Not all mechanics are created equal. When it comes to cars, there are a few questions you should always ask your mechanic before handing your vehicle over.

What is your labor rate?

If you’re shopping around trying to find the best prices, knowing how much you’ll pay per hour per mechanic is important. And remember, just because a shop has an expensive per hour rate doesn’t mean they aren’t the best choice – the shop may also be the most experienced, and thus, the fastest, resulting in lower prices.

Do you install used parts?

Some shops will use old, used parts to replace broken parts of your vehicle. If the answer to this question is ever ‘yes,’ you need to find another shop. Find a shop that uses new, quality parts that aren’t just as likely to break as the ones you currently have. However, if you’re in a rural area where it can be hard to find new parts, you might make an exception to this rule.

What happens if I pay for the repair and nothing changes?

This is very important. Sometimes the mechanic can fix the wrong part of the car, resulting in unnecessary spending for you. Common sense states that a botched repair is on the mechanic’s hands, but some will still charge you for the repair to fix what they broke. You need to determine beforehand the circumstances and get a clear, concise answer to this question before deciding on a mechanic.

Do you have experience with my make/model of car?

Just because the answer to this question is ‘no’ doesn’t mean you should find another shop. However, this is a good way to tell whether the mechanic can potentially correct any problems with your vehicle or if you should look for someone that knows exactly what to do.

Asking the important questions before leaving your vehicle to be repaired can save you a lot of money in the long run. Many mechanics won’t take offense to this questions, and will understand that you are simply a concerned car owner.

Information credited to Pasadena Honda Dealer