A quick fix won’t cut it. Here’s why you need a trusted mechanic.

Posted on March 15, 2019 in Auto Repair, Maintenance, Our Community

National car service chains, like Jiffy Lube or PepBoys, are often used for the occasional grease job and oil change. But using these businesses for maintenance and repairs is risky. Here’s why:

1) Their “technicians” do NOT have to be certified.

Employees at these chains don’t have to have any prior experience, certifications, or even an interest in cars. According to their own job posts, all you need is their special on the job training- an online program that focuses more on customer service and management training than hands-on technical skills. Most people take their cars in for an oil change because they don’t know how to do it themselves. Why would you leave your car with somebody who has nearly the same amount of experience that you do?

2) They'll always try to upsell you. Especially if you don’t know a lot about cars.

These “technicians” are more salespeople than mechanics. At many companies in the industry, locations are required to reach a general “average cost per car” every day. These mandates cause many employees to upsell you or charge you for extra services- if they aren't reaching the amount, they can get written up by their manager. Some Jiffy Lube's have also been caught charging customers for repairs that weren’t necessary or, in some cases, weren’t even done.

3) Their job is to be fast, not careful.

Because they need to see as many customers as possible, they need to get you out the door quickly. Most quick-grease shops only spend about 10-14 minutes on each car before pushing it out the door, leading to needless errors. Many customers have found that their drain plugs and oil filters were stripped, loose, or tightened so hard that the gaskets were destroyed.

4) They don’t always do the job right.

Their fast paced, careless nature of their work environment has also lead to much bigger problems. There have been numerous stories about repairs gone wrong, from oil change nightmares to putting the wrong engine in a car.

At V&F

Every car owner should have a trustworthy regular mechanic- a shop that not only has a good reputation and the proper certifications, but employees who take time to get to know you and your car. At V&F Auto all of our services are guaranteed. Our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty on parts and labor. Family owned and operated since 1988, we take great pride in our work- providing top quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. All of our talented mechanics have gone through the necessary testing and training to become ASE Certified Technicians. From oil changes and brake repair, to engine services and transmission repair, we’ve got you covered. Call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.