Auto & Truck Repair

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Finding a mechanic you trust and are comfortable with may seem impossible - but I assure you there are honest caring repair shops - you just have to do your homework. Look for testimonials from satisfied customers. You can contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made, and if so, did the shop go out of their way to resolve the issue? Also, look at what trade affiliations the shop belongs to - that will be a good reflection of how current and up-to-date the shop is - remember vehicles are very complex - and good mechanics will keep their certifications up to date and continue their eduaction so you receive the best service!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Not all vehicles are created equally. For example some transmissions take special synthetic fluid. Some vehicles' take special anti-freeze, and some take specific weight differental fluid. With over 22,000 makes and models of vehicles is difficult to remember everything about each one - that is why its so important for your mechanic to have current, up-to-date resources to refer to. This ensures your vehicle is going to get exactly what the manufacturer suggests it gets. (These resources cost money - so if your repair shop subscribes/invests to these information sources you know they have good intention to service your vehicle to the best of their ability)

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. A consumer should 1st start by asking friends and co-workers for references to a reputable shop. When you have chosen a place to go, ask if they have experience, or are familiar with your particular kind of vehicle (I have heard of repair shops that don't work on Cadillacs', or don't work on european cars). Ask what kind of warranty they offer on parts and labor, and when quoted a price make sure you ask if the price is "out the door", does it include tax and shop fees - that way your financially prepared when its time to pay for the service.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Buyers should think about how long they may be without their vehicle when bringing it to a repair facility. Is it coming in just for a routine oil change, or are the brakes grinding? Do you have an appointment, or are you able to leave it for a while?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I am an advocate for the customer when they come into New Hope Auto & Truck. I inspect and verify all recommendations made by the technicians. I expect test results and specifications to be documented so there is never a question whether or not the customer received the proper diagnosis and/or repair. A follow-up call is made to the customer a short time after their visit to confirm they are satisfied with the services.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love being able to take something broken and fix it. Vehicles are very complex and constantly changing, so there is always new systems and techniques to learn. I am very passionate about the auto repair industry and my goal is to improve the reputation of the auto repair shop.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The most common question I am asked is "What got you into auto mechanics?" and my reply is... I took an aptitude questionaire in my early 20's. It suggested that I was mechanically inclined, so I went to the local trade school - signed up for the auto mechanics class and have been doing it every since (17 plus years).