Talking to a mechanic you just met can be tough. Trusting them with your vehicle can be tougher. Waiting for the bill can be worse. How do you know you’ve found the right tech for you?

A good auto mechanic evolves with the industry. The old days of being the neighborhood grease monkey aren’t really good enough anymore. The addition of computerized systems and diagnostic equipment create another dimension of operation. Cars aren’t built as straightforwardly as they once were. Overall, it’s a great thing, we have serious safety features, fuel efficiency, and more comfortable rides.

So what makes a good mechanic within these new parameters?

Some qualities shouldn’t change: analytical thinking will always be applicable. Diagnosing or troubleshooting an issue in a logical, practical manner is ideal. Experience is also desirable, as no one wants their vehicle to serve as a lab project for a green mechanic. The instinct and ability to complete the work necessary is an obvious key factor. The awareness to run applicable test and checks is helpful in the long run. You want to feel assured when you get your vehicle from the shop that you won’t have to be taking it back due to an oversight. The landscape of modern vehicles is ever-changing. A thirst for knowledge is a great sign that your mechanic cares about what he’s doing and wants to do it well.

Those are the technical aspects, and if you can identify some of those qualities in your mechanic, you may start to feel at ease about the quality of work you’ll receive. However, because these are specific to the profession at hand, it doesn’t necessarily mean the conversation will go well.

Sometimes, highly technical individuals don’t have much of a bedside manner. This is where things can get tricky. Ideally, we want a mechanic that possesses a technical composition complimented by an amicable demeanor. Customer Service skills are highlighted more and more in training programs. A mechanic is more likely to encourage repeat business with a good product and a good attitude. Someone that can break down the technical lexicon to an explanation you fully understand is priceless. Even better if you can ask questions!

More than these attributes, you want honesty. You want an honest presentation of the issue. You want a clear, clean estimate with no added nonsense. You want a complete understanding of what someone else is doing to your vehicle. This is what you’ll find at Subaru Clinic. Oleg and his team work on your Subaru with care and attention to detail. More than that, they treat you well. You leave the repair shop feeling like you’ve just made a friend. The work at Subaru Clinic is warrantied for a year, and it’s done right. If you’re driving a Subaru in the Denver, Broomfield, Boulder, or surrounding areas, contact Subaru Clinic to schedule your next maintenance visit today.