You have to be able to trust your mechanic

When John Paul began fixing cars three decades ago, the mechanic known as AAA's Car Doctor says all it took was a repair manual, a well-stocked toolbox, and some elbow grease to diagnose most mechanical problems.

Thanks to today's high-tech cars, those do-it-yourself days are over.

``Cars now have enough computer technology to fly a 747," says Paul, 51, an Abington resident who hosts the ``Car Doctor" radio program on WTTT-AM 1150 and is AAA Southern New England's manager of public affairs. ``You need to download a million pages of information and have all sorts of sophisticated tools and computers to work on them."

Americans spent about $140 billion on car repair last year, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, a Bethesda, Md., trade group. Add tires and aftermarket equipment and the figure climbs to $200 billion.

Paul says today's complex cars make finding a capable, trustworthy, and affordable mechanic a must.

``There's a saying: The two most important relationships in life are with your doctor and your auto mechanic," he says. ``I'm sure spouse is in there somewhere, too."

Paul suggests starting a search for a mechanic by asking friends and family where they take their cars for service.

``The best recommendations always come by word of mouth," he says. ``If you've just moved to a new neighborhood, go over to the guy next door and ask where he brings his car. That's where you usually get the best information."

Paul says it's always a good idea to inspect a shop before taking your car in for its first visit. Check to make sure it is clean, well organized, and has a professional air about it. He suggests visiting at the end of the day so you can talk to customers and gauge their attitude when they pick up their cars.

``Is it, `Mr. Jones, your car is all set, and we'll see you back here in 8,000 miles for the brakes?' Or is it, `What do you mean the bill is $1,000? No one called me about that problem.' "

When you select a mechanic, Paul recommends starting off with a minor service such as an oil change or a wheel alignment. That way, he says, you can get a feel for the shop before committing to a major repair.

``Go with your gut reaction," he says. ``If they start giving you a laundry list of things that need work right away, or it just doesn't sound right, hold off. Have them write up a list and take it someplace else for a second opinion. Rely on your common sense and intuition."

Paul has one more important piece of advice for car owners: When you take your car in for service, be as descriptive as you can about what's wrong without trying to diagnose the problem .

``The better you can describe what's wrong, the better service you're going to get," Paul says. ``If you try to diagnose it yourself, you could open the door for some unneeded work or lead the mechanic in the wrong direction.

``A good mechanic is a sleuth, but needs the right clues to solve the problem."