THE LOCALER
Finding a Good Car Mechanic
After 45 years in the business, master mechanic Bob Ward knows that great service is about more than fixing cars — it’s about earning trust that lasts for generations.
By Anne Marshall | Original photography by Heather Lynch
When you trust your mechanic, taking your car into the shop to prepare it for the winter can be something to look forward to. You enjoy the visit because you get to see someone you’ve developed a relationship with over the years. Knowing how to find a good mechanic means more than heading to the closest shop. If you’re new to your area, you’ve started driving a different vehicle, or you’re looking for an auto repair shop after receiving unsatisfactory service elsewhere, you’ll want to take that extra time to be discerning.
Bob Ward, a licensed Class A automotive technician and co-owner of the award-winning Auto Guys in St. Thomas, Ont., is an example of the kind of mechanic you should be searching out. The shop has earned the designation of Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility, which means it has met or exceeded CAA’s exacting standards of quality and customer service. What’s more, with over 45 years’ experience in the car repair and maintenance industry, mostly as a business owner, Ward probably knows as much about building and servicing good client relationships as he does about engines.
It’s a fairly simple equation, according to this master mechanic: “I can sum it up in one word,” he says: “Communication.”
(Top right) Auto Guys co-owner Bob Ward has over 45 years of experience in the business. (Bottom right) The busy shop has earned AARS™ status.
Perhaps that’s the sign of a great mechanic — someone who feels less like a service provider and more like an old friend.
The personal touch
At Auto Guys, you’re greeted by name when you walk through the door, usually by service manager Nic Ramsay. If you have a few minutes to stick around before your diagnostic visit, auto repair, scheduled maintenance or car inspection, you’ll even get to meet the licensed technicians and registered apprentices who will be working on your car. It’s that personal touch that has helped great mechanics grow their relationships with customers. Ward also ensures that service recommendations and pricing are thoroughly explained to clients so there are no lingering concerns. “Ask any questions and get a good explanation. If you’re going to spend X number of dollars on your car, you really want to know what you’re getting done, what the warranty is and what’s covered.”
They get to know you, not just your vehicle
A good mechanic is there for the life of your car — and even your transition from one to the next. They offer inspections for those looking to purchase a used vehicle, assess the health and potential longevity of a current car, and protect against fraudulent inspection results, which Ward says are on the rise. With outdoor temperatures dropping, a winter inspection is Ward’s top recommendation: get your car booked in and get things checked out by a licensed auto mechanic. “We test all the batteries in all the cars, every time a car comes in for service,” he explains, adding that “we replaced more batteries this summer than ever.” Summer, he explains, is very taxing on a battery due to extended idling, running the air conditioning and dealing with the heat. A waning, draining battery won’t necessarily quit right away — until cold mornings make starting the engine a challenge. It's better to catch it and replace it before the battery has become too weak to start. Ward explains that if he doesn’t test the battery, then nobody will know it’s failing until the vehicle doesn’t start. But if a mechanic can replace an expiring battery before it dies, the vehicle owner can be saved a lot of trouble and potential expense. Ward and his team also check to make sure clients have good, winter-rated tires, and that signal lights, tail lights, interior lights and headlights are all working properly.
Building relationships that span generations
Knowing they can rely on Ward to keep them safe while enjoying a friendly experience keeps customers coming back; some have been with him for more than 30 years, and he’s earned the trust of three generations of the same family. Perhaps that’s the sign of a great mechanic — someone who feels less like a service provider and more like an old friend. CAA
Photos, starting with Joe, Rick, shop owner Bob, Steve and Rob: The Auto Guys go beyond fixing cars, they build relationships and trust with customers; the sign outside says it all: Always the Right Choice; mechanics at work in this clean and organized auto shop; they do everything from diagnostics to routine maintenance.
What Qualifies as a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) Facility?
Business owners must apply for CAA’s AARS™ status and adhere to the following:
- Agree to CAA’s dispute resolution
- Staff certified technicians
- Guarantee a warranty on parts and labour of one year/20,000 km
- Complete a satisfactory police background and a credit score check
- Maintain a customer satisfaction score above 90 percent
- Offer Member benefits
Criteria are reviewed regularly and must continue to be maintained after receiving AARS™ certification. For Members with inquiries about AARS™ facilities, or auto shops interested in becoming an AARS™ facility, contact Auto Advice at 1-866-464-6448.
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What Qualifies as a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) Facility?
Business owners must apply for CAA’s AARS™ status and adhere to the following:
- Agree to CAA’s dispute resolution
- Staff certified technicians
- Guarantee a warranty on parts and labour of one year/20,000 km
- Complete a satisfactory police background and a credit score check
- Maintain a customer satisfaction score above 90 percent
- Offer Member benefits
Criteria are reviewed regularly and must continue to be maintained after receiving AARS™ certification. For Members with inquiries about AARS™ facilities, or auto shops interested in becoming an AARS™ facility, contact Auto Advice at 1-866-464-6448.
Auto Guys co-owner Bob Ward has over 45 years of experience in the business; the busy shop has earned AARS™ status.
THE LOCALER
Finding a Good Car Mechanic
After 45 years in the business, master mechanic Bob Ward knows that great service is about more than fixing cars — it’s about earning trust that lasts for generations.
By Anne Marshall | Original photography by Heather Lynch
When you trust your mechanic, taking your car into the shop to prepare it for the winter can be something to look forward to. You enjoy the visit because you get to see someone you’ve developed a relationship with over the years. Knowing how to find a good mechanic means more than heading to the closest shop. If you’re new to your area, you’ve started driving a different vehicle, or you’re looking for an auto repair shop after receiving unsatisfactory service elsewhere, you’ll want to take that extra time to be discerning.
Bob Ward, a licensed Class A automotive technician and co-owner of the award-winning Auto Guys in St. Thomas Ont., is an example of the kind of mechanic you should be searching out. The shop has earned the designation of Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility, which means the shop has met or exceeded CAA’s exacting standards of quality and customer service. What’s more, with over 45 years’ experience in the car repair and maintenance industry, mostly as a business owner, Ward probably knows as much about building and servicing good client relationships as he does about engines.
It’s a fairly simple equation, according to this master mechanic: “I can sum it up in one word,” he says: “Communication.”
The personal touch
At Auto Guys, you’re greeted by name when you walk through the door, usually by service manager Nic Ramsay. If you have a few minutes to stick around before your diagnostic visit, auto repair, scheduled maintenance or car inspection, you’ll even get to meet the licensed technicians and registered apprentices who will be working on your car. It’s that personal touch that has helped great mechanics grow their relationships with customers. Ward also ensures that service recommendations and pricing are thoroughly explained to clients so there are no lingering concerns. “Ask any questions and get a good explanation. If you’re going to spend X number of dollars on your car, you really want to know what you’re getting done, what the warranty is and what’s covered.”
They get to know you, not just your vehicle
A good mechanic is there for the life of your car — and even your transition from one to the next. They offer inspections for those looking to purchase a used vehicle, assess the health and potential longevity of a current car, and protect against fraudulent inspection results, which Ward says are on the rise. With outdoor temperatures dropping, a winter inspection is Ward’s top recommendation: get your car booked in and get things checked out by a licensed auto mechanic. “We test all the batteries in all the cars, every time a car comes in for service,” he explains, adding that “we replaced more batteries this summer than ever.” Summer, he explains, is very taxing on a battery due to extended idling, running the air conditioning and dealing with the heat. A waning, draining battery won’t necessarily quit right away — until cold mornings make starting the engine a challenge. It's better to catch it and replace it before the battery has become too weak to start. Ward explains that if he doesn’t test the battery, then nobody will know it’s failing until the vehicle doesn’t start. But if a mechanic can replace an expiring battery before it dies, the vehicle owner can be saved a lot of trouble and potential expense. Ward and his team also check to make sure clients have good, winter-rated tires, and that signal lights, tail lights, interior lights and headlights are all working properly.
Building relationships that span generations
Knowing they can rely on Ward to keep them safe while enjoying a friendly experience keeps customers coming back; some have been with him for more than 30 years, and he’s earned the trust of three generations of the same family. Perhaps that’s the sign of a great mechanic — someone who feels less like a service provider and more like an old friend. CAA
The sign outside says it all: Always the Right Choice; mechanics at work in this clean and organized auto shop; they do everything from diagnostics to routine maintenance; Joe, Rick, shop owner Bob, Steve and Rob go beyond fixing cars, they build relationships and trust with customers.