Mike's Service Center Travels to RM Auction in Florida
By: Mike Lauria, Mike's Service Center

I get a call from a customer saying I have found the car of my dreams; can you fly out and look at it for me? Well, getting away from the shop for a couple of days sounded good and it would be a car guy’s weekend, so I decided to go.

RM auctions are the leading automotive auction in the world so I was not disappointed that there were over eighty cars, all makes and models. You can’t help but come away with an education in automobile history.

Back to my customers dream car, the professional photographer did a great job in making the car look brand new, but an up- close look revealed that it was not the restored car we were expecting. The following day, after looking the car over, we decided on a game plan. We had put a dollar figure on the car and we were ready to enter the ring. That was at 9 am, at 4 30pm our car finally entered the ring. It felt like being Rocky about to take on Mr. T, bring it on!!! In about two minutes the bidding stalled below our figure, WE WON!!!!! Wait there is a phone bidder. OK, now it is between the phone bidder and us, it was getting ugly. I had the white towel in my hand; I threw the towel but the fight goes on. I get a second towel, I throw the second towel, the bidding has ended, WE LOST! But just like in Rocky we will live to fight another day.

Somewhere between the dream cars and the fast- paced auction we forgot our game plan. Emotionally, it felt like having your car stolen right in front of you, it’s was not good. You can not help but walk away with a new perspective on the whole process of an auction; TV makes it look easier than it is. Even though we did our homework on the car, the price can climb if your dream car is someone else’s dream car as well. It was a quiet ride home trying to figure out what we did wrong. The answer was nothing! The price of the car exceeded our game plan. The car was beautiful but there are other beautiful cars out there also. As for my customer, well we are already making plans to go look at another car. As for the moral of this story, I’m still trying to figure it out!

Choosing An Automotive Repair Shop
By: Mike Lauria, Mike's Service Center

The money invested in buying and maintaining your vehicle is typically second only to that which is spent on your home.  Choosing the right repair shop is an important decision that can affect safety and reliability as well as the value of the vehicle you depend upon daily.

Modern vehicles are varied and complex, requiring trained technicians using up-to-date equipment and techniques.  The investment in technology made by quality repair shops ultimately benefits the consumer.  To find a facility that demonstrates a high level of commitment to their customers, consider the following.

ASE Certification is a national certification program that accredits technician competence in several specialized areas.  Signs outside the shop (blue gear with ASE embedded in the middle) will identify facilities which employ certified technicians.  Businesses that meet the highest levels of commitment to ASE Certification are entitled to display the special “Blue Seal of Excellence” sign.  Information inside the shop will show the areas of accreditation for each technician.  The “L1 Advanced Engine Performance” certification demonstrates expertise in engine performance and emission diagnostics.

Computerized Information Systems provide access to more than two million pages of vital information on vehicle specifications, repair procedures, factory bulletins, maintenance schedules, etc. Only a computer can store and retrieve this amount of information.

Specialized Equipment and Tools are essential to diagnosing and repairing cars produced after 1982.  The Lab Scope used to pinpoint computer sensors has become a basic tool.  The ability to interpret waveforms is an essential skill.

Shop Management Software can track vehicle history and maintenance due items and previous recommendations.  Although modern cars have greatly extended service intervals, the need for periodic inspection and maintenance has never been greater.  Good shop software enables the facility to become the custodian of your car’s maintenance.

Will You Be comfortable with the people you will be dealing with? Look them over. Ask them questions.  Ask your friends and neighbors about their reputation.

The best deal in an automotive repair is the job done right the first time.

Competent Service Saves You Money.

Modern vehicles are varied and complex, requiring highly trained technicians using up-to-date equipment and techniques.