Finding a good mechanic can be a challenging task in any city – especially if you are new to the area. However, putting effort into finding a mechanic before you even need one can save you time, money and stress, regardless of whether you just need a quick oil change or a pick up after your car has broken down.
There are several mechanics to choose from in London, Ontario that offer a variety of services. Having options is always useful, but it can also make it difficult to determine the best mechanic for your needs.
To narrow down your choices off the bat, establish your wants and needs before starting your search. Whether you place priority convenience, location or pricing – having set criteria prior to starting your search will make it easier to find the right match. This is the easy part, but, what comes next?
We’ve put together seven tips that will not only get you on the right track, but will also help you avoid the car repair horror stories we’ve all heard about.
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Read reviews for London Ontario Mechanics
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Put service first
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Look for customer care
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Get to know the staff
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Find a London-based specialist mechanic
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Pay attention to appearance
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Do a test run
If you are new to the area, there is a good chance you haven’t had the opportunity to establish a network of people you can trust. Reading reviews online is one way to initially discover who others deem as the best. Find reputable, BBB accredited mechanics that have a good rapport with their customers.
Look at a variety of reviews on websites like Google and Yelp to find out what people in the area think.
Ensure the mechanic you choose is ready for your service needs. Does the location make sense in relation to where you work or live? Does the mechanic take your requests into consideration?
Asking questions that suit your lifestyle ahead of time can help make the process as stress-free as possible.
When deciding on an automotive technician, look for one that goes above and beyond with customer care. If you are not knowledgeable about car repairs, you need a technician that will take the time to explain what they are doing in a way that is easy to understand. If your car will be in the shop for an extended period of time, you need a mechanic that offer a variety of loaner cars to choose from.
It is important to find a mechanic that goes the extra mile when dealing with customers.
Before choosing a mechanic, it is important to establish trust with the staff and owner. Speak with them over the phone and in-person to get a better understanding of how friendly, knowledgeable and experienced they are when it comes to their work and running their business.
By building a strong relationship with your mechanic and their staff, you’ll always know that your needs will be heard and acted upon.
If possible, find a local London mechanic that has experience with your make of vehicle. A full-service mechanic in your area will provide the resources and knowledge for your car type – without the impersonal and costly service of a car dealership.
We all know the saying “never judge a book by its cover”, but you should consider following the opposite advice when finding a good mechanic. The standard to which a mechanic’s shop is maintained speaks volumes as to how your vehicle will be treated.
Avoid shops that are unorganized, dirty and cheap — you want to find a mechanic that values its business enough to have good upkeep, as they will also likely take better care of your vehicle.
If you’ve narrowed down your decision on what mechanic you would like to go with, take your vehicle in for a small job first – like an oil change. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the mechanic better, and help you decide if it’s the right fit before a bigger issue comes up.
You can rest assured that a mechanic who gives high quality care to a small issue will be the right one to go to should anything major ever come up.
Even if you don’t need a car repair right now, determining the best mechanic to go to if an issue occurs is essential. You don’t want to make a decision in the heat of the moment when you are stressed and crunched for time.
Put your newfound knowledge to work! When you’re looking for a great mechanic in London Ontario, get in touch with us at Steel Horse Automotive. We’re a London Ontario car repair shop whose work has repeatedly been described as “honest, quick, and friendly”. With an A+ BBB Accreditation and glowing 5 Star Google Reviews, trust Steel Horse Automotive with all of your automotive repair needs!
Call now to receive quality, personalized care for vehicle troubles of all sizes and types.