If you've never had to take your car in for repairs before, you may be unsure where to go to find the service you need at a reasonable price. Fortunately, there are many reputable mechanics who can perform the repairs you need and help you to keep your vehicle properly maintained. Here are a few tips you can use as you look for an auto repair shop.

Look For Certified Mechanics

You want to know that your mechanic is knowledgeable, and looking for a repair shop with certified mechanics can provide that added peace of mind. Mechanics certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence have to pass tests that demonstrate their knowledge. Testing is divided by specialties, such as different makes and models of vehicles, which helps to ensure that the mechanics have in-depth knowledge for a wide variety of vehicles. When looking for an auto repair shop, ask what the mechanics are certified in.

Visit The Repair Shop First

You can tell a lot about the mechanics working at a repair shop by the way they treat the vehicles waiting for service. Look to see if the cars are parked neatly and away from the work area. If you notice cars with hoods open and no one working on them, this might be a sign that the mechanics have too many vehicles to work on at a time.

Having a clean waiting room is a plus, but it isn't always an indicator of the quality of work being done. Generally, if you feel comfortable and welcome when you walk in the door, you can feel good about building a relationship with the repair staff.

Find A Repair Shop That Specializes In Your Car

If you have a foreign car or a luxury vehicle, you don't necessarily have to go to your dealership for repair work, but you should go to a mechanic who specializes in your type of vehicle. Ask about how much experience the shop has with your car's make and model, and talk about the type of work you need done. An experienced mechanic will be able to talk you through the necessary repairs. You can also check online reviews for mechanic shops to find one that specializes in certain types of vehicles.

When you find a reputable repair shop, be loyal and continue to come back for regular servicing and maintenance. The more of a relationship you build with the mechanics, the more confident you can be that you'll get the service you want.

For more information about auto repair shops, consider checking out different local shops online, like on websites like http://soundsideauto.com/.