Do you know that weekend warrior mechanic? You know the type; they work on cars for fun, project cars, or just tinkering around. Don’t get me wrong, we like those guys. We used to be those guys. But, sometimes, you do need a certified technician.
Because…
Take a second to think about the number of different vehicles produced in the last 5 years.
Now realize that each vehicle has something different from the next one.
Finally, think about the knowledge that it takes to know how to work on just one vehicle.
Why it matters…
Since our newer vehicles have more electronic components, having the right diagnostic equipment is important to diagnose what is happening with your vehicle accurately. This equipment is specialized and can be quite expensive. Your technician also needs to know how to use it properly. Without that knowledge, you can accidentally do more damage than good if you don’t use it as intended.
What to look for…
Your mechanic should be an excellent problem solver. More often than not, your vehicle will not cooperate and make the same noise, shimmy, or ka-bang in front of your mechanic. This means they must rely on the information you give them to diagnose the problem.
It is also important for your mechanic to perform preventive maintenance. The key is finding and repairing parts that are potentially a larger, more costly problem if left unserviced.
Communication is very important for your mechanic. They must be able to discuss issues with the customer, explain the problem and necessary repairs, and give you all your options. For some customers, this will be similar to speaking a different language. They simply don’t know enough about how the vehicle systems work and what issues can develop if left untouched.
Proper and thorough communication builds trust between the customer and the mechanic.
Your mechanic must be good at detail work. Sometimes it is a small issue that can create a big problem. A wire is not connected properly, a plug is not fully connected, or something simple like a blown fuse can be easily missed if your mechanic doesn’t pay attention to the job details. A mechanic’s attention to detail also builds trust between the customer and the mechanic.
Time management is also crucial for building a strong relationship between mechanic and customer. Since customers typically see an hourly rate on their invoice, your mechanic needs to be mindful of time management and communication to the customer about the severity of the vehicle’s repairs.
This is also important because, with experience, a skilled mechanic will know approximately how many hours it will take for a specific repair to be completed.
What to look for…
Your mechanic should have a valid state license and continuing education to keep them current in new technology and vehicle maintenance requirements.
All of our technicians at Stroebel Automotive have a current ASE Certification.
Request an appointment with our highly skilled automotive technicians here!