Choosing the Right Mechanic for Your Sports Car
Sports car owners understand that regular maintenance and proper
repair is necessary to keep their vehicle in superior running
order. Although many sports car enthusiasts are avid amateur
mechanics, many are not as well versed in auto repair and will
need to rely heavily upon their mechanics. Even more expert
owners may need a professional mechanic's assistance for some
tasks.
Choosing the right mechanic, therefore, becomes are very
important agenda item for sports car owners. There is no
surefire method of developing an ideal relationship with a
mechanic, but there are things you can do to improve the
likelihood of finding a great partner in keeping your car in top
shape.
Ask for References
Employers ask for references from potential employees for a
reason--discussions with those who have worked with another in
the past can be a great predictor of how things will go in the
future. Explain to potential mechanics that you are hoping to
strike up a long-range relationship with an expert who can help
you maintain your sports car, and toward that end, you'd like a
few people you can talk to about the quality of his work.
Don't be shy. A quality mechanic will be more than happy to let
you know of others who are satisfied with his work and who find
him reliable. Asking for a reference or two will not be
perceived as rude.
Follow up with the names the mechanic gives you. Find out what
others have to say about his work, ability to meet estimates and
deadlines, and customer service. Good mechanics develop good
relationships with customers, and references should offer
glowing reports.
Ask about Certification
Specific certification is not necessarily a requirement to be a
top-notch mechanic, but it does demonstrate an interest in
staying abreast of industry changes and a commitment to
mastering one's craft. Ask potential mechanics about their
training and certification. They should be happy to share with
you how they have developed their expertise.
Training and formal certification levels are not the end-all in
terms of mechanic selection. There are mechanics with little or
no formal training who can outperform some of the most schooled
technicians. Nonetheless, training and certification can be an
indicator of how a mechanic approaches his craft.
Ask Other Sports Car Owners
If you were looking for your city's top Porsche mechanic, for
instance, you would be foolish not to canvass other Porsche
owners in hopes of finding a mechanic you can trust. You may
want to seek recommendations from a sports car club, or even ask
dealers of your sports car type for their input regarding the
area's best mechanics.
Remember, a good mechanic can be immensely valuable. Using a
poor mechanic can result in disaster. You undoubtedly care about
your sports car and want to make sure it is treated properly and
maintained optimally.
Don't leave your choice in mechanics to chance. Picking the
first alphabetical listing in the telephone directory is
probably not the best way to approach developing a relationship
with a top-tier mechanic. Follow the three simple steps outlined
above, however, and you may be able to find the perfect person
to help you with your sports car.