Finding A Good Mechanic

Mechanics in Laurel – Finding a Good One

“Why can’t I find a good mechanic?” I've heard this question probably a thousand times over my career. Just like in any occupation there are people that are great at their job and people that are not so great at their job.

However, when it comes to finding a great mechanic or repair shop in Laurel MD, it may not necessarily be the lack of qualified mechanics as much as it is the way we, as consumers look for a good mechanic/technician.

When a consumer has a problem with their vehicle the first thing that usually happens is they pick up the phone call a local shop and ask how much does it cost to replace my what-cha-ma-call-it? These phone calls usually end up with a thank you, after several calls to other shops, a decision is made generally in the favor of the least expensive estimate. Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment? Cheap prices are not usually synonymous with quality repair work.

I can't say that I ever found a dentist by calling and asking how much they charge for a filling. So why do we as consumers choose a repair shop or mechanic based on the least expensive repair? Research shows that there are thousands of Google searches performed monthly for “cheap car repair” and “cheap brakes” I don’t know about you but I don’t see this scenario ending well.

So how do you find a good mechanic convenient to Laurel, Beltsville, Savage, Columbia or Burtonsville? Start just like you would if you were looking for a dentist! Ask friends and neighbors who they use. Check online reviews, a good shop will have good reviews. Don't be put off by an occasional bad review, everyone is human and all reviews are not always honest. Too many five star reviews can be a sign of a shop or “Mechanic” paying for reviews. Look for an average between 4-5 stars. Even the best shops will make an occasional mistake but a good shop will stand behind their work and make it right.

AUTO REPAIR LAUREL, MD

Auto Repair Laurel MD

GARY'S AUTOMOTIVE has been providing premier auto repair and maintenance services in Laurel thru excellence and reliability for over 27 years! Our professional and courteous ASE certified technicians utilize the latest automotive technologies to ensure your vehicle is accurately diagnosed and repaired properly the first time.

Appointment Request

8000 Braygreen Rd
Laurel, MD 20707

PHONE:
(301) 953-2886

HOURS:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 6:00pm

Tips for Choosing a Mechanic / ASE Certified Technician

Ask questions:

· How long have you been in business?

· Are your mechanics / technicians ASE Certified?

· Do you use parts that meet or exceed manufacturers specifications?

· How long do you warranty your repairs?

· Is your warranty only good at your shop or is it a nationwide warranty?

Find a shop before you need major repairs:

· Have a simple service like an oil change performed in order to test the shop.

· Will the shop accommodate a wait appointment for a small service?

· Do they provide amenities like a clean waiting room, comfortable seating, TV, Wi-Fi, magazines, coffee, snacks and refreshments?

· Are the restrooms clean?

· Is the staff friendly and helpful?

· Does the shop give you a report of the overall condition of your vehicle?

· Do they explain the repairs? Why, how, how much and the priority of needed repairs.

· Ask for a shop tour, the owner should be happy to show off their investment in the latest technology.

Last but not least:

· A good shop will never quote “ball park” prices or perform any repairs without first giving you a written estimate.

· A phone estimate, without seeing the vehicle is nothing more than a wild guess!

· Cheap parts are just that “cheap parts”.

Remember that a good technician deserves to make good money, you won't find these technicians working for the cheapest shop in town. We feel so strongly about the quality of our repairs that we offer the best warranty in the industry, 36 months/36,000 miles, nationwide at over 16,000 locations!

You may be more familiar with the term “Mechanic” however the times have changed and the industry term for a more qualified / trained mechanic is an “ASE Certified Technician”. Our auto repair shop is located in Laurel MD 20707 and our service area is convenient to Beltsville, Savage, Burtonsville, Scaggsville & Columbia MD. Since 1987 we’ve been building our reputation as the trusted Mechanics in Laurel, MD 20707.