You know what they say: “if you can’t come to George, George will come to you!”
Okay, maybe I’m the only one who says that. But it’s true! Don’t think you’re out of luck just because your car can’t make it to a shop.
I’m flexible, and I’m mobile. I offer a variety of mobile services:
- Vehicle repairs or situations where coming to the shop isn’t necessary or possible
- Advice on how to repair or tackle the next stage of a project car
- Inspecting a vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing
Handyman Mentor: Helping With Home Repairs And Project Cars
Sometimes you get in the middle of a home repair – and realize you don’t know what to do next.
That’s the perfect time to give me a call: I can drop by and lead you through the tricky parts of vehicle maintenance.
I’m thinking of one customer in particular who was replacing his timing belt: he got everything apart perfectly, but couldn’t remember how to put it back together. Some things you can fudge your way through, but vehicle repair isn’t one of them – it’s better to get me to show you the way than risk your car falling to pieces!
I also have a couple of customers working on old classic cars in their spare time. They like to touch base every couple of weeks or so – to get a second opinion or just talk shop for a while.
I’m here to check over your work and lead you on the right path when you need it – basically the mechanic version of Yoda!
Don’t worry – my advice is a lot less cryptic.
Why Mobile Repair Might Be Right For You
Sometimes it’s just easier for me to come to you. Your vehicle might be a good candidate for mobile repair if the vehicle:
- isn’t safe to drive
- won’t start
- is up on jacks or already in pieces
- is in a location where a tow truck can’t get to it
There are exceptions to the rule, and it also helps if there is a clean, dry place where I can work. A mobile repair is safer, easier, and will go much more quickly if I’m working in ideal conditions (quicker = cheaper).
You might also be a good candidate for my mobile mechanic skills if the repair is something simple. If the repair is only going to take fifteen minutes, then I may as well save you the trouble of coming into the shop. Right?
Why Mobile Repair Might NOT Be Right For You
Your vehicle would be a BAD candidate for mobile repair if…
- The repair will take more than a couple of hours
- The repair requires specialty tools or heavy-duty equipment
- You live in an area where driveway repairs are prohibited (such as gated communities or some townhouse complexes)
A good rule of thumb: if you can drive your car to the shop, that’s probably what will be the easiest. Maybe you can get your cat to do it for you!
Just kidding. That’s probably not a good idea.
Before You Buy A New Vehicle, Get It Inspected!
Investing in a new car? You want to make sure you get the best vehicle possible, both in condition and price. That’s where I step in! My expert eye will help you avoid the lemons and find the car of your dreams.
In this kind of scenario it’s not usually possible to bring the car to my garage, since the seller probably wants to keep an eye on it. Instead, give me a call when you set up a meeting with a seller – I can meet you anywhere in town to vet the vehicle and give you an honest opinion.
This is known as a pre-purchase inspection. You can read more about them here. They cost just shy of $100 – which is a small price to pay to avoid wasting thousands on a lousy garbage car.
I Don’t Do Emergency Roadside Repairs
I get a couple of these calls every few months: someone breaks down on the highway, Googles “Chilliwack Mechanic” and I pop up. If you want to tow your car to the shop so I can work on it, that’s one thing – but it’s dangerous, difficult, and awkward to do repairs on the side of the highway.
This is why I always, always, always recommend BCAA. Every membership comes with free towing privileges. The basic package covers tow trips within 5 km, and the plus package jumps up to 160 km – enough mileage to get your car from Vancouver to Chilliwack.
A year-long membership with BCAA probably costs less than what you pay to insure your car for a single month: basic membership clocks in around $90, and plus membership is around $125. I think of it as an investment in peace of mind.
I’m a mechanic, and even I have BCAA!
My car might break down in North Vancouver, and I might know how to fix it – but I don’t want to get my tools out and get oil all over myself. I’m dressed to go out on the town!
Save yourself the stress and sign up for BCAA. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a hard time finding anyone else willing to come change your blown tire in the middle of the night. They’re your guys if you ever think you’ll need emergency repairs.
When In Doubt… Call George!
It all comes down to your needs. There are reasons to come into the shop, and there are reasons to get a mobile repair, but the deciding factor will always be what works for you.
It’s important to be flexible – because that’s how I can serve you best!
Pricing On A Mobile Service Call
Mobile services tend to range incredibly in price – depending on how far away you are and what you need done. Local calls start at $75 which includes the first half hour of service. If you need a more specific quote, give me a call or shoot me an email and we’ll figure it out in a jiffy!
Long story short – I look forward to working with your car – no matter where it is!
