Mr. Goodwrench or Mr. Screw-Up?

Once you’ve narrowed the list of where you might take your car, you should apply some tough scrutiny to the business. In all circumstances, do business only with a garage licensed by the state.

Here are some other considerations:

* Is the garage certified by the Automobile Club of Southern California? Are the mechanics certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)? Neither one of these certifications guarantees a good mechanic, just as the absence of such certification does not guarantee a bad one, but they can be indications that the garage and its personnel are eager to learn more and are open to independent scrutiny.

* Call the state Bureau of Automotive Repair at 1-800-952-5210 and ask if it has any complaints pending against the garage you are considering.

* Do the garage and mechanics have a professional appearance? A messy garage with cars all over the property and tools out of place is a bad sign. Mechanics get dirty, but are they in uniform? How about the facilities for customers? Would you feel comfortable waiting there?

* Does the facility warranty its work? For how long? If it does, do you have to bring the car back to that facility in order to have such work performed? Get any warranties in writing.

* What is the hourly labor rate? This is usually constant regardless of the job, and it is one way to compare prices among garages.

* Will they give you a detailed estimate? State law requires one and mandates that you be notified and agree to any changes.

* Is there a diagnostic charge? Most garages do charge to diagnose the problem, but many will apply that charge to any repairs they perform. Some garages will not credit that charge even if you have the work done there.

* Once a problem is diagnosed, does the mechanic try to talk you out of getting a second opinion? A good mechanic is not usually reluctant to have another mechanic look at your car.

* How is the mechanic’s attitude? Even if you know your mechanic is competent, who wants to deal with a surly operator when you are paying the bills?

* How much, if any, of the work will be subcontracted to specialized garages? If they do subcontract, do they warranty the work of their supplier?

* The most important indicator is word of mouth. Ask your neighbors and friends. If you get uniformly good reports about a garage, there’s a good chance the mechanic is qualified and reputable.