Hey Advanced Training Institute automotive technicians – this How to Find a Good Mechanic post is for you!
You may be thinking “Once I graduate from ATI’s accredited automotive technician program I will have the skills to personally maintain and repair my own car, so why do I need to know how to find a good mechanic…” Well that’s partially true! You will have the skills and knowledge to troubleshoot and fix your own car, but once you start working as a mechanic you’ll need customers! Building a customer base will depend on your abilities as a mechanic, your trustworthiness, and word of mouth so we found this awesome Youtube video with over 1 million views called “25 Things Your Car Mechanic Won’t Tell You.”
We recommend ATI automotive technicians watch this video and learn the most common lies uttered by mechanics, so that you can avoid making the same mistakes and upsetting your valued customers!
These 25 warnings and tips can educate the consumer, and prepare our graduates to become honest mechanics. We even suggest posting this list at your shop to show your customers you care about their trust!
25. Be weary of scare tactics, like I wouldn’t drive your car.
24. Check for shop certification and a state license.
23. Make sure the shop is clean.
22. Never sign a blank work authorization form.
21. If the mechanic claims they don’t need modern equipment to do their job properly then go somewhere else.
20. As a rule of thumb when you get a second opinion don’t tell the mechanic what the first one said.
19. You don’t need a fuel injector cleaning unless the check engine light is on.
18. Coolant flushes are a gimmick.
17. Power steering flushes are also a scam – fluids are designed to last 100k miles.
16. If you’re getting a good deal on your tires, they may be 2 year old tire treads.
15. Avoid purchasing a lifetime muffler, you’ll have to pay for pipe repairs anyways.
14. If something is wrong with the catalytic converter or emissions systems consult the dealer, free replacements are legally required but some mechanics will charge for these parts.
13. Be careful not to pay twice for the same labor by asking for a labor summary.
12. Ask for old parts back so that you know they have been changed.
11. Watch out for brake jobs and especially the parts used by the mechanic.
10. Watch out for certified pre owned cars – certifaction often means nothing.
9. Bring cars in for service earlier in the week, because on Friday the mechanic may be rushed and less careful.
8. A transmission pan with metal particles in it is normal, don’t trust a mechanic’s up selling for this.
7. Be weary of $100 brake jobs. Brakes are the car’s most important system.
6. A transmission flush is almost always a scam, as manufacturers don’t recommend them.
5. Ask to see a parts box, so you know what you’re getting and where it was made.
4. If a mechanic shows you an old dirty air filter, make sure it came from your car.
3. Some parts like air filters are easy to change yourself.
2. Ask for factory equipment to be used.
1. Keep in mind, there are no legal standards in the U.S. for used tires.
Here at ATI we train our automotive technology students about car mechanics and good business practices. Studying to become a mechanic in Las Vegas is a good career move, and let’s face it: we could use a few more honest mechanics!
If you want to study to become a mechanic in Vegas we urge you to call our enrollment advisors and find out how you can train to become an auto tech in as little as 14 months!