1. Ask friends for recommendations and their experiences with car repairs, maintenance and servicing in your area.

2. Talk to people who have a similar make of car to yours.

3. Make sure the mechanic you've chosen services your type of car. Look around the shop and see what kinds of cars are being worked on.

4. Call the Office of Fair Trading to check whether the shop has any complaints on file.

5. Check whether the shop is accredited by the NRMA.

5. Check the guarantee on the repair work before leaving the car at the shop. Six months is great; 90 days is good; 30 days is a little suspect. Find out whether the warranty covers both parts and labour.

7. Ask for a full explanation of what work is to be carried out to the car.

8. Find out what the shop's hours are. Will it be open when you get off work? Is the shop near the bus or train? Will you get a loaner while your car is being worked on?

Tips & Warnings •

Don't wait until your car needs major repairs or a tow to find a good mechanic. Bring your car into the shop for small stuff like oil changes and brake checks to get a feel for the place and develop a relationship. • Don't choose a shop based solely on price. The least expensive repair shop might not be the best place to go. At the same time, the most expensive shop (usually the dealership) may or may not give you the best service or quality.

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