5 Ways To Finding A Reliable Dealership Mechanic

There's an old story about a South Carolina man who hid a voice recorder in the glove compartment of his fancy sports car and handed it over to a prestigious dealership for servicing. He didn't expect the recorded evidence that the mechanics took his car out for a spin and damaged the clutch, which they then tried to pin on the owner to make extra bucks.

It's mechanics like these that give their better halves a lousy name. It's best to stay wary and ask some critical questions before you entrust your car to a dealership mechanic for repairs & servicing.

Are Their Mechanics Certified?

As long as you don't sound too patronizing, it's best to ask if their mechanics are certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. To get ASE certification, the least is two years of experience and re-testing every five years, so you will know that your car is indeed in safe hands. And that's not all; some mechanics are certified by manufacturers for specific car makes, so be sure to ask that as well.

Is the Dealership Reputable?

The internet is both an amazing yet a dubious place as far as reviews are concerned, so do your research thoroughly, online and around your locality. Get yourself onto a member's only site for automotive repair & servicing reviews where fake reviews can't corrupt your opinion. Yelp & Google reviews are just as good.

Who Do the Public Vehicles Trust for Repairs?

Which business relies on undisrupted vehicle operation to ensure a line of income? Of course, the bus & taxi services! Find out where these companies send their fleets for repairs, or just ask them for a recommendation on a reliable dealership mechanic, and they will be more than happy to let you know.

Is Their Workshop AAR? AAA? BBB Reviewed?

Always look out for an Approved Auto Repair (AAR) sign. It means these dealership workshops have been screened by the American Auto Association (AAA) for quality service and certified mechanics. These shops are also monitored for performance and rate of satisfied customers.

Does The Mechanic Respect Your Inquiries?

If a mechanic displays irritation when you request the nature of the repairs & parts requiring servicing, then it's a red flag. If you parked your car at the shop and got called with some extra repairs, always go back to investigate for proof before signing off. If a mechanic makes excuses or can't back up their proposition without proof, then it's definitely time to take your vehicle out to a different & reliable dealership mechanic.

Car repairs are not occasions to let go of your bank balance nor your gut instinct. They can be expensive, and even if you do not consider yourself car-savvy, you still have to ask the mechanic to show you proof of where repairs are required so that you don't get scammed.

And if you still wish to stay on the safe side but don't want to use a voice recorder, get an OBD tool and learn how to use it. Nothing can get past them.

Cumberland Toyota has a treasure trove of new & used vehicles that are subject to regular maintenance by certified mechanics ahead in their field. You can book with us for your vehicle servicing as we are proudly serving Cookeville, TN.

Do check our new & used inventory, and if you fancy a purchase but require financial assistance, then get in touch with us and visit our dealership workshop!