what women auto know

oWning a Car never Felt so good

Most women would rather grocery shop than bring a car in for repairs. Knowing the price of a pound of hamburger is more within our scope of understanding than the cost of a brake job. And when does an air filter really need to be changed?

Have you ever wished you knew more about car repairs? Or that you could just get a massage while you wait?

Well sometimes wishes do come true. Beth Goerger manages Relaxation Automobile Station in Moorhead, which just opened in August. This new business offers full car repair and salon services in one stop including complimentary chair massages while you wait.

Goerger says, “We want to give people, especially females, a place to fix a car and not feel intimidated. They can get the educational level they want, in-depth or not. We’ll point out what needs to be repaired now, in the near future, or what work might come up in the next six months. And we will tell you when nothing needs to be done.”

In an effort to remove the intimidation factor, a free Auto Basics 101 workshop will be offered every six to eight weeks.

Goerger grew up on a farm near Mantador, North Dakota, and spent summers at her uncle’s farm near Turtle Lake, North Dakota. She says, “I grew up with a wrench in my hand and was educated in the school of hard knocks. Like when my father, Harlan Goerger, converted his 1972 Chevy pickup into a hot rod, I was all in. And my brother, who had a Honda, taught me little tricks on how to repair it with little or no cost.”

Since then Goerger expanded her automotive knowledge by working part-time at Star Fleet Services in West Fargo. They maintained vehicles for international companies like Fed Ex, and local businesses like Sandy’s Donuts. She eventually owned it.

Nationally some larger cities have had success in offering the auto repair service/salon concept. So a group of local business owners wanted to bring to it Fargo-Moorhead. Because they knew Goerger’s mechanical abilities, they presented the idea to her last January hoping she would be interested.

“I absolutely loved the idea,” Goerger says. So they began working on a business plan. “The service department offers all auto repairs; oil, lube and filter service; and detailing. The salon offers full services too.”

Goerger’s automotive knowledge is thorough. “Technology changes quickly in this industry. It’s more computer controlled and no one likes to see that check engine light. But we have the necessary technology to determine what issue needs to be resolved. We work on domestic and foreign cars, including Mercedes, Audis and Jaguars.”

She prides herself on keeping one of the cleanest shops in town, both the waiting room and the shop area. “I can walk a client back to the shop and show them what we’re working on and they don’t have to worry about getting dirty.”

Natural light pours into the welcoming waiting area, which offers a complimentary beverage bar, a children’s play area, two massage chairs and a full service salon.

Ask your husband to pick up the groceries while your car is getting repaired. And let the massage chair recharge your own battery. You’ll realize owning a car never felt so good.

To Learn More

Check out Relaxation Automobile Station on Facebook, for a glimpse of their facility, educational information and specials. Appointments can be made online at relaxationauto.com.

1702 Main Avenue, Moorhead 218-297-0322 [ aw ]