Your Options for Brake Repair
Your life depends on your brakes. Getting brake repair done at a good mechanics shop is essential. If you have just moved to the area and you do not have a regular mechanic yet, then finding a good mechanic can be hard and stressful. Here is how to turn finding a good mechanic to do your brake repair into less of a hit or miss proposition.
Your first option is to choose a national chain, like Midas or Meineke, that does brake repair. Major chains generally have good mechanics on staff, so although you may not get the very best service the area has to offer, choosing a chain is a way to avoid the worst service. Because chains space their branches to cover the area, you are likely to be within a short drive or tow of a branch if you need more repairs, and the warranty on any repairs the chain does will allow you to get free followup repairs at any branch in the country. Also, because national chains’ mechanic shops are usually large and efficient, you will probably be seen quickly and your repairs will be done in less time than it might take a smaller shop. The premium you pay for faster service is a higher bill.
Your second option is to find a local independent mechanic. Independent shops may take a little longer to do your repairs because they may need to order more parts and may have fewer mechanics available to do the work. They also have more variable quality than a national chain: You could find someone brilliant, or you could find a shyster. However, doing a little research beforehand will make it possible for you to find one of the very best.
How do you find a truly good mechanic? The world needs a central clearinghouse on mechanics, but unfortunately, that day has not yet come. You will need to gather the information on your own. Find friends, family, and coworkers who needed the same kind of brake repair, and get recommendations from them. Look for complaints about the shop online and at the Better Business Bureau. Find out whether the shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and whether the mechanics are all certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). And go with your gut: Is it easy to reach someone who works at the shop, or does the phone ring endlessly? Does the mechanic you speak with sound sincere, or does he or she sound shady or overconfident? If you are inexperienced at car repair, is the mechanic respectful or condescending?
Get information from as many sources as you can before you pick a shop to do your brake repair. Whether you go with a chain or an independent, your life and the safety of those around you depends on the shop you choose to fix your brakes.