4 Questions to Ask a Potential Mechanic

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:28:09 GMT

Have you noticed your vehicle is getting less gas mileage than usual? Are you in need of auto body repairs ? If it's time for a trip to the mechanic, make sure you're ready for the visit. These are four of the most important questions to ask a potential auto body repair mechanic.

1. Have You Worked On This Make and Model Before?

Not all auto repairs are the same, and some vehicles require expertise. If you own a luxury car or an older vehicle, it's best to confirm the mechanic you're hiring has relevant experience. A mechanic familiar with your make and model will be more prepared to carry out the necessary repairs. The mechanic may also be able to source your parts at a more reasonable price.

2. What Specific Services Do You Offer?

If you've recently been in a collision or are experiencing specific issues with your vehicle, it pays to check out your mechanic's full list of available services. From bumper repair to wheel refinishing, there are several different auto-related specialties that you may be interested in. Here at Mike's Custom Auto Body, we're proud to offer a wide variety of auto body and wheel repair services!

3. Do You Charge for Estimates?

A mechanic won't be able to provide you with cost estimates for your auto body repairs until after they've diagnosed the problem with your vehicle. Some mechanics charge for estimates, but others offer this service for free. Before you agree to work with a mechanic, check to see if they charge for estimates. See if the cost of the estimate will be deducted from your total price.

4. How Long Will Repairs Take?

According to Gitnux, a provider of market and industry statistics, full-time auto repair professionals work 44.4 weekly hours on average. There's only so much time in the day, and that means it's not always possible to complete auto repairs immediately. Before you entrust your vehicle to a mechanic, check and see how long they expect the repairs to take. If your car is likely to be out of commission for a few days or more, you may want to make alternative plans.

Don't hesitate to reach out to Mike's Custom Auto Body if you need an auto mechanic. From auto body repairs to general checkups, we can deliver the services you're looking for. We also offer free estimates! Give us a call today to get started with our industry-leading auto services.

4 Things to Look for in an Auto Body Repair Shop

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:11:20 GMT

Most people wind up in at least one automotive collision that requires repairs to fix the body and other components. According to Grandview Research, the global market for collision repair was more than $195 billion in 2022. With a global market that big, it’s no surprise that a country like the United States with so many vehicles also has a lot of service facilities for repairing auto body damage. Here are four things to look for in an auto body shop.

1. Certified Auto Body Repair

A certified auto body repair technician is essential for ensuring quality work is done. The technician will abide by acceptable industry and legal standards for repairing damage and helping make your car look new. Insurers are more likely to approve payments for work done by a certified auto body technician and repair shop.

2. Frame Wheel Straightening Services

An auto collision could damage the frame and knock the wheels out of alignment. Until fixed, it’s dangerous and likely illegal to drive a vehicle with a damaged frame on public roads. The shop should have a computer-assisted frame-straightening jig that enables it to precisely align the frame so that it's straight. Once the frame is straight, the shop can straighten the wheels so that your vehicle will drive and handle normally and safely.

3. Unibody Repairs

Many newer vehicles don’t have a separate frame and body. Instead, the body and frame are one continuous piece. Such vehicles have a “unibody,” which requires different types of repairs to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive after undergoing collision repairs. An auto body shop that has technicians who are certified and experienced at unibody repairs is the best option for fixing your unibody vehicle.

4. High-Quality Paint Booths

Automotive paints are not environmentally friendly and require ventilation and filtration to protect the outside air. A body shop should have a paint booth that effectively ventilates the paint as it is sprayed onto your car and captures any fumes or particles in filters that can be cleaned or discarded properly afterward. Once the paint is cured, it's safe for the environment and will look great after the auto body shop polishes and waxes the body.

If you need an auto body repair professional, contact Mike's Custom Auto Body. You can call, send a message, or visit our auto body repair shop to learn more and schedule services for your vehicle. We would be happy to inspect your vehicle and give you an estimate.

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