There are plenty of mobile mechanic services available, throughout the world. The reason that many of these operators exist is that they can work out of a home garage, doing car services and repairs with a fraction of the overheads that companies that have a shop have. It can be a little hard to believe that something so convenient is actually worthwhile – and yes, there have been cases where people have been burned by sub-standard operators. So, today we’re looking at how to tell the good mobile mechanics from the bad. Here are the top 5 real, concrete signs that your mobile mechanic is an industry expert and car professional.
1. Willing to provide a written quote up-front
In fact, this is actually a trait of all good mechanics. If your mechanic has a wide experience in major makes and models, doing car repairs and services of all different types, then they can accurately estimate how long a job will take. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly what your liabilities will be at the end of the job, and is a prerequisite of all good mobile mechanics.
2. Good communication skills
By this, we don’t mean that your mechanic tells you his life story in a poetic and dramatic manner … we mean that he is able to clearly communicate the problem to you, and support his diagnosis with visual examples where it’s possible. For example, “Look at how gunky the spark plugs are – the reason it wouldn’t start is because there was no spark to ignite the fuel”. Your mobile mechanic should communicate to you things like:
o Why the problem occurred
o How the problem occurred
o The extent of the damage to your system
o What needs to be done to make your car driveable
o What will need to be done in the short, medium and long term to ensure your car stays in good working order
o How you can fit repairs in with your budget – they will create a priority schedule for you.
3. They offer a warranty
Professional, expert mobile mechanics will always offer a warranty. The best will give an equal warranty on all parts and labour, of up to 12 months or 20,000 kilometres. If you choose a nationwide brand, then your warranty can be honoured no matter what your location if there is ever a problem. Additionally, you know you’ve found a good mobile mechanic when they trust your opinion when you ring for a warranty claim, and remain completely solution-focused (no blame storming!).
Many mobile mechanics can also repair and service new cars without affecting the dealer’s statutory warranty.
4. No travel time charges
Mobile mechanics already save on overheads by not having a workshop – but they necessarily incur travel costs with that business model. A reliable, reputable company won’t charge you for the travel time to get to your vehicle – they’ll include it as part of their business expenses.
5. They offer regular servicing as well as repairs
If your mobile mechanic is there for you in the happy times when all your car needs is a look-over to keep her going, as well as in the stressful breakdown times, you know you’ve found one worth keeping!
Bonus: They’ll tell you how to keep yourself safe before they arrive
A significant proportion of car repairs performed by mobile mechanics are on the side of the road. A good one will give you some pointers on how to keep yourself and the car safe in the time before they arrive, which may include:
o Getting as far off the road as possible
o Locating the nearest cross street to help the mechanic with navigation
o Keep your mobile phone turned on and preserve the battery buy not making calls
o Park your car under a street light if possible, if the breakdown occurs at night.
o Stay with your car
Lube Mobile are “The Mobile Mechanics” equipped and trained to perform any Car Repair or Car Service. We have a mechanic come to you at a time and a place convenient – 6 days a week. Convenience, Quality and Service are guaranteed. For more information or to make a booking, visit Mechanic.
