Find the best fit for servicing your automobile

Editor's note: Paul Brand has been writing the Motoring column for the Star Tribune since 1984. Last month, his first book, "How to Repair Your Car," was published by MBI Publishing of St. Paul. Here is an excerpt dealing with finding a good mechanic; other excerpts will follow occasionally during the next few weeks.

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Because you may not be equipped, inclined or interested in a hands-on relationship with your automobile, it's critical that you identify a quality shop to help you take care of your vehicle. Whether it's simple routine maintenance like oil and filter changes, or diagnosing and troubleshooting a driveability issue with the engine, the key to successful and low-cost vehicle ownership is finding and keeping a good mechanic -- in fact, as my wife discovered early on, marrying one is not a bad idea either!

If you're not inclined to look for that long-term relationship, at least find a shop and technician to service your vehicle. Obviously, if the vehicle is still covered under the carmaker's warranty or an extended warranty, the dealership is the right place to go. No question, its technicians are qualified and experienced in servicing your particular make and model vehicle.

But what about simple maintenance such as oil changes? Is it necessary to go to the dealership? Or if the warranty is long gone, is the dealership the only place qualified to service your vehicle?

The answer to both questions is no. Obviously, the dealership is still a good choice for maintenance and repairs for the life of the car. And many car owners find the dealership a comfortable place to take their vehicles for service and repair. But service at the dealership often (not always, but often) costs more. And unless you live right around the corner, dealerships are usually a bit farther way than your local independent shop.

How do you find a good independent shop and technician to maintain and repair your vehicle? The same way you find the right car to buy in the first place: the test drive.

When it's time for your next oil change, stop by a shop in your area. Take advantage of any coupons or newspaper ads it may offer to attract you and have it do a simple oil/filter/lube on your vehicle.

The $15 to $25 you spend for the oil change will also buy you the opportunity to meet the owner or employees, check out the cleanliness and organization of the shop, check the certifications and credentials of the guys/gals working on your car, and find out if the shop fits your comfort zone.

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the national standard for automotive technicians. Look for the ASE certificate prominently displayed in the customer lounge.

If you're not entirely satisfied that this is the shop for you, try another shop at your next oil change, or tire rotation, or cooling system flush. Then another ... and another ... and another, until you find the right shop. It's just like shopping for any other major purchase; by "test-driving" a number of shops, you'll know the right one when you find it.

Also, don't forget to canvass your relatives, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Good recommendations from people you trust go a long, long way to helping establish your comfort zone for auto repair.

But remember, you have to ask. A satisfied customer has no reason to offer an opinion unless asked. A dissatisfied customer, on the other hand, protests and complains to anyone who will listen. At least you'll know which shops to avoid.

Once you find the right shop, hang on to it and the folks who work there. Don't nitpick prices or service time. If it takes this shop an extra half-day to get the work done, or it costs $25 more for this particular service, accept it with a smile on your face, and don't forget to say "thank you." Remember these folks on holidays and don't be afraid to tip them for exceptional service. Talk about seeing a surprised look on their faces! Even consider naming your firstborn after the shop. Why? Because they'll step up to the plate with that extra effort when you need it. The next time your car's dead on the side of the road or stopped cold by a flat tire or won't start on a cold morning, if you've got a solid relationship with your favorite shop, they'll likely be willing to go the extra mile to help you.

Is it worth all this effort? You bet it is. Nothing, repeat nothing, will help you successfully and economically deal with the maintenance and service of your automobile better than a good relationship with a local full-service shop or dealership.