AppointHow do I find an honest, trustworthy mechanic?
Look for a shop that is properly licensed (in California, every auto repair shop must be registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair; check it on bar.ca.gov), gives you a written estimate before starting, asks before going over it, and will return your old parts. ASE-certified technicians and consistent recent reviews are good signs. AppointAuto lists repair shops by city with licensed shops first, so you can shortlist a few and compare quotes.
Key facts
- In California, a repair shop must give a written estimate and get your approval before doing work or exceeding it.
- California shops must return replaced parts if you ask for them when you authorize the work.
- BAR registration can be checked online at bar.ca.gov.
Green flags and red flags
| Green flag | Red flag |
|---|---|
| Written estimate before work starts | "We'll see what it costs when we're done" |
| Calls you before exceeding the estimate | Surprise charges on the invoice |
| Shows you the worn part or returns it | Refuses to show what was replaced |
| License number on the estimate and invoice | No registration you can look up |
More on your rights: California auto repair rights.
Next step
Auto repair shops in Los AngelesMechanics by state and cityYour auto repair rights