Know What to Expect with Car Repairs

Your vehicle is a major investment and holds significant importance in your daily life. A set of wheels allows the freedom and convenience to get from A to B – be that work, an appointment, the store, or home. Many car owners cut corners on car care to save time or money. Sometimes it works out, but some instances may end up costing you more in the long run. When it comes to weighing the backyard mechanic versus a full-service shop, be sure you know what to expect with car repairs.  

The Backyard Mechanic

A backyard mechanic is one who works on motorized vehicles outside of the standard auto shop and often at lower costs. Ordinarily, this repairman is a friend or acquaintance who works out of his home garage – or backyard – and has some training and/or experience tinkering with motors, engines, and the like. 

Depending on the service or repair needed, the backyard mechanic is an inexpensive option. But as technology continues to change the way things look and operate under the hood, some of these functional fixers are falling to the wayside. 

Most cars today have computer chips that document vehicle diagnostics. Without a way to test a car’s system to assess potential issues, your car may not get all the attention it needs for repair. You want to be sure your mechanic is fully able to assess any problems to get things fixed right the first time.

Guaranteed Quality

Many backyard mechanics have extensive knowledge and practice and are plenty capable of fixing any number of automotive issues. 

If, however, your vehicle is repaired and develops additional problems, you want to know that your service is guaranteed. Some backyard mechanics may honor their work, but you could also need your car fixed two or three times before it’s right, costing you time, money, and confidence.

Finding the Right Mechanic

When it comes to auto maintenance, your best bet is to find a qualified, trusted, and certified mechanic. That way you don’t have to second guess yourself or your vehicle’s repairs.

But how do you go about finding the right mechanic? How do you know who you can trust to fix your car? We have some tips:

• Ask around. Get recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors. Check online reviews to see what others are saying to get unbiased feedback from the outside.
• Look for certifications. More specifically, search for mechanics with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) designation. To earn this certification, a technician is tested and must have two years of training. He or she is also retested every five years to maintain ASE certification.
• Be inquisitive. Ask about specifics of diagnostics or repairs, even if you don’t fully understand them yourself. A thorough explanation will help you make sense of the issues at hand and help determine if the mechanic has your best interest in mind.
• Pay attention to more than price. Cost can reflect more than just parts and labor. You’re likely also paying for proficiency and competence. Be vigilant and stay aware. A deal might not always be good, and something that’s overpriced isn’t always the best.

Trust Jeff’s Auto

Jeff’s Auto Service has provided community automotive service for almost five decades. Our technicians pull out all the stops to assess your vehicle’s needs and offer quick, affordable solutions to get you back on the road in a timely manner. We are family owned and operated, and we extend to you that family-friendly courtesy. 

The quality service you’ll find at Jeff’s Auto is performed by our top-quality mechanics and backed by the Angie’s List Super Service Award for the auto repair industry. Everything we do is warrantied, with no hidden fees and same-day repair. 

You depend on your vehicle for a lot, so be sure you know what to expect with car repairs. We want to know you can depend on Jeff’s Auto to provide full service for everything from routine maintenance to repairs both under the hood and under the car. Contact our certified team today with questions or to schedule an appointment.