How do I find a good mechanic?

• The best review, is first hand experience of people you trust. Ask your family, friends, coworkers etc. who they use.
• Visit your local auto parts dealer. They deal with every mechanic in town, and they probably know a thing or two.
• NEVER, EVER, EVER go to quick-lube establishment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZbAi7bfMNw

Scams are on the rise. Car Wizard explains what to look out for when going to an unknown mechanic.

(you can check out how to find good mechanics in your area in our FAQ)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9NQ_cw6xDA

Don't take your cars to Blairs Garage in Lebanon, Ohio.

I trusted that they did great work and they were trustworthy for years. They actually fixed the rear main seal on my '79 Pontiac Catalina a few years ago. My wife and my father-in-law have used them for years. 

Late last December, my lead frame failed. At the mechanic's suggestion, he recommended I replace the lead frame and valve body together. I took his advice and I bought a brand-new Motorcraft valve body and lead frame, with 8 quarts of transmission fluid and he did the work. Two weeks ago (10/10/2026) my truck was parked on an incline, with the nose of the truck facing uphill. I started it, let the fast idle come down, then shifted into reverse. There was a delay, then the truck violently slammed into gear. I thought the transmission might be about a quart or so low, as the Ford service manual recommends between 8 and 9.5 quarts for a valve body replacement. 

I drove my Mustang to Lebanon Ford and asked the service advisor when a good time would be to inspect the transmission fluid level in my truck. He immediately asked why. I told him I took my truck to a shop in December, had the lead frame and valve body replaced at once, and I provided the mechanic with 8 quarts of fluid and the Ford service manual says between 8 and 9.5 quarts are required, depending on how long the pan was dropped. 

This past Friday (9/10/2026), the dealer warmed up the transmission to its operating temperature, and he opened the transmission's dipstick from underneath the truck. The transmission fluid was overfilled by 3 quarts. There were 12.5 quarts in that transmission. The service advisor was impressed when I checked out. I mentioned my '79 Pontiac leaks transmission fluid intermittently, and I recognized right away when the transmission delayed, the fluid level was not right. I had to pay $224 to fix the Blairs mechanic's mistake.

Don't go to Blairs. They can't be trusted to do the work properly.