How To Find A Great Auto Repair Shop That You Can Trust!

[@johndesaavedra1040]

Thank you for posting this. As a lifelong DIY mecahnic, I have had no positive interactions with repair shops. I dread the time I have to rely on someone else for my mechanical work. Dealers have been the worst offenders.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Here’s to hoping that changes! And not all dealers are bad. There are definitely good ones out there.

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

@@theroyaltyautoservice Can you name a dealer that does not use flat rate?

[@LowInformation]

I've rarely had a good experience. Although now I'm hearing good reports from friends going to a rogue mechanic in his garage.

[@johnshaft5613]

Me too man. I service and repair all my family's cars. Occasionally if something big needed doing and I didn't feel like doing it, I have given dealerships a chance. I have regretted it every time. I swear dealerships feel like it is their right and duty to rip off their customers.

[@zachdailyfost4433]

​@@rodvan-zeller6360 in Europe most dealers run hourly shops, far as I know most dealers in America run flat rate

[@TekWorldAuto]

This is spot on! I had a gentleman come in a few days ago about a repair that we did previously. We made an appointment for him. When he came in we realized that it was indeed our fault. (Loose connector) We corrected the issue, told the customer that it was our fault and offered him a free oil change on his next visit for the inconvenience. He was more than happy. It really does make a difference!

[@SheliaPate-le2rf]

I’m one of the lucky people who live within driving distance of this shop and I can tell you this is 100% one of the best places I’ve ever dealt with, they are professional in every aspect of their services from when you call to when you walk out the door. Very grateful to find a place where I know I will be treated like I matter, I wish all places would realize that the customer and customer service is the life blood of business.

[@douglaslippertindy]

Really on point, this one. the best thing you said was “have a relationship with” your shop. This week, I gave a $150 gift card to a local pizzeria to my local shop (Mears Auto in Carmel, Indiana) so that they could do a pizza party for all their techs. Even though my unicorn (2015 Honda CrossTour) is usually serviced by the same tech, I want all the folks to know how much I appreciate them. Keep up the good work, gentlemen.

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

one never knows how loyalty is born

[@elcheapo5302]

You are good people. If you or SMA wasn't so far away I wouldn't have to roll around on my back under my vehicles anymore! Good shops are like needles in haystacks.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Very good video Sherwood! Some of the things I tell people who ask where I'm located is, 1) use a shop that NEVER has coupon mailers. If they have a good reputation in town they will be too busy to farm for new customers. 2) if they give a price over the phone they are rarely going to give an accurate price. They should be saying if you'd like to bring it in we can check it and give you an estimate. 3) If they entice you with free diagnosis they don't value proper diagnosis.

[@stephenshaw9131]

All good advice. When in that situation, as a new retiree from auto service and having moved 2 states away, I also sought counsel from my new neighbors. When visiting a few local shops, I noticed that one shop displayed their membership in IATN, the International Auto Technicians Network. The last shop that I had managed belonged to that network and I had found it a great resource for techs and owners/ managers alike. Have used that shop when I needed one for the past 9 years and have been very satisfied.

[@jdgimpa]

After 45 years in the business I totaly agree with what you have to say. Unfortunately there are some people who will take advantage of you. It's all how you handle those kinds of customers. However I hesitate to call them customers when every time they come in they want something for free! I was hired as fixed operations manager in a dealership that a friend bought. The former owner basically gave the place away. There were several clients who would go up to his office before you even had their car in the shop and throw a fit. He would fall in a pile, come out in the service department and tell you to fix whatever was wrong for free. His argument was if we didn't do it for free they would go down the street to another repair shop. As if the other shop was going to work for free. So we had to pay a tech. to work on the car, give the parts away and take time that we could have been working on a paying customers car. When we took over they would run up front to cry only to be told that I was the final say in the department and if that was what was wrong and that was what it was going to cost then that was it. Amazingly nobody went down the street. We did a good job and stood behind our work and never sold them anything they didn't need.

[@ArtVan-s4l]

Great video Sherwood. I hope shop owners watch it too and are smart enough to buy what you preach !! I have been able to do all my work so far and I'm 76 y/o but I dread having a tough electronic problem to fix even tho I'm a former electronic tech and an electrical engineer without access to electrical diagrams. I'll be up the creek finding a competent and fair shop when that happens. I really wouldn't want to take the vehicle to a dealer.

[@gerrycarmichael1391]

Life long DIYer. One of the things I judge a shop by is how freely the offer advice to someone like me who walks in looking for information that I might use to do the job myself. The two shops I use were always great about helping me out in that regard. 9 times out of 10 once I knew they were willing to offer advice they wound up getting the work anyway.

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

The shop my grandpa and mom use is great. I diagnosed a problem in my wife’s vehicle, but I bought a crap part unknowingly. They listened to me and took my work into consideration and came to the same conclusion. They just knew better to buy a certain part brand vs what I bought. They didn’t judge and appreciated that I at least narrowed it down for them and saved them some time. They invoiced me fairly when it was all said and done.

[@Conservator.]

It helps enormously if you know something about cars. I’m not a mechanic but I’ve got quite some knowledge (from watching videos like these and reading technical manuals). When I go to my workshop, they know what I know but I always assume that they know best (and that’s almost always the case). Sometimes I asked for the replaced parts after a repair. Not because I don’t trust them (I wouldn’t go there if I didn’t) but because I like to take that part apart to see what failed and how. I guess I’m not their average customer😊 but we have an excellent relationship and mutual respect for each other.

[@hectorlozada2503]

We need more honest people like you

[@dtom1145]

Thanks for the great insights! I had been going to the same Goodyear shop for over 30 years for the services I could not do for myself. I knew the manager, assistant managers and all the techs. The service was exceptional, never an over sell and always good feedback on the state of my vehicles. Now that most of them have retired I have seen a drastic drop in the quality of the service and attention to detail over the last two years! My point, a great shop is more about the staff and its management than it is about the tools and the comfortable waiting area!

[@gregkelly319]

Thanks for this vid. Alot of us are searching for reliable mechanics on things above our diy knowledge. Had a good experience yesterday with one. Polite on the phone, tech was asking the right questions when I spoke to him. Kept me informed on the situation. Not rude when I asked a question. Clean waiting room, shop, etc. This video will help alot of people. Thanks

[@monzsterman7479]

As a mechanic of 43 years who recently got out of the business because of medical reasons your advice is right on the money. I have worked for the last 30 years at the same independent shop who had a 3 generation customer base because of the same beliefs. I now dread going thru this procedure of finding a shop because they have closed. I will continue to do what I can on my own cars but know there will come a time where there will be something I cannot do in my driveway. Excellent advice for everyone!!!

[@BobPicc1]

This is the best video you put out. 100% agree with the sentiment about nurturing a relationship for the long-term maintenance of a vehicle and customer.

[@s.j.5850]

We need more shop owners to think the way you do. I just had all four tires replaced at a shop. I discovered dirt on the wheels from handling them & not wiping them off, the glove box was locked (even though I never lock it myself & I do not have wheel locks on the wheels), there were chatter marks from the tire machine on the edge of the wheel where the arm contacts the wheel, & one wheel had the center cosmetically chewed up - probably from the tire balance machine. I notice these things because I worked at a tire shop back in the day. I intend to contact the manager by email so there is a record of my complaint. This was at a shop that has good reviews. I am also going to check to see if the lug nuts were torqued to specs since I do have a torque wrench. I had a dealership over-torque the lug nuts in the past.

[@steveh9869]

These are great tips. I work on most of my cars but not my Boxster because it’s just a hassle. I searched around and found I had to ask questions and really listen and pay attention to how the shop behaved. Ultimately I found an organized shop with professionals like yourselves who ask questions and listen to the customer. Thanks for putting these videos out. They help us a lot!

[@johnrpizzaguy]

What a great video Sherwood. I live in a very small coastal California town with only one auto repair shop that has recently changed ownership. The previous owner was a grumpy guy but the new owner is very friendly and now super busy. On a side note I have just recently retired from my 41 year career as a Master Mechanic and really enjoy your videos and professionalism that is not always common in the industry. Thank you and nothing but the best for the future.

[@abesavona594]

Timely video, thank you. I just called my shop and let them know about an issue that's persisting after their repair, and they gladly agreed to look at my car at no charge. Previously and unrelated to the issue above, this same shop had told me that I didn't need to do a $400 repair on my vehicle because it wasn't necessary. That made me feel I can trust them going forward.

[@metlmuncher]

I like to see a busy shop too. One that doesn’t have unfixed cars in the yard for long periods of time. I appreciate a shop that appreciates our patronage too. Our local Subaru dealer is one. They are fantastic in every way. We also have an independent that goes above and beyond

[@garyalford9394]

Being a retired mechanic not Tech. your business sounds very fair on its practices !

[@mhk67091]

Excellent video Sherwood other shops need to listen to you. You guys are awesome!!!

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Thanks! We appreciate the support.

[@mhk67091]

I have a Tesla model 3 performance EV but still like watching great mechanics like you doing honest work. Keep it up. Watching all the way from Tampa, Florida

[@Sinopi]

You are absolutely right with all your rationales. Bravo and thank you. I can say that after 40 years of owning/driving.

[@1MiketheMechanic]

Good points Sherman. Piece of advice, 55" TV on a wall mount.

[@Oneupservice]

I hope this video makes me stand out in my area lol this is great video about picking out a shop. Great job

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

We want this video to make a huge difference for the shops that are doing it right. We hope someone in your area sees it and heads to your place! Our biggest goal of this channel is to improve this industry and these videos can make a small difference. Thanks for watching!

[@johnuhelski8613]

Good job , my brother . I agree 100% , some shops act like you are a bother to even greet . My shop is surgical clean , I am always covered up .... I got so tired of filthy , grumpy shops, now I do it myself and for friends.

[@stevennatzke5460]

Excellent video. All common sense. The moral of the story is don't worry about today's sale worry about tomorrow's sale. Those are the vendors I appreciate and use faithfully. Keep up the great work and informative videos. You folks are great!

[@gdj8013]

We have a shop here in Mobile AL that is a Honda /Acura specialist (Milton’s Honda shop) and they are phenomenal very similar to the way you run your shop. Just wish they worked on all makes line you guys. Your town is very blessed to have you guys.

[@oznetyoutube125]

Great Video. As a decent DIY'er, who sometimes needs the help of a Professional, thank you for this information.... Your comment about charging for diagnostics hit home for me. In the past, My Mechanic would express how concerned he was about keeping the price down, like he was trying to get me to trust him.... I would then use that to ask him about how my repair could Grow In Scope, and how he/we would deal with that unexpected situation... I know that this sounds counterintuitive, but understanding or at least appreciating what it takes ( in some form or another ) helped build an honest rapport, that through the years has turned into a friendship. Thank You for what you do to service your customers and to help promote this industry.

[@BABA-ws5eo]

For me a sign of a good shop is one that would tell the customer about a repair they DO NOT need, or maybe don't need right away. I've seen cases when they will try to sell repairs that are simply not needed. I think this happens a lot when the service desk people get a big commission for selling repairs, and the management will put pressure on them to sell as much as possible.

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

I went to a dealer to fix my clogged cat. I knew it was going to be that, but I figured the price was ok knowing they were a Hyundai dealer. It was def more expensive and they did give me the extra things they thought they should address, but I was able to manually select which service I wanted online. They did the job that was required of them. My only caveat is that I knew what was necessary vs what someone less knowledgeable knows. It really helps to at least know what’s going on. My dealer did not try to take advantage of me, but other dealers or local shops just might have that could mean the difference between hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference.

[@SCRAMBLER390]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression is a good rule to do business.

[@felipesantiago8041]

I'm an automive tech from Puerto Rico also a subscriber great video. I have worked on vehicles that have been to other shops with all kind of parts replaced and still not fixed and on top of that the owner of the vehicle paid them in full, then they bring me the vehicle and i tell them why did you pay, there are so many cases it's a shame. One thing I do know a shop will not survive with dishonesty.

[@teslamr7333]

Great tips! I was trying to save some money because my mom’s mechanic charges an arm and a leg, but he does decent work, so I it took it to one of those places that you mentioned, engines and dirt and grime all over the place. I was very nervous when I saw this one guy working on the car and I could tell he didn’t have experience. Parts of the front bumper weren’t put back correctly and there were missing plastic fasteners, that was the good part. The next day when I went to drive the car I saw a nice little puddle of transmission fluid. When I brought the car back to fix the problem the owner had the nerve to tell me he wasn’t going to charge for the trans fluid. You definitely get what you pay for in this business. I wish my mom’s mechanic had 1/10th of your demeanor.

[@troy9616]

Another good presentation of information, Sherwood.

[@nickwarren5800]

This was a great video. This is something I was looking for when I moved to Jacksonville. I'm happy I found you guys and would gladly make a short drive to come see you guys if need be.

[@videomaniac108]

Thanks Sherwood, you guys set the bar on good auto repair shop practices. I'm lucky enough to have found a couple of shops like yours over the years. I just bought a pizza lunch for the shop that did a fantastic job of mounting and balancing low-profile tires on a set of expensive forged magnesium painted wheels on my sports car.

[@billseay6399]

Totally agree with you love it big guy. Trust and care especially truthfulness go a long way

[@valeriytiify]

Great video. Laid out all red flags that I have seen over the years.

[@devdhamija7585]

Learned a lot about how to set up a shop in case i ever get a chance to open one. Thanks.

[@chuckbrewington6817]

Thanks for the info. Just moved and need a reliable shop.

[@manueljnegrete5048]

Thank you for an excellent video that is going to serve me well. I purchased a newer bmw in October and am in the process of feeling a few shops out before I actually need their services. After having had another bms in the past I am aware of the importance of preventive maintenance with German vehicles in general. Basically, Hondas, toyotas, etc are ok to take in for repairs after the need arises right. I learned from my last bmw that I need to be proactive with my vehicle. Deferred maintenance on german cars will eventually break the bank so,I need to find a good shop and your video will serve me well. Thank you again.

[@scottwhite8662]

diagnostics at 9:16 … and we see the 4-legged expert trot by in the background. A shop with a friendly pet or two is a plus.

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

That’s Tink 😀

[@bowlmaned]

Absolutly inspiring!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@cedriclorittssr4361]

That was a great segment! Thank you so much!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you..

[@danielmartz3145]

I moved to the Richmond Hill/Savannah area a year ago and haven’t found a shop yet. Last place I used left me with a car that ran worse when returned. I’m super tempted to drive the 1:15 down to you all whenever I need stuff done.

[@robhunter2435]

I would drive 2 hours for a shop that is good.

[@jeetkaranmann5464]

Thank you for posting this. Can you guys also do a video on, what shocks and struts to buy?

[@sed6]

I drive by a couple of small repair shops each day. I see lots of cars come and go, so they're doing a steady business. They are also located in a relatively modest to low income area. All signs that point to good repair shops. That's where I'll be going instead of the dealership next time.

[@toddh2410]

I agree with this advice!

[@SpicyMcGeezaks]

I tend to search google reviews, but have definitely been burned before. Had a shop trying to sell me an automatic transmission service on a manual car. I was ticked and wrote a scathing review for that shop. It had great ratings too.

[@codeythemechanic]

There are a few different possible causes for your issue with that shop The unfortunate fact is many people don't know enough to realize they are getting screwed by a shop, and therefore never leave a bad review. This leads to shops with very good talkers up front having really good ratings even if they suck. I even see this with mechanica ive worked with who are terrible mechanics, but they talk so confidently they can convince anyone of just about anything. This is why there is so much misinformation qbout car repairs in the world: if someone who sucks at fixing cars tells customers wrong information all the time, but they say it so confidently and make things up to make it all make sense (which happens *a lot* in this industry) then you have a lot of customers who believe things that aren't true. Those customers might tell others who don't know any better in another conversation, and the misinformation spreads indefinitely. Other times the problem is with a single employee who maybe made a mistake. In your instance, for example, the service writer may have recommended the service based on mileage without having ever driven your vehicle to realize it was a manual. If the tech didn't know the service writer recommended the service to you, there would have beenn nobody to correct the mistake. In many cases, service writers are just glorified secretaries who don't actually know anything about cars. So they make simple mistakes like that all the time. Often the mistake will get fixed before the vehicle leaves and the customer does not pay for services they did not need or did not receive, but sometimes the mistakes make it all the way to the customer. But there are absolutely some shops out there that will try to sell anything they think they can get away with to anyone they think will fall for it. I worked at a Chrysler dealer for a few months that tried to force me to write that I performed a 4 wheel drive service on a 2 wheel drive truck because they already got the approval from the customer and needed me to flag it as complete so they could get paid for it. The 4 wheel drive service costs more than triple the cost of a 2 wheel drive service. This, to me, is blatant theft. That same shop in the few months I worked there also tried to make me do a transmission flush and a couple other basic services they had recommended on an old ladies car, and when I checked the vehicle history I saw they had sold her all of those same services with her oil change every visit for the last 3 years. She was only putting a few thousand miles a year on her car and just coming in for her yearly oil change and rotate, but they were selling her nearly a thousand dollars worth of the same services every oil change. This again is clearly theft in my eyes, but when I asked why we would do those services when they were just done, the service writer said simply "because she approves it every time" which is to say that they would sell her anything they think she will approve, regardless of whether she needs the service or not. That dealer has a 4.6 Google rating even though I never see anyone on my local Facebook pages say anything good about them. The reason for their high rating is they use CRM systems that reach out and ask for reviews, and those systems have ways to syphon off bad reviews into themselves and only link the customer to Google if they pick 5 stars on the CRM systems request for a review, while the CRM itself takes the review from anyone who clicks less than 5 stars on their prompt. So the only way bad reviews make it to google is if the customer circumvents the CRM system and goes straight to the business's google page on their own and leaves a bad review. Every other bad review gets taken by the CRM and the customer never realizes that review isn't put on Google.

[@jakebrown6291]

This philosophy applies to every business not just the Auto industry. Treat each customer the way you'd like to be treated when you're the customer of a business, ALWAYS think about that.

[@shadowlord5574]

I really enjoy your videos. Love the content and how you explain things. 👍

[@DanielHernandez-sj2qi]

Excellent video very informative, you mentioned about the customer that comes to you saying his car broke cause you worked on it, if they sue you and judge says you have to pay them a lot of money, for something you know you didn’t even do, how does a shop protect themselves from that?

[@mikefannon6994]

When I was a sales guy on the road there were a few times i had a problem away from home. The best way to find a shop is to call a local parts store. Ask for the owner or manager. Ask where he takes his own vehicles for service. He knows his customers.

[@pkraus777]

Thank you so much for the video wonderful information you guys are such a blessing

[@johnbaker2310]

Good one

[@dtom1145]

I see your shop floor is so clean because you have one of those Roomba dogs rolling around looking for crumbs!

[@ddblairco]

the local shop I use doesn't have a bunch of broken cars in their lot and the lot is empty on weekends, maybe a car or 2. I drive by it on my way to work. I take that as they fix the cars they bring in. They are super nice.

[@douganderson771]

I Try to make a visit after reading any shop reviews. I am looking at the overall look of the place from the outside. Then I try to see how the tech's use their tools and how they place them while they work. If possible I might just sort of stroll in and see what shape the major shop tools are in. ie: tire balance machines, is it clean but used looking like someone really cares about the job and the equipment . The two big kickers for me are the tech's tool boxes and how they keep their own stuff, is a pile of stuff all over the place or is it neat but workable. Another thing is any customer area, is it clean and are the restrooms clean. I am very particular about who works on my vehicles , and am known to send in nice food from time to time for the shop. Christmas tips have been known to get to my favorite tech's.

[@timboyle3114]

Always used word of mouth from my friends for the initial choice. 1st call and initial impressions from that 1st visit are the next deciding factors!

[@thatrealba]

All great things to look for. My brother founf a general repair shop in the area he trusts, amd I have shops i trust for tires/wheels and also for alignments. Unfortunately the best shop in our area for transmissions closed down.

[@genej50]

I've already figured it out. In Lakewood Washington. And the Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, area. Ray's automotive center. It's on steilacoom boulevard. In Lakewood. Easy to find and Google. I've got a Corvette, older Silverado pickup truck, older Tacoma pickup truck, and a Camry. These are my go-to people. They're they're very professional. Friendly. And are very familiar with all models of cars that I have and then some. I recommend them very much

[@Troy_Built]

The one complaint I hear about shops the most is that people paid hundreds and the car still does the same thing it went in for. Most shops are pretty good at explaining that a check engine light can come back on for anything. That happens a lot when monitors aren't set. When it goes in for a cold start misfire and still has it a few days later that's probably on the shop.

[@Cam-LTowing-qz3cu]

Sometimes it works if you ask the customer how much they want to pay for something or how much money they have then you determine what you can do for them for that price. It’s a win-win.

[@Wayman_Simmang]

good advice!

[@brandontcrooms]

I wish you guys were closer to me! I’d bring my Chevrolet’s to you all the time

[@ADScar]

Awesome! Thanks for this great info.

[@dannyc1657]

Thanks for the great video ! I couldn’t help but notice that Icon box in the background. If possible like you have done a video of your snap on box in the past, could you maybe do a box tour video on it?? I don’t have a million dollars these days to replace my current snap on box and am actually considering Icon as my next tool box. Thanks

[@humanvideosponge4529]

One thing you mentioned is really a big one. Never go back to a shop that doesn't do a test drive after the repair. My dad took his car to a shop that had fantastic reviews on Google. Nothing but glowing reviews. They told him he needed a new radiator, gave him an estimate and he told them to do it. We get the car back, get halfway home and the car is overheating. Which is a big tell because we only live about five minutes away. We called them and told them what was happening. They did (to their credit) tow it back to the shop for free and fixed it. However, later on, I looked at the paperwork and saw the mileage they logged for when the car came in was exactly the same as the mileage logged when they gave it back. And it was the same way on the paperwork for the second time. And I don't mean they just copied the numbers from the first one. They obviously logged the extra miles we put on driving home but they didn't test drive it because I checked the mileage the second time. There's no way they could have done a test drive without putting a single mile on the car. So even after they ended up having to pay for a tow and doing a second job, they still failed to test drive it. I told my dad he shouldn't go back to that shop but he doesn't listen. I noticed the same thing every time he goes there. The mileage is always exactly the same. I don't know how they get away with it. It's a big and popular shop and they do a lot of business. Replacing a radiator isn't really a job that should be hard to get right....if they check their work before they give it back to the customer. I can't imagine this is not happening every day with them. I also noticed on Google their owner goes on there and responds to every bad review. Which I guess should be a good sign but sometimes he is rude. It's just that you probably wouldn't see those responses if you didn't read every review. So that's another thing. Even if the shop has a lot of good reviews, look for the bad ones and how the owner responds to them.

[@curtisjohnson944]

Not sure if you are cool with me naming a great shop, but Autobahn Specialties in Sparks NV has been great for me. I diy almost all my own wrenching but my wife has an Audi that I hate working on. We went through some a/c issues and through no fault of theirs a new compressor failed,(I installed it) they got a replacement from the company but the first one had sent shit through the whole system. Autobahn charged me nothing to go through the entire system after installing the third compressor even though they didn’t do the initial repair. That’s only one example, there are more. Companies like that need to be pointed out in my opinion. Positive energy is so much better than negative.

[@jg2611]

Fan of the channel.. here is the lost i have come to recognize as shops to avoid (tire/alignment, etc.) i doo all i can myself, and if i cant, this is what i look for: The workers are slobs They drive customer cars without any respect Joking around or not caring about who they seen by/serving. Keep the place CLEAN It honestly doesnt take much to respect the customer and their property and do you darnedest to do things right. We all make mistakes, but have some self-respect and care about your job. It's sad out there at some places :/ Then again, some shops and customers are the same type of people :/ 😂 Kudos to shops such as ROYALTY

[@timmymonte9813]

Im in Florida, in my trade I've learned to be very accesible and responsive and in turn Ive received All 5 star reviews which helps to close most of the work I look at , earning more reviews and word of mouth

[@devbropa-wy1xl]

Where in Florida bro?

[@davidsawyer7880]

Good Lord Sherwood you nailed it! Long ago a gentleman I once knew told me business is about relationships. To take ownership. To be the solution. You didn't cover this but my guess is the following occurs when one of your shops calls a client. In friendly even toned voice. "Hi this is Sherwood over at Royalty. May I speak with customers name?

[@EFrahm]

Awesome video. For those of us who love doing our own work but who want a shop to work with when the problem is beyond our capabilities, what’s the best way we can gain the same trust FROM a great shop?

[@Otis884]

I'm glad I have a good shop within walking distance.

[@johncheresna]

I had a great local shop that I had a great relationship with. The apparetly over BS, they shut down. Just a cautionary tale and value a reputable repiair sop when you find them. IE don't nickle and dime them. IMHO. FWIW I am in Alberta.

[@davissunglasses]

I strayed from my usual shop once and regretted it. It was convenient to where my car broke down. My shop ended up fixing my car after the many failures of the idiots that I tried. The problem was a blown fuel injector fuse due to a short in the wiring harness. Before I started using it the shop I use, I was using the dealership. I guess that’s fine if you want to pay to much for bad service, incompetent work, and double priced parts.

[@rickj1983]

What do you do if the shop tells you that x needs to be fixed and does the job but in the end it doesn't fix the problem. Who is responsible for that bill? I've had dealers do this to me. I appreciate your honesty.

[@wojtek-33]

Wife's 4runner needed a timing belt. Took it to a local shop that was clean, friendly and helpful. I should have known when I had to tell them they needed to replace the thermostat as well with the water pump. Water pump started leaking about 14 months later. Took the vehicle back. Told me too bad, 12mo warranty, but they would work with me on price. Ended up with another timing belt and water pump and they radiator conveniently sprung a leak when went to fill it. Trust no one! lol My other 4runner needs a timing belt. I'm just going to do it myself this time. Faye Hadley is nearby, maybe I'll see if she can do it.

[@montefiveforty1]

Aisin timing belt kit only.

[@wojtek-33]

@montefiveforty1 yeah, who knows what type of auto zone crap they used. I was in a rush and needed the car done quickly. I'll redo it at some point.

[@lovemytypes0609]

Just came across your channel. Wish you were in my area I most likely would have stayed in the industry lol.

[@darksolara6750]

great stuff ... thank you

[@SCRAMBLER390]

Could you do a video on light duty trucks, on ranking the most expensive to maintain, similar to the vehicles video, but just trucks?

[@johncheresna]

Another great video. I wish you were near me. However I am on Alberta. I believe value per dollar and cheap ends up costing more. I did work for Boeing. IMHO The reason planes last "Forever" is regulated maintenance, not that they are built that way. IMHO.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

I usually try to do my own repairs but for the ones I don't want to or can't do, I go to a local shop that is reasonable on prices and seems to do a good job. I have never taken my vehicles there for drivability or electrical issues, so I don't know how he is on diagnostics. Another good video is how to determine if a prospective shop knows how to do drivability and electrical diagnostics instead of just being a parts changer based on a code. I watch a lot of videos of yours, Pine Hollow, Eric O, Scannerdanner, and others where they get cars in from other shops and dealers who have shot gunned parts at the vehicle without fixing anything and still charges the customer. I want to know how to weed out those places.

[@ArtVan-s4l]

Cars are so complicated today ( electronics ) that very few Techs have the education / training to handle an out of the ordinary electronic repair, IMO. It helps to have an engineering degree like Ivan and a higher than average IQ. Even the "Super Techs" on the KZbin channels I watch - you know the 4 or 5 I'm referring to need to subscribe to problem databases and have access to electrical diagrams to sometimes help them out with a diagnoses. I bought a new ******** last year and I'm not sure I want to keep it beyond the extended warranty I bought. The thought of a major problem scares me. For instance, to service the timing chain is an engine out job and I usually would like to keep my vehicles for 150K miles. I'm not sure the engine could be pulled and then installed without more problems happening.

[@robertjospeh1097]

Great video!

[@Cam-LTowing-qz3cu]

When customers asked for quotes. I usually answer with the highest possible quote I would put in my head worst case scenario I tell them it won’t be more than X amount of dollars. And I know that would be a worst case scenario when they bring it in, but usually it’s not, and it’s less and people are happy

[@thedogbarber]

Heeeeeey! You took up my suggestion! Thank you!

[@Jasiel.95]

I don’t like going to new places. I had my brakes done at the dealership that I always have gone to for my car, they told me I needed rear brake rotors in the rear and they were 25,000 miles old. I just had them put on in February. They said the outside was rusted on the inner portion of the rotor. I asked them to put them in my truck, the tech beat them off with the hammer so they have dents in them now so I can’t have them used again. I imagine. I had them do the brakes because I wanted to know what it felt like with Mazda rotors on the car OEM. As the old rotors were pulsing, and they came from a Mavis I believe. I would have been much more happy if they told me my rotors are fine if they actually are, and I believe they are. And I would’ve just done other work that needed to be done my valve cover gasket. Now I’m considering having an independent shop do it cause I just feel like you said, taken advantage of.

[@yeayeasautoadventures]

If you walk into a shop and its mostly F250s with the cab off the frame and all you need is a timing belt,just keep moving,if you are not a 10k ticket they dont want it

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Great content, new sub!

[@thelifescout8335]

Hey Professor could you do a video like this but geared toward techs that are looking to work for a shop of your alls caliber.

[@ky8465]

I look for the gold plated Icon ratchet wrenches when I go into a shop!

[@anthonytaylor1923]

good man, your taking scott kilmers space ? you and he see the power of truth

[@jacobcesium1510]

good info

[@bryantwhitis6446]

Q, would you also go the BBB route. To find out if that particular shop was an accredited business with the BBB and the grade followed by any BBB complaints

[@simbad909]

Good words. I had an issue where my tranny was in limp mode. Took it to a dealer who did a diagnostic.. charged over a 100$ just to say it needed a new tranny. Lol turned out the neutral switch was busted. I discovered it myself and replaced it myself. What an ordeal over a 90$ part. Lol

[@christopherw6309]

I am lifelong parts changer. I dread going to a shop. This is part of the reason I have older cars.. due to their simplicity. I wouldn't mind having a shop do certain repairs, if I felt like I knew the specific mechanic was experienced and took pride in his work. Its questionable at best anymore. I feel like I am just paying more for less quality work than I could do myself.

[@MJSE-of7gs]

I don't take much notice of reviews from people I don't know when there is no way of knowing if they have the first damn clue about what they are talking about. I prefer owner-operator service shops but I avoid any type of franchise shop. I have two shops I use and found them by trial and error. I also like shops which are NOT tied to one brand or one distributor for their parts and consumables. Even for simple oil, fluids and filters I like a choice of what is going to be used on my vehicles. Although all our vehicles are bought new and only kept about 4 years, I never use dealers to do servicing.

[@davedammitt7691]

I found a great indy Euro car shop by pure blind luck I bought a hotter Andrews cam for my Harley, and it was suggested to press off the Andrews gear, and put the original Harley gear on the new Andrews cam. Well, I don't have a press, and I didn't want to beat on it, so I pulled into this place were the bay door was open and I can see someone working inside. It had a few Porsches and a BMW sitting outside. I pulled up and asked the guy if he could swap out the gear on my cam for me. He said: "let me look at it", and then asked what I wanted done. I explained to him I just wanted the gear swapped, and, smartly, he asked if it needed to be indexed in place. Of course, it did, and I hadn't even thought of that. He pressed the gear off of my Harley cam, Same with the Andrews cam, then indexed and pressed both gears on opposite cams. I told him it wasn't necessary to put the Andrews gear on the old Harley cam, and he replied: "won't hurt anything and you don't know if maybe someday you'll need it". I asked him how much he wanted, and he asked me: "Do you drink beer?" "Well, yeah". "OK, just bring me a case of whatever it is that you drink". So he's my guy. He even gives me an estimate, a parts list, and lets me order parts from FCP Euro with my account. (they have a lifetime warranty on every part, even brake pads and wiper blades. Seriously.) In exchange, I give him a little more time and let him use my vehicles for his younger techs to gain experience on.