Much like the elusive unicorn or shaved-butt yeti, a trustworthy mechanic is a rare specimen. However, they do exist and hunting down a good one is of the utmost importance.

Getting ripped off is always a concern, and ensuring a long life for your car is obviously important. But, it’s not just the vehicle’s life you should be worried about. A good mechanic will make your own life safer by preventing breakdowns and blowouts before they occur, as well as addressing visibility and traction issues. They will check seemingly trivial yet incredibly important items such as wipers, lights, brakes, tires and fluids – all the essentials. Some will even do these checks for free when you bring the car in for a routine oil change.

So, if you want to ensure a long life for yourself and your car – without breaking the bank – then let the hunt for a good mechanic begin!