How to Find a Reliable Mechanic Shop for Your Chevrolet
Did you know that in the United States, about 50.95 million households own a Chevrolet? That’s right. This number goes to show just how popular this American car brand is.
If you’re one of the many who takes pride in a machine from Chevy, you most like paid around $12,685 to $51,670 (or continue to do so) to switch gears in this ride. Although not as steep as many other brands, that’s still a lot of money. And a cost you wouldn’t want to keep seeing on the rise.
But you would if your ride doesn’t see a mechanic shop when it should. No matter how reliable and long-lasting Chevrolets are, they’re still machines. And all automobiles, regardless of brand, need maintenance – both at home and through a professional.
But how do you choose a mechanic and a service shop? Follow this guide to find the best one!
First Things First: When Do You Need to Take Your Ride to a Mechanic Shop?
Before things get worse. That’s the most straightforward answer to your question since there are many different cases wherein it’s best you start looking for reliable auto repair shops right away.
Keep in mind that driving a poorly-performing car isn’t just a danger to yourself. It’s also a danger to everyone else you share the roads with. And, in the event you cause an accident because of a malfunctioning vehicle, you’ll face legal liabilities.
In general, though, it’s a good idea to always keep your car owner’s and repair manual handy, since these contain much of the info that’ll tell you when to bring your ride in for a service.
For instance, you need to have your Chevy’s oil and oil filter changed professionally after about 3,000 to 7,000 miles. This is also a good time to have a mechanic check the following fluid levels:
- Transmission
- Coolant
- Power steering
- Windshield washer
A reliable mechanic would also take this as an opportunity to carry out a careful inspection of all exterior lights, tires, and windshield wipers.
Once you’ve reached a mileage of about 15,000, it’s time to get a replacement for your air filter. The battery and the coolant itself need inspection after about 20,000 miles. The power steering fluid, together with (another) air filter, needs a change when you hit 30,000 miles.
When you see the gauge showing about 40,000 miles, replacements for the spark plugs and associated wires are already in order. During this time, the car repair technician should also thoroughly inspect your ride’s ignition and suspension.
In case you haven’t swapped cars after 60,000 miles, make sure you replace the brake fluid and brake pads. The coolant and power steering fluids should also go for a change. This is also a good time for radiator hose replacements.
Training and Certifications: The Most Important Qualifications of a Mechanic
Now that you have a clearer idea of when you should take your Chevrolet to a mechanic shop, the next thing you need to know is which service to choose. For starters, know that each car repair is different, and not just in terms of rates, but also the quality of services.
For example, the average cost of repairing a car runs between $500 and $600. This depends on many different factors, such as the specific type of repair, where exactly in the country you live, and of course, the specific automobile brand you have.
The good news is, Chevrolet’s associated repair costs are on the mid-tier. For relatively newer models, the average expenditures run from $50 to $435. Again, this depends on many factors, from the type of repair you need to the provider of the service.
What you want is to ensure you leave your Chevy to a mechanic with the right qualifications. And this means choosing a professional carrying an ASE certification. ASE, which stands for Automotive Service Excellence, is the national accreditation that only highly qualified car technicians bear.
Service Price and Quality Go Hand in Hand
When it comes to choosing an auto mechanic, the price is a big factor. But as important is the overall quality that goes with it. You may be able to save a few bucks now, but how sure are you that you won’t spend even more because of subpar repair quality?
Take note, however, that just because a shop offers top-of-the-line repair services and products doesn’t automatically mean it’ll charge extremely high. This is why you should also take the time to compare rates, so you know which ones are within the median.
A good way to locate reputable mechanics is through recommendations. With 95% of the nation’s households owning a car, it’s highly unlikely you don’t know anyone who can give a car technician recommendation. Just make sure your source is highly reliable too, such as a family member, friend, or colleague.
Also, make sure you check the World Wide Web for potential reviews. Take both positive testimonials and complaints into consideration. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also a good place to look for these pieces of information about car mechanics near you.
Shop Location
Depending on where you live, simply Googling “car repair near me” will already return numerous results. It’s important to choose a mechanic near your home or office, and not just for convenience.
The last thing you want is to need to travel far just to bring your ride in for its recommended maintenance schedule. Or pay lower for the service charges but pay more towards the “labor” because the mechanic needs to travel quite the long distance.
Estimates Matter
Only the best mechanics will provide you with written and detailed price estimates. Keep in mind, however, that they will only do so after they’ve conducted a thorough inspection of your Chevrolet car. After all, a close check-up is the only way they can determine whatever repairs and maintenance your ride needs.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late for Car Maintenance and Repairs
Driving a poor-performing car is dangerous. It’s a threat to not just property but lives too. You don’t want to endanger yourself and other people, so make sure you bring your car to a reputable mechanic shop as needed.
And, if you need more tips and tricks when it comes to maintaining your prized possession, feel free to browse our extensive blog!