Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ?
Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ?
I am looking to purchase a 99 q45t later this month.It has 89,000 miles on it.What questions should I ask when looking for a mechanic ? We do have a infiniti dealership in the city.but i want to keep my options open.Thanks in advance.
Re: Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ? (casual)
"Are you ASE certified?"
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Q45tech
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Re: Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ? (DrewQ45)
ASE certified means you [memorized] answered more than half the 50-100 multiple choice questions correctly...................on generic systems of generic car models. Each system has a test and a Master has taken more than 4 test
2 years of [recent] votech school in automotive technology and a MASTER ASE is a entry level for any lux car, then you need hands on experience with each year and model...........this is where most fall apart no daily weekly experience on your model.
2 years of [recent] votech school in automotive technology and a MASTER ASE is a entry level for any lux car, then you need hands on experience with each year and model...........this is where most fall apart no daily weekly experience on your model.
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elwesso
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Re: Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ? (Q45tech)
IN all reality, most mechanics can turn wrenches properly for doing most jobs but they cannot properly and efficiently diagnose problems...
Which is why this forum is good. We can diagnose your problem and then you tell your mech. what to fix.. For instance, on an older Q with extreme power loss and stalling, the fuel pump could be an issue but it may not be the first thing theyd look for. However most mechanics would be able to replace the fuel pump on a Q without much problem...
Equip them with resources from this forum and a FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL and you'll be fine...
Which is why this forum is good. We can diagnose your problem and then you tell your mech. what to fix.. For instance, on an older Q with extreme power loss and stalling, the fuel pump could be an issue but it may not be the first thing theyd look for. However most mechanics would be able to replace the fuel pump on a Q without much problem...
Equip them with resources from this forum and a FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL and you'll be fine...
Granted, most mechs are capable of turning a wrench, but there are still a ton of guys out there that could FUBAR a chevy water.
Being an ASE Master means that you have taken all 8, not just taken more than 4.
I'd look at the guy, more than ask a ton of questions. How does he appear? Shirt untucked? Grease up to his elbows? Does he lean against customer's vehicles? How does his work area look? His tool box? Really, the point is, if he takes care of himself, then he'll take care of you and your vehicle.
Then the typical stuff. If he's wearing an ASE Master patch, then he's proud of it. If the shop is displaying his certificate, then they're proud of it too. Ask if they have access to All Data, or at least an outside source of information, if they happen upon something they're unfamiliar with.
Lastly, and I know it's kind of biased, but what do they drive! An old arse beater or a nicer vehicle. If they're taking care of they're own stuff, or take pride at least in they're vehicle, then that reflects their own belief system. That also translates into how they work. They didn't get there by being sloppy, moving from shop to shop searching for more money, or running away from a constant chain of messing up vehicles and getting fired.
Lastly, what beer do they drink? Because when they do a good job, a 6'er on the tool box is always a nice pat on the back. That way, they remember you, and will continue to treat you with the respect that you demand. If it's an Infiniti tech, they might drink wine.
Being an ASE Master means that you have taken all 8, not just taken more than 4.
I'd look at the guy, more than ask a ton of questions. How does he appear? Shirt untucked? Grease up to his elbows? Does he lean against customer's vehicles? How does his work area look? His tool box? Really, the point is, if he takes care of himself, then he'll take care of you and your vehicle.
Then the typical stuff. If he's wearing an ASE Master patch, then he's proud of it. If the shop is displaying his certificate, then they're proud of it too. Ask if they have access to All Data, or at least an outside source of information, if they happen upon something they're unfamiliar with.
Lastly, and I know it's kind of biased, but what do they drive! An old arse beater or a nicer vehicle. If they're taking care of they're own stuff, or take pride at least in they're vehicle, then that reflects their own belief system. That also translates into how they work. They didn't get there by being sloppy, moving from shop to shop searching for more money, or running away from a constant chain of messing up vehicles and getting fired.
Lastly, what beer do they drink? Because when they do a good job, a 6'er on the tool box is always a nice pat on the back. That way, they remember you, and will continue to treat you with the respect that you demand. If it's an Infiniti tech, they might drink wine.
Re: (Cyclemut)
Thanks for the replies.What do you think about the import shops that specialize in only that?
Re: Questions to ask when looking for a mechanic ? (casual)
I agree with cyclemut.More though. There IS a right and wrong way to use an open end wrench.Watch your prospective mechanic work, and see if he uses an open end properly.Also see if he used hollow ground screwdrivers, and uses the correct size Phillips head screwdrivers. Check to see if he uses pliers to loosen or tighten fasteners, and how he cleans parts when installing them.Watch to see if he places electrical probes on the connectors, or just shoves the point through the insulation.
The way he handles and uses his tools, and the quality and condition of them tells a lot. Lastly, ask him sone technical questions. If he stammers or searches for words, or seems to be tossing off answers from the top of his head to sound knowledgeable, run, don't walk away. There ARE good mechanics/techs out there. It's up to you to qualify them.
Then, when you do find one, treat him with respect and appreciation. Give him a six pack of his favorite beer, a bottle of his favorite liquor, or even a gift card from a restaurant every once in a while. That's especially effective when you are NOT having work done. Just stop by and leave your gift with him and let him know it's a token of your appreciation for all that he does for you. He will then do a lot more for you than any work order requires. Those little gestures will pay you back 10 time over for their cost.
The way he handles and uses his tools, and the quality and condition of them tells a lot. Lastly, ask him sone technical questions. If he stammers or searches for words, or seems to be tossing off answers from the top of his head to sound knowledgeable, run, don't walk away. There ARE good mechanics/techs out there. It's up to you to qualify them.
Then, when you do find one, treat him with respect and appreciation. Give him a six pack of his favorite beer, a bottle of his favorite liquor, or even a gift card from a restaurant every once in a while. That's especially effective when you are NOT having work done. Just stop by and leave your gift with him and let him know it's a token of your appreciation for all that he does for you. He will then do a lot more for you than any work order requires. Those little gestures will pay you back 10 time over for their cost.