Finding a good repairer is incredibly important because if you can’t trust the quality of the work, you can no longer trust your car.
Queensland mechanics are not regulated or licenced, so how can you choose someone who is trustworthy? Here are a few tips so you can be confident in your decision.
Ask family and friends
Personal recommendations and the experiences of family and friends can be a good starting point. If someone has a particularly bad experience at a local garage, you’ll know it. Trustworthy repairers produce happy clients and excellent, timely work.
Check their reviews
Try researching the business online and look at their customer reviews. The internet has made us all a lot more connected, which means it is easier to find out what type of reputation a business has. Google and Facebook are great places to start. If most of the feedback is positive, it is likely to be a trustworthy business. Be sure to check the number of reviews as well as their rating. It is also worth noting how they respond to their negative reviews.
Are they easy to contact?
A good repairer is easy to get in touch with and maintains communication while your vehicle is in their possession. For example, if no one answers on the phone, an employee should return your call within a couple of hours of you leaving a message.
Furthermore, they should be able to effectively communicate what is wrong with your vehicle, why it needs to be repaired, and if it is worth it. A trustworthy mechanic will take the time to explain the situation and may even volunteer to show you the completed work.
Do they have reputable industry memberships & affiliations?
Look for repairers who are members of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) or other reputable industry affiliations.
MTA Queensland is the peak body representing the interests of employers in the retail, service, and repair sectors of Queensland’s automotive industry.
Seeing the five rings displayed can reassure you that you are dealing with someone you can trust. Furthermore, you will be assisted by MTA Queensland should you run into any problems when dealing with the business.
Find an MTA Queensland member HERE.
Do they offer a warranty or guarantee on their work?
What kind of guarantee does the shop provide on repair work? Warranties can vary greatly depending on the type of work required, however, a good repairer will offer a guarantee on the quality of work and parts supplied.
Compare prices
As costs can vary based on a number of factors, it’s best to do your research and compare your options. Choosing whether to get your vehicle serviced at the dealership or through an independent repairer will depend on your vehicle and personal needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for a quote.
Start small
The best time to find a good repairer is before anything major happens. If your vehicle is running smoothly now, use your next scheduled maintenance task (oil change, tyre rotation) to test out a mechanic’s skills and professionalism.
In summary
Ensure the business and its mechanics have the appropriate equipment, qualifications, and memberships. Positive online and word of mouth recommendations show others’ experiences with the business and offer a good indication of whether or not they can be trusted. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the price, guarantees, and repairs – communication is key.
Finding a good repairer will give you peace of mind knowing your car is safe to drive while getting the best deal. Hopefully by following the tips suggested above you can find a trustworthy repairer.
3 February 2022
Please note the information contained on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.