Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for auto repair shops that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For The Car Doctor, the best way to keep customers happy and ensure they have positive experiences is to take a personalized approach to every step of the auto repair process. “We love being able to help our customers get back on the road as safely and quickly as possible,” says owner Alex Galvan. “They know we have the knowledge and skillset to do the job efficiently, at a good price, and with their best interests in mind.”

The Car Doctor has been servicing and repairing all types of vehicles (including hybrids and exotic models) at its Martinez facility since 2013. The company has the training and equipment to handle everything from auto glass replacement and oil changes to engine and transmission repairs, and it’s also qualified to perform specialized work like hybrid battery pack and inverter replacements.

Unlike less experienced auto repair shops that take on too many appointments and keep vehicles for much longer than expected, The Car Doctor provides its customers with time-saving services like drop-off oil changes and quick turnaround times. “We never rush our work, but we get things done extremely efficiently and a lot faster than most shops,” affirms Mr. Galvan. “Some companies will keep a vehicle all day and do a quick fix when it fits into their schedule, but we truly value our customers’ time, so we make sure to address their problems as soon as possible.”

Another distinguishing feature of The Car Doctor is its two-year/unlimited mileage parts and labor warranty, which Mr. Galvan says is one of the longest in the industry. “We provide such a long warranty because we believe cars are meant to be driven. The only reason to give a short warranty is if you’re using inferior parts or guessing with the repairs. We actually test drive and inspect every vehicle before we start working on it, and we only use high-quality parts made by industry-leading manufacturers.”

You can save money and get the same value by choosing an auto repair shop that installs quality parts without the big-name markup.

Most drivers want to take good care of their cars, and installing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts is one of the best ways to do that. OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer as the original parts, so they’re exactly what your vehicle was built to use.

Some people prefer to take their vehicles to dealership repair shops or specialty shops. This might make sense from a quality standpoint, but many experts recommend looking into independent repair shops that provide the same quality parts at lower prices.

Alex Galvan, owner of The Car Doctor in Martinez, says independent shops can often beat dealership prices while still giving their customers reliable services. “An independent shop can get dealership parts, but it can also buy from wholesale companies to keep costs down for its customers. Brand-name parts can be quite expensive because you’re paying for the name, but independent shops can get them from the same suppliers that make them for those companies, which can significantly reduce the cost of a repair.”

Even owners of foreign vehicles, which are notoriously expensive to repair, can save money without sacrificing quality. “For example, parts with a BMW emblem are made by Lemforder, so independent shops can just buy directly from Lemforder and cut out the middle man,” explains Mr. Galvan. “They’re literally the same parts, just without the BMW name on them.”

Because these parts are the same as higher-priced options, repair shops should also guarantee them with the same warranty coverage as dealership parts, and they should also come with manufacturers’ warranties against defects. Talk to your mechanic about their ability to source and install these parts, and ask if they can suggest more ways that you can save money while honoring the integrity of your vehicle and the investment you’ve made in maintaining it.

Q: How do you charge for your services?

A: We charge an hourly labor rate plus the cost of materials. When we give you the estimate, you’ll pay that price or less.

Q: What if your repair doesn’t fix my car’s problem?

A: If we can’t do the repair or fix your problem, we won’t charge you.

Q: How can you return my vehicle so much faster than other shops?

A: Fixing vehicles requires a lot of skill, and we know where to look and how to fix most problems. We truly value our customers’ time, so we always try to fix their cars in a timely manner.

Q: Do I have to take my vehicle to a dealership repair shop?

A: You may need to go to the dealership for things like reprogramming keys or repairing anti-theft systems, but independent shops can do most things that dealerships do, and they usually charge less and provide more personalized service.

Q: Will you rotate my tires for free if I buy them from you?

A: Yes, and we also offer free repairs on tires that are purchased from our shop.