Auto service requests are up 58 percent on Angie's List. As more and more consumers decide to hold on to their car instead of purchasing a new one, finding a great mechanic you can turn to for scheduled tune-ups or emergency repairs is critical.

How to find a good mechanic:

• Don’t wait until your car dies to find a mechanic. Develop a good relationship with an auto repair shop to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. You'll also be first in line for emergency service and cost savings.
• Don't go to a tire shop looking for brake work. A full-service shop may be able to handle most of your needs, but if you need a highly specialized service, do some research to find the right auto repair specialist.
• Look for a repair center with a good history and a professional atmosphere. Ask for a tour of the facility. The staff should be properly trained and have certifications displayed from a trusted national organization, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• State or local law may require that a shop be licensed or registered. ASE certified mechanics must have two years of experience and pass an exam to become certified. Remember, certification alone does not guarantee good or honest work.
• Determine if your warranty requires you to use a specific dealership or shop. If you use another source, keep all receipts in case your warranty coverage is questioned.
• If you had an accident, get your car inspected. Even damage that might appear to be only minor or superficial should be thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no hidden damage. Driving a damaged vehicle could lead to a costly citation, or worse, an accident.
• Your insurance company might have companies they recommend. But be sure to get estimates from companies you know and trust. If one estimate seems way out of line compared to the others, ask why.

Get at least three estimates.

• Get a written estimate before authorizing repairs. Request that all replaced parts be returned and insist on a detailed invoice of work done, including an itemized description of parts and labor charges. Ask if unexpected repairs may arise once the work gets started.
• Many auto service shops charge a diagnostic fee to determine what ails your vehicle. Some may reduce or forgive that fee if you have the work performed there. If you decide to have it repaired somewhere else, be aware that you may have to pay another diagnostic charge.
• Tape an itemized list of all the repairs you want made to your steering wheel before you drop your car off. That way, the mechanic who works on it, will have exact instructions from you. Include your name, address and phone number so they can reach you with any questions.
• If it's a lengthy repair, ask the shop to help arrange a rental. Your repair center should be able to help arrange for a rental to be waiting for you when you drop your car off.
• After repairs are finished, get a complete repair order that describes the work done. Check the work closely before you leave, and ask to see any old parts. Some states require mechanics to give you any parts they have removed from your car unless the warranty requires they be sent back to the manufacturer. Address any concerns immediately.
• Request an itemized receipt and check for any work billed but not performed. After you leave, keep a list of any problems you experience and contact the repair center immediately.