Whether your car is brand new or a long-time companion, at some point repair and servicing is required. Unfortunately, selecting a mechanic can be a stressful experience for many motorists. Will he do quality work? Will I be overcharged? How will I know if I’m getting what I’ve paid for? The following tips can ease the anxiety of selecting a good mechanic:

Ask your friends and family members for recommendations. If they’ve had a good experience with a mechanic, chances are you will too.

Start out with simple servicing. It’s best to have an established relationship with a mechanic before you need a major repair job.

Check for certification and/or approval ratings from industry associations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and AAA.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good mechanic will take the time to fully explain any procedures, using layman’s terms that you can understand. If he doesn’t, it’s time to drive elsewhere.

Confirm that any servicing and repair estimates will be presented in writing and that repairs will not be made without your approval.

When work is completed, you should be given a detailed printout of the procedures, parts, and labor costs.

Final costs should come within close range of the estimate. You may want to ask a mechanic if he will guarantee that charges will not exceed the estimate by a specified percentage.

Be an informed consumer. Read your owner’s manual and be familiar with the type of servicing your vehicle requires and when it is recommended.