with a generic option to save you money. He or she will be transparent with the pricing of the spare parts they sell at their shop.
If a mechanic is overcharging you for spare parts or for labour, you may want to consider looking around. It’s also sensible to get a second opinion from other car mechanics, so you can have a ballpark figure of car repair rates and car mechanic rates in Sydney.
- Check out unbiased reviews
You may check out online reviews and forums to assess the reputation and reliability of a prospective car mechanic in Sydney. A thorough assessment of feedback from past clients will give you an idea if a car mechanic is worth a try. Keep in mind that not all car mechanic shops in Sydney will have reviews. In fact, good mechanics don’t need much online presence. With this in mind, it’s also best to ask for referrals from people who have had the same issues as you.
Reliable Auto Mechanic Shop in Sydney
Indeed, finding the right mechanic takes some time and effort but is a worthwhile endeavour, too. Here at HP Automotive, we know that your car is an investment and necessity. We take pride in our team of competent auto mechanics that can fix your car promptly at price rates that you can afford. If you wish to request a quote or if you want to schedule an appointment with us, feel free to contact our direct line today.