Auto Repair Shops Near Me: How to Find a Good Garage

Searching car repair or garage in Google Maps or Apple Maps lists the mechanics near you. Choosing one you can trust takes a few more checks, ideally before you need one urgently.

Finding garages nearby

• Map apps: search car repair, auto repair or garage, or something specific such as tyres, exhaust, brakes or MOT. Check opening hours, because many independent garages close at weekends.
• Main dealers: for cars under warranty or complex electrical faults, the franchised dealer for your make has the manufacturer's diagnostic equipment, though it usually costs more.
• Recommendations: ask friends, neighbours and colleagues, especially anyone who drives a similar car.
• Your insurer or breakdown provider: many keep lists of approved repairers.

What to check

• Reviews: read recent reviews for how the garage handled problems, not just the star rating.
• Accreditation: in the UK, look for garages signed up to The Motor Ombudsman's codes of practice; in the US, look for ASE-certified technicians. Membership of a scheme gives you somewhere to complain if things go wrong.
• Specialists: for some makes, older cars, electric and hybrid vehicles or automatic gearboxes, a specialist can be better, and sometimes cheaper, than a general garage.
• Guarantee: ask how long the garage guarantees its parts and labour.

Getting the work done

1. Describe the problem clearly: when it happens, any noises, and any warning lights.
2. Ask for a written quote before any work starts, and agree that they'll call you before doing anything extra.
3. Check whether the quote includes parts, labour and VAT or sales tax.
4. Ask for your old parts back if you want to see what was replaced.
5. Get an itemised invoice when you pay.

For big jobs it's sensible to get a second quote, unless the car isn't safe to drive.

If you've broken down

Call your breakdown provider first if you have one: it may be able to fix the car at the roadside or tow it to a garage. On a motorway, get yourself to safety before anything else. See our guide to finding a towing service near you.