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IN THE SHOP A mechanic at O'Keefe Engines in Hollister works on an engine.

Auto shops remain open

Now is the time for repairs, businesses advise BY ERIK CHALHOUB

Many people choose to ignore the check engine lights on their vehicles, that finicky blinker or other maintenance issues, thinking that taking it to the shop for repairs would require them to be without their only mode of transportation for days on end.

However, with people staying at home during the shelter-in-place order and those vehicles becoming driveway scenery, that excuse no longer holds much weight.

Auto repair shops are encouraging commuters that now is the time to stop procrastinating and set up a maintenance appointment, provided they have the financial means to do so.

With already limited public transportation options further impacted by Covid-19 concerns, the automobile is often the only choice to get to and from an essential activity for those whose destinations are too far to travel by bicycle or walking.

“If you think about it, now’s the best time to do auto repair,” said Sarah Gomes, office manager of Preferred Automotive in Gilroy. “Get it done while you’re not using it.”

Like all other auto repair shops in the South Valley and San Benito County, Preferred Automotive, 8460 Church St., remains open for business. Gomes said the shop is working with a “skeleton crew” after having to lay off two mechanics and an office employee, while the remaining two mechanics are on an on-call basis. Owner David Rose, who previously stepped back and let the mechanics do their work, is now one of the wrenchers, Gomes added.

Since the shelter-in-place order went into effect, Preferred Automotive has lost most of its largest customers, such as ridesharing and fleet vehicles.

“We’ve taken a huge hit,” Gomes said. “It’s easily 80 percent of our business.”

Preferred Automotive, which is marking 20 years, offers a variety of services for all vehicles by appointment. Since the pandemic hit, the shop has shifted to a no-contact operation, such as allowing customers to drop off their keys in a drop box outside and over-the-phone payments.

After they complete the work, employees sanitize touch points throughout the vehicle, such as steering wheels, door handles and key fobs. The shop also offers vehicle pick-up and delivery.

“We’re doing a lot to accommodate everybody to stay safe,” Gomes said.

Other auto repair shops are doing the same. Now in business for 30 years, Advanced Auto Body, 16170 Jacqueline Court in Morgan Hill, for example, is offering free vehicle pick-up and delivery services for customers.

“People are still going to have cars, and people are going to need their cars fixed,” Gomes said. ²