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Auto Emergency Kits

Step 1: Ask trusted friends for recommendations.

Step 2: Talk to people who have cars similar to yours, if you are new to an area.

Step 3: Make sure the mechanic you've chosen services your type of car. Lookaround the shop and see what kinds of cars are being worked on.

Step 4:

Call the Better Business Bureau to check whether the shop has any complaints on file.

Step 5:

Check whether the shop is accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Step 6:

Ask whether the shop's mechanics are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Step 7:

Check the warranty on the repair work before leaving the car at the shop. Six months is great; 90 days is good; 30 days is a little suspect. Find out whether the warranty covers both parts and labor.

Step 8:

Ask for a full explanation of what is going to be done to the car.

Step 9:

Find out what the shop's hours are. Will it be open when you get off work? Is the shop near the bus or train? Will you get a loaner while your car is being worked on?

taken from Ehow.com