It can sometimes be tough to find a good auto mechanic. Finding someone you can trust is sometimes difficult.
This is especially true if you've moved to a new area or purchased a new vehicle such as a Toyota. If you own a Toyota, you will want to find someone that has plenty of experience working on your type of car.
Thankfully, there are plenty of mechanics out there that know how to work on Toyotas. However, you're still going to need to find someone whom you can trust. Finding the right mechanic is a lot like conducting a job interview.
You need to take the following steps to find the right mechanic.
Do Some Research
When searching for a mechanic, take some time to do some research. With the internet, you can find a whole list of mechanics in your community. Take some time to read up on all the shops in your area.
Read online review and see what people have to say about the different mechanics in your area. See if any of them specialize in Toyota vehicles. Also check their certifications.
After you've done some online research, talk with family and friends to see if they have any recommendations or if they have any thoughts about the mechanics you have selected.
Interview Some Mechanics
After you have a short list of mechanics that you think would work, take some time to interview them. Give them a call on the phone or meet them in person.
When you talk with them, you want to get a feeling about their skills and if you can trust them or not. Ask them about professional certifications. It would also be good to hear what they know about your Toyota vehicle.
Ask them if they know of any common problems with your model of Toyota. After you have talked to a few mechanics, you'll have a feeling for whom you like the most.
Test Them Out
After you have selected a mechanic, bring your car in for a minor maintenance issue such as an oil change or a brake check.
This will help you determine if the service is up to your standards. Check to see if the mechanic listens to you. Also check to see if they tell you about issues that may need to be fixed down the road.
Finally inspect your vehicle after the repair. Be sure the vehicle is in good working condition. It is important to bring your vehicle in for a minor repair before a major one is needed that way you are not stuck working with that mechanic.
Summary
Asking these questions will help you find the right mechanic to work on your Toyota.
Another thing you may want to consider is asking the mechanic what type of Toyota parts they use. Some mechanics will automatically install cheep generic parts. Others will give you the option of genuine Toyota parts.
