Find the Best Auto Repair in Kansas City

How to choose a mechanic in Kansas City

If you commute to work in Kansas City, you are more susceptible to automobile accidents. Kansas City Police say that more crashes occur on Interstate 435 than any other road in the city, with the most dangerous intersection being I-435 and Interstate 70. Other top crash locations include 75th Street and U.S. 71, Front Street and I-435 and I-70 and Sterling Avenue.

Unsurprisingly, these areas also contain auto repair shops. You can find a mechanic near most major intersections and highways in Kansas City, especially off I-70 near downtown. There are also many off Interstate 24 in northeast Kansas City and in the Waldo area off Wornall Road and Troost Avenue.

Ideally, all car owners should find a trusted auto mechanic before they ever need repairs. After an accident or breakdown, the last thing you want to worry about is where you will take your car. Having a trusted mechanic can ease a stressful situation and get your car back to normal at a price you can afford. However, those in need of immediate help can still find quality auto service in Kansas City.

To find a reputable auto repair shop in Kansas City, read online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Once you have a few places in mind, call or take your car in for an estimate. This written estimate will outline the work the company will provide and at what cost.

It will also allow you to see any discrepancies between auto repair shops. For example, one auto repair shop may quote you for a new intake manifold, while another says you only need a filter changed. The price difference here is significant, so this is a sign that something is amiss.

Price should not be the only factor when it comes to choosing an auto repair shop in Kansas City. Here’s what to look at on your estimate besides the price:

• Length of repair and billing structure: Some shops that charge flat fees may work faster to get you out the door and get another customer in. Other companies charge by the hour, meaning they may take longer in order to inflate your bill. Note that, if the mechanic is unsure of what your issue is, it is normal to charge by the hour.
• Warranties: Many companies include warranties on their parts or workmanship. Read your estimate to see what each auto repair shop covers and for how long.

How to identify a quality auto repair shop in Kansas City Your estimate will not give you all the information necessary to make an educated auto repair choice. To fill in the gaps, you’ll need to consider some other factors.

Not every shop uses the same types of parts for auto repairs. There are two categories of parts: original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket.

• OEM parts come from the vehicle manufacturer. If you have an exotic car and require a specialty shop, your mechanic will likely only use more-expensive OEM products.
• Aftermarket parts come from third-party companies. These parts aren’t necessarily worse and are often much cheaper because of the variety available.

See if the auto repair shops in Kansas City you’re considering have any certifications. Auto repair shops are required to be licensed and regulated at a local level, but, in both Kansas and Missouri, mechanics are not required to have a license to diagnose and fix vehicles.

However, many technicians have credentials. It’s always a safer bet to choose a technician who is certified and has years of experience. Having a trusted, certified technician get your vehicle back into shape can be a weight off your shoulders.

Considering all of these factors, compare auto repair shops in Kansas City and pick the one that you think is best for your vehicle.