Find the Best Auto Repair in Bakersfield, CA

How to choose a mechanic in Bakersfield

Southwest and East Bakersfield have more auto repair shops than the rest of the city, but the right mechanic is worth the drive.

Start your search by determining what kind of service your vehicle needs. Specialty shops are the most qualified to handle issues like basic maintenance, collision repair or transmission rebuilds. If you don’t know what your vehicle needs, find a reputable mechanic with a wide range of experience and have them diagnose the problem.

Once you’ve found a prospective auto repair shop in Bakersfield, ask if any mechanics on staff have experience working with your type of vehicle. If the mechanics are familiar with the make and model, they might be able to give you an approximate timeframe for certain common repairs.

Some Bakersfield repair shops use only original equipment manufacturer parts, while others use aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts, also called generic or competitive replacement parts, might save money, but can occasionally void your vehicle’s warranty. Check with the mechanic before agreeing to use the part in your car. You can also check the Certified Automobile Parts Association to see how aftermarket parts perform under testing.

Reputable auto repair shops offer a guarantee on workmanship, and parts should come with a manufacturer warranty. If your car requires collision repair, make sure the shop uses high-quality paint and employs a color matching system.

If you plan to leave your car with a repair shop, ensure that they have security measures in place to protect your vehicle from vandalism and insurance to cover any damage or theft.

Bakersfield auto repair shops must register with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. BAR also provides general information for consumers shopping for car repair.

California does not require mechanics to be licensed to perform repairs, but the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence sets industry standards and certifies technicians. Look for technicians who are ASE-certified to evaluate a shop’s quality of service.

How to find low-cost auto repair in Bakersfield

When choosing from auto repair shops in Bakersfield, make sure they are prepared to provide a written estimate. Get additional opinions to compare costs, especially if you are preparing for a significant repair.

However, before a shop can prepare an estimate, technicians must diagnose the problem. Some shops charge a small fee that they waive if you hire them; many other shops offer free estimates. After the diagnosis, the service writer should be able to tell you approximately how long the work will take.

At this point, a reputable auto repair shop will provide a written estimate that includes the following:

• All costs, itemized
• A description of the work they will do
• A statement that the total amount charged to you is not to exceed a certain percentage more than what is estimated (without prior approval)

You’re now ready to pick the right shop for your vehicle in Bakersfield. You can use estimates to compare shops, but don’t let price be your only criteria. Quality maintenance and repairs are worth the cost.