Getting the wrong mechanic will not only damage your car, especially those who’ll pretend they know what they’re doing.
You’ll also end up paying for the things they’ll do to your car out of the mistakes they’ll never admit they did.
Car mechanics must be well-versed in the various tools, equipment, and procedures used in auto shops to troubleshoot and repair vehicles, unfortunately, you have no idea who can deliver and give you that satisfaction guarantee.
Finding the right one can become a daunting task when looking for a car mechanic in Christchurch.
Fortunately, our experts have jotted down a few tips to make this process easier for you.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Look For the Logo: MTA ASSURED
“Established in 1917, MTA has developed from a small organisation to become the largest automotive industry body in New Zealand, representing over 3,700 automotive businesses and acting as a strong advocate for motorists.” – MTA History.
MTA is the largest body of automotive dealers, repairers, retailers and service stations around New Zealand.
They develop qualifications and criteria before they accept auto repair shops before they can use the
MTA logo.
MTA assures accredited garages are reliable and the mechanics that work for them because they also adhere to local legislative laws that give you peace of mind that they’re the real deal. Before you choose to work with a mechanic, make sure they’re MTA Assured.
2. Listen To What People Are Saying
It’s important to listen to what people are saying.
Digitally, you could visit a motor shop’s testimonial page and read what people are saying. But be careful with this as they’ll typically choose only to display testimonials that make them look good. For a more unbiased opinion, check out their reviews on Google or other review websites that the mechanic doesn’t have control over.
Or, pay them a visit. Spot those happy customers, start a conversation and ask how many regulars or the bulk of clients they have on their peak season.
It’s a good indication that if a mechanic has many customers, they’re making those people happy enough that they keep on coming back!
3. It’s Better Safe Than Sorry, Ask For Warranty
No experienced mechanic should ever put a faulty part in your vehicle. But, if on a rare occasion that it happens and if it starts malfunctioning, what should you expect from them?
Here’s what:
Most respectable businesses address this “what if” scenario by offering formal warranties on components and labour – usually for a certain period. Some stores use mileage as well.
A repair shop, for example, may provide a one-year/12,000-mile warranty on a component or cheaper replacement parts if you need them. Make sure you inquire about the warranty terms beforehand.
4. Know Your Rights So You Can Win The Fight
Once you accept a quote, the garage can’t charge you more than the agreed price unless you decide the scope of the job changes for extra work, e.g. they find further problems.
If your bill is for more than you were quoted, talk to your mechanic.
Point out the final bill is higher than the quote. It’s your right to refuse to pay the extra amount — unless you asked them to do something extra or different after the quote was confirmed.
5. You’ll Always Get What You Pay For
As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and don’t skimp on quality trying to save a few extra dollars.
- Low Cost, Low quality – They just want to finish whatever is in hand for as cheap/quick as possible and get on with the next customer.
- Low cost, reasonable quality – They try to sell you whatever they can and tell you every single aspect of your car has faults and needs repair to gain more profit.
- Reasonable cost, reasonable quality – Typical company, you wouldn’t expect anything more or less.
- Reasonable cost, good quality – These people usually have the passion for what they do and not just take it as a job.
Before you go ahead and do business with any garage in Christchurch, be sure to also find out how long they’ve been in business. This will be a significant consideration while choosing a car mechanic in Christchurch.
The top stores have a long history of success, many positive customer evaluations (check: Google or Facebook ratings), and enough experience to back their promises. These businesses take pride in building long-term connections with their clients and going above and beyond to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Your Car Mechanic in Christchurch!
Choosing a mechanic in your city is now available at your fingertips. We’re a full-service auto shop with a team of talented, reliable, and experienced mechanics.
To learn more about our services and to set up your first appointment, feel free to contact us today!