My Mechanic Auto & Tire Centre on Steels - Review

[Poepoies]

This is the garage called My Mechanic Auto and Tire Centre at 4530 Steels Ave. E. near Pacific Mall.

I needed an oil change last week, and finally had a day free. Called my regular mechanic to see if they had time, I was out of luck because they were very busy that morning. I normally provide my own filter and oil and they charge me $15 bucks for labour, since I can't do it properly on my slanted driveway without proper stands etc. Anyways, so I saw the $19.99 opening special, while doing my errands, and decided that I was gonna pop in and get it done.

For $19.99 I decided that I was going to keep their filter, and supply my own synthetic oil. Establishment is clean, with a comfortable waiting area with a TV, single serve coffee machine, water and nice seats. (The shop is operated by very nice South East Asians) So anyways, I ask for the oil change special, tell them my oil is in the trunk and asked about the brand of filters they use, they use NAPA filters, and they are decent parts so I didn't mind. So I sign the work order for the oil change special.

So I'm sitting down, watching tv, and enjoying a coffee when the attendant comes tells me that I should also get a whole bunch of other jobs done. I've never gone to a discount oil change place, but I always knew about their sales tactics. These places make almost no money on the $20 oil change special, so they always try to upsell on other services/parts/jobs. I'm pretty alarmed at this point because I had barely been sitting down for 5 minutes and I see my car in the garage bay with all the tires off, trunk open, and I'm thinking "What the hell? *crap* forgot to tell them not to do anything else" Too late.

The attendant proceeds to sell me on Tire Rotation, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Power Steering Fluid Flush and a rear Drum Brake Adjustment. He explains everything in detail, and his co-worker chimes in to add to the urgency of my need to replace brake fluid and brake adjustments for even wear of the pad. Fair enough, it was half-good willed advice, tire rotations are recommended at oil change intervals but I usually get them free. I declined the Tire Rotation, Brake Fluid Flush (Did mine this summer) and the Brake Adjustment. Then the mechanic shows me my cabin filter, which is I see, and it's as dirty as ever, filled with dried crab apples, leaves, dust bunnies etc.!

I always do these jobs myself, and had stocked the filters at home using a Canadian Tire gift card I received which is normally $20.99, the shop wanted to charge me $25 for the part, and $15 for the labour. I said No, but I was more surprised and upset that they went through my glove box and took out the filter without my permission! To their defense, I didn't lock it, and NEVER expect any decent garage to start going through people's glove box compartments.

Next, I personally took a look at the power steering fluid, it's been unchanged on a 6 year car, and I meant to do it in the spring via turkey baster method. I dabbed a little of the fluid off the valve, and it was very black and contaminated. I knew I needed it, and suckered in for a discounted price. I watched them do it, and they flushed it thoroughly, while going through turning the steering wheel the full rack left and right several times, and they were flushing it with a good cleaning kit prior to filling with the new stuff so I'm satisfied.

Anyways, after all is said and done, I leave pretty decently satisfied. I know I over paid a little bit @$80 for the Power Steering Flush, but I realize that most garages NEED to sell you these services to survive, pay for rent, wages, utilities, disposal fees, tools, advertising etc. I bring in my own parts to my regular mechanic all the time, and I know he charges barely enough to cover his labour and overhead expenses because he's losing out on the part sales to people like me, so things like these aren't really an issue for me. I'm never out to get a deal to put a business OUT of business. What most people call "StealerShips" too, their service department has even MORE expenses, including dedicated service advisers, dedicated parts people, each with a sub department manager, valets, shuttle drivers/expenses etc., so really, their margin isn't really that drastic in MOST cases. Anyways this is another rant I feel strongly about for another time.

So fast forward two weeks later today, the weather is nice so I decided to do the Cabin Filter Replacement. So as I'm beginning to do this, I go to my glove box and first thing I notice is that the damper arm rod is disconnected. I'm annoyed, because they didn't reconnect it properly, but doesn't matter, I needed it disconnected to access the filter anyways right!? So I do my job, change out the filter (5mins) and then try to put the 3 parts back together and when I come back to the damper arm, I'm trying really hard to hook it back up and it's not working!

I get kind of frustrated at this point, so I shine a light on it, and I noticed the hook part of the damper arm is BROKEN. (By the way, the damper arm makes the glove box drop slowly instead of crashing down but is not found in all cars.) I realize at this point, the mechanic was probably too rough when they had "inspected" my cabin air filter, broke the hook, and never told me.

Yes, I'm upset at this point, so I call in, not really expecting a good outcome because at this point, I've had my car back for 2 weeks, and it's going to be a "you said, he said" kind of argument. No surprises, they totally deny that they could have broken it, and state that it must have been broken/weakened previously. It's a plastic part yes, and they break very easily, so I know they aren't going to do anything, so I give up.

The part is going to cost me about $20 to replace the plastic damper rod arm. It's not a big deal to me, but I really regretted letting these guys do anything to my car other than the oil change. I mean, they should be doing visual inspections and stuff, but going out of their way to find problems, breaking things and not telling the customer/ or not admitting fault is not acceptable. I realize that the mechanic could have broken it without even knowing. Maybe it was disconnected/broken in the first place (but I'm pretty sensitive about that crashing sound the glove box makes when it drops down like a rock without the damper arm, so it's unlikely that it was broken prior to the service). Anyways, since I can't tell for sure, and they really probably don't remember/know and I wouldn't expect any business to replace a part that I couldn't "prove" they broke, I'm just going to consider it my bad luck and let it go.

I think the overall place is nice, it's quiet, and alright if you need a quick oil change. There are cheaper places, but I happen to be right across from them after going through the drive-thru for Tim Horton's. Advice for all discount oil changes: take the oil change special, TELL THEM NOT TO DO ANYTHING ELSE EXCEPT VISUAL INSPECTIONS! They can find the problems, and I'll take it back to my regular trusted mechanic if needed for a second opinion. So overall, this was a $20 lesson well learned I suppose.

I wouldn't condemn them for this one accident, but I wouldn't praise them either. I'm not going back, but here's my review for everyone to make an informed decision. Enjoy.

[illmdxthat]

Great detailed review. I only let my trusted mechanic do all the car work and even when they are doing it I'm nearby to check an eye on things.

[Poepoies]

I usually go to the same trusted mechanic as well, but as I mentioned, he was overwhelmed that particular day.

[SleepyMcGee]

I usually leave all oil change/maintenance to my regular mechanic but, like yours, it can sometimes be quite a hassle to get my truck in to see him (good, honest mechanic = busy, busy mechanic) And when you do, even for an oil change, it can take all day as it's first come first serve ("drop your car off before 8am"...no appointments lol)

So in December I was due for an oil change and really didn't have time to wait all day for an oil change (I don't mind when it's nice out since I work near my mechanic and there's plenty to do in the area if I'm off work that day) so I took a chance on Oil Changers on Kennedy near Lawrence. Couldn't be happier. They do try to upsell you as well, obviously, but I was just polite and said I was only there for the oil change. Drive right in, maybe 10 mins if even and they were done.

Definitely wouldn't mind going back if all I need is an oil change...but I do like to support my mechanic as they've always been good to me.

[mustlehustle]

I went to the establishment for an oil change and declined the 30 point courtesy check to save time as I was trying make a dinner appointment. I asked when it would be done by and they said "45 Minutes." I arrived at 6:30 pm as it is stated on my work order sheet and the work was promised for 7:00 pm. I waited and my car was not put on the lift until 7:30pm. I left for dinner across the street, came back at 8:00pm to speak to the mechanic and he mentions to me that he cannot release the vehicle because my left rear brakes was leaking brake fluid and it was deemed unsafe to drive. He states I have two options. I can either keep it over night and they can order the part to fix it on his premise or I call a tow truck to get it towed. He could not legally let me drive it out of the property in case I got into an accident. I had told two people in the front desk not to do ANYTHING besides the oil change and they did not follow through with that order. Then to tell me I cannot leave with my vehicle unless I pay out of my pocket to get it towed.

From a $20 oil change to this whole commotion that lasted until 10:00pm. It is not right on principle and legal grounds that they held me hostage in their premise without being able to access my car on simply a judgement call that a mechanic made. I lived literally 2 minutes from my house and told them I could drive it home because it was ridiculous for me to pay 60-70 dollars to have it towed but they would not cooperate with me. I have been driving the car with no problem on my breaks. I think as a car owner if I had any problems with my breaks I would gladly go fix it because breaks are a safety issue I was treated unfairly by 3 individuals who decided to team up and take advantage of a customer who does not know much about fixing a car. I called the police but they said they could not show up until midnight because it was not an emergency so that did not help. At the end I ended up calling the tow truck and paid 48.45 for the oil change and engine oil flush.

They did not try to do anything to resolve this issue with me but telling me that they can order the part in and have it done possibly the next day because they were closing or call a tow truck. How can you corner in your customer into a decision that might cost them hundreds of dollars on something that they did not get the permission to do in the first place. I was so frustrated because I am not the type to argue and make a big deal in public. They clearly took advantage of my passiveness and I think also me being 24 years old made me look like a fool waiting to be taken advantage of.

So STAY AWAY PEOPLE. GO TO ANOTHER PLACE!

[azncapcom]

stay away from them at all costs. My friend's mom got scammed by them by $1400... ill post details after, busy at the moment.

[packardbell]

I went to the establishment for an oil change and declined the 30 point courtesy check to save time as I was trying make a dinner appointment. I asked when it would be done by and they said "45 Minutes." I arrived at 6:30 pm as it is stated on my work order sheet and the work was promised for 7:00 pm. I waited and my car was not put on the lift until 7:30pm. I left for dinner across the street, came back at 8:00pm to speak to the mechanic and he mentions to me that he cannot release the vehicle because my left rear brakes was leaking brake fluid and it was deemed unsafe to drive. He states I have two options. I can either keep it over night and they can order the part to fix it on his premise or I call a tow truck to get it towed. He could not legally let me drive it out of the property in case I got into an accident. I had told two people in the front desk not to do ANYTHING besides the oil change and they did not follow through with that order. Then to tell me I cannot leave with my vehicle unless I pay out of my pocket to get it towed.

From a $20 oil change to this whole commotion that lasted until 10:00pm. It is not right on principle and legal grounds that they held me hostage in their premise without being able to access my car on simply a judgement call that a mechanic made. I lived literally 2 minutes from my house and told them I could drive it home because it was ridiculous for me to pay 60-70 dollars to have it towed but they would not cooperate with me. I have been driving the car with no problem on my breaks. I think as a car owner if I had any problems with my breaks I would gladly go fix it because breaks are a safety issue I was treated unfairly by 3 individuals who decided to team up and take advantage of a customer who does not know much about fixing a car. I called the police but they said they could not show up until midnight because it was not an emergency so that did not help. At the end I ended up calling the tow truck and paid 48.45 for the oil change and engine oil flush.

They did not try to do anything to resolve this issue with me but telling me that they can order the part in and have it done possibly the next day because they were closing or call a tow truck. How can you corner in your customer into a decision that might cost them hundreds of dollars on something that they did not get the permission to do in the first place. I was so frustrated because I am not the type to argue and make a big deal in public. They clearly took advantage of my passiveness and I think also me being 24 years old made me look like a fool waiting to be taken advantage of.

So STAY AWAY PEOPLE. GO TO ANOTHER PLACE!

Your situation works both ways, if you were the mechanic and you informed a customer of a potential problem but the customer refuses to repair and then has an accident. Obviously the mechanic would be blamed.
for your safety and interest they did the right thing but should have made you sign a waiver acknowledging the potential danger to relieve them of responsibility about the leaking brakes and let you go on your way.

[sf1991]

I drive by this area all the time, i have never been to the shop but from outside it looks like a modern establishment. The whole area makes you feel like your are in China.

This is the garage called My Mechanic Auto and Tire Centre at 4530 Steels Ave. E. near Pacific Mall.

I needed an oil change last week, and finally had a day free. Called my regular mechanic to see if they had time, I was out of luck because they were very busy that morning. I normally provide my own filter and oil and they charge me $15 bucks for labour, since I can't do it properly on my slanted driveway without proper stands etc. Anyways, so I saw the $19.99 opening special, while doing my errands, and decided that I was gonna pop in and get it done.

For $19.99 I decided that I was going to keep their filter, and supply my own synthetic oil. Establishment is clean, with a comfortable waiting area with a TV, single serve coffee machine, water and nice seats. (The shop is operated by very nice South East Asians) So anyways, I ask for the oil change special, tell them my oil is in the trunk and asked about the brand of filters they use, they use NAPA filters, and they are decent parts so I didn't mind. So I sign the work order for the oil change special.

So I'm sitting down, watching tv, and enjoying a coffee when the attendant comes tells me that I should also get a whole bunch of other jobs done. I've never gone to a discount oil change place, but I always knew about their sales tactics. These places make almost no money on the $20 oil change special, so they always try to upsell on other services/parts/jobs. I'm pretty alarmed at this point because I had barely been sitting down for 5 minutes and I see my car in the garage bay with all the tires off, trunk open, and I'm thinking "What the hell? *crap* forgot to tell them not to do anything else" Too late.

The attendant proceeds to sell me on Tire Rotation, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Power Steering Fluid Flush and a rear Drum Brake Adjustment. He explains everything in detail, and his co-worker chimes in to add to the urgency of my need to replace brake fluid and brake adjustments for even wear of the pad. Fair enough, it was half-good willed advice, tire rotations are recommended at oil change intervals but I usually get them free. I declined the Tire Rotation, Brake Fluid Flush (Did mine this summer) and the Brake Adjustment. Then the mechanic shows me my cabin filter, which is I see, and it's as dirty as ever, filled with dried crab apples, leaves, dust bunnies etc.!

I always do these jobs myself, and had stocked the filters at home using a Canadian Tire gift card I received which is normally $20.99, the shop wanted to charge me $25 for the part, and $15 for the labour. I said No, but I was more surprised and upset that they went through my glove box and took out the filter without my permission! To their defense, I didn't lock it, and NEVER expect any decent garage to start going through people's glove box compartments.

Next, I personally took a look at the power steering fluid, it's been unchanged on a 6 year car, and I meant to do it in the spring via turkey baster method. I dabbed a little of the fluid off the valve, and it was very black and contaminated. I knew I needed it, and suckered in for a discounted price. I watched them do it, and they flushed it thoroughly, while going through turning the steering wheel the full rack left and right several times, and they were flushing it with a good cleaning kit prior to filling with the new stuff so I'm satisfied.

Anyways, after all is said and done, I leave pretty decently satisfied. I know I over paid a little bit @$80 for the Power Steering Flush, but I realize that most garages NEED to sell you these services to survive, pay for rent, wages, utilities, disposal fees, tools, advertising etc. I bring in my own parts to my regular mechanic all the time, and I know he charges barely enough to cover his labour and overhead expenses because he's losing out on the part sales to people like me, so things like these aren't really an issue for me. I'm never out to get a deal to put a business OUT of business. What most people call "StealerShips" too, their service department has even MORE expenses, including dedicated service advisers, dedicated parts people, each with a sub department manager, valets, shuttle drivers/expenses etc., so really, their margin isn't really that drastic in MOST cases. Anyways this is another rant I feel strongly about for another time.

So fast forward two weeks later today, the weather is nice so I decided to do the Cabin Filter Replacement. So as I'm beginning to do this, I go to my glove box and first thing I notice is that the damper arm rod is disconnected. I'm annoyed, because they didn't reconnect it properly, but doesn't matter, I needed it disconnected to access the filter anyways right!? So I do my job, change out the filter (5mins) and then try to put the 3 parts back together and when I come back to the damper arm, I'm trying really hard to hook it back up and it's not working!

I get kind of frustrated at this point, so I shine a light on it, and I noticed the hook part of the damper arm is BROKEN. (By the way, the damper arm makes the glove box drop slowly instead of crashing down but is not found in all cars.) I realize at this point, the mechanic was probably too rough when they had "inspected" my cabin air filter, broke the hook, and never told me.

Yes, I'm upset at this point, so I call in, not really expecting a good outcome because at this point, I've had my car back for 2 weeks, and it's going to be a "you said, he said" kind of argument. No surprises, they totally deny that they could have broken it, and state that it must have been broken/weakened previously. It's a plastic part yes, and they break very easily, so I know they aren't going to do anything, so I give up.

The part is going to cost me about $20 to replace the plastic damper rod arm. It's not a big deal to me, but I really regretted letting these guys do anything to my car other than the oil change. I mean, they should be doing visual inspections and stuff, but going out of their way to find problems, breaking things and not telling the customer/ or not admitting fault is not acceptable. I realize that the mechanic could have broken it without even knowing. Maybe it was disconnected/broken in the first place (but I'm pretty sensitive about that crashing sound the glove box makes when it drops down like a rock without the damper arm, so it's unlikely that it was broken prior to the service). Anyways, since I can't tell for sure, and they really probably don't remember/know and I wouldn't expect any business to replace a part that I couldn't "prove" they broke, I'm just going to consider it my bad luck and let it go.

I think the overall place is nice, it's quiet, and alright if you need a quick oil change. There are cheaper places, but I happen to be right across from them after going through the drive-thru for Tim Horton's. Advice for all discount oil changes: take the oil change special, TELL THEM NOT TO DO ANYTHING ELSE EXCEPT VISUAL INSPECTIONS! They can find the problems, and I'll take it back to my regular trusted mechanic if needed for a second opinion. So overall, this was a $20 lesson well learned I suppose.

I wouldn't condemn them for this one accident, but I wouldn't praise them either. I'm not going back, but here's my review for everyone to make an informed decision. Enjoy.

[mustlehustle]

Your situation works both ways, if you were the mechanic and you informed a customer of a potential problem but the customer refuses to repair and then has an accident. Obviously the mechanic would be blamed.
for your safety and interest they did the right thing but should have made you sign a waiver acknowledging the potential danger to relieve them of responsibility about the leaking brakes and let you go on your way.

I understand the safety point of the situation but this was merely an attempt for them to make more money out of me. Firstly I told them specifically not to do anything else at all but the oil change and they went ahead and did it anyways. And also the first thing I suggested when they said they would be held liable, was to write up a liability letter and I would sign it releasing them of any legal worries. I suggested this over and over again but to no avail. This left me frustrated because clearly they did everything they could to make the situation worse.

Anyways what done is done. Lesson learned.

[AV-Fishing]

Plenty of places to go to ... I thought about them at first but decided not to for the alignment ... they were charging $100 ...

Besides ... Cabin Filters are NOT necessary ... it blocks the air going to your front windshield in the winter when you turn on the heat to defrost the ice on the front ...

So in my Lancer ... I pulled that stupid filter ...

[feidailo]

thanks for the review, looks like another shoddy "mechanic" to me. i hate these thieves, i really do.

[Starkicker]

What nationality are South East Asians? Indians or Chinese (generalizing, I know).

If they are Indians, I think I know them from another such bait and switch place in the past.

[AV-Fishing]

they are probably all relatives of RAGU ... fixing cars on insurance claims ...

[bwong]

i did oil changed few weeks ago by them. They inspected my vehicle free with list of things need to be fixed. The indian guy printed out a quote with labour rate of $90 per hour(dealer's rate). I just want a oil change service & he said no problem. I'm free to go.

[sickcars]

I understand the safety point of the situation but this was merely an attempt for them to make more money out of me. Firstly I told them specifically not to do anything else at all but the oil change and they went ahead and did it anyways. And also the first thing I suggested when they said they would be held liable, was to write up a liability letter and I would sign it releasing them of any legal worries. I suggested this over and over again but to no avail. This left me frustrated because clearly they did everything they could to make the situation worse.

Anyways what done is done. Lesson learned.

That's when you start breaking Teeth