Shall-Martin Garage clears customers’ misconceptions about auto repair
Not all auto repair companies are built the same.
That’s what Shall-Martin Garage hopes clients will recognize while doing business there.
Auto care professionals at the Newtown Square garage work with the latest technology, computers and online support to accurately diagnose and repair all makes and models, including top-line European, Japanese and American vehicles, said owner John Shalles.
The business — now in its 45th year — specializes in brakes, suspension and wheel alignments, computer diagnostics and repairs, air conditioning and more, he added.
But what really sets the family-owned and -operated business apart, Salles said, is its “old-school” customer service motto: “We treat our clients as we want to be treated.” As part of that philosophy, the business utilizes an honest sales approach.
“We will only fix what is necessary, and we will never pressure you into getting additional work done,” the owner said.
As a complete repair facility, Shall-Martin uses top-quality parts and guarantees all work with a minimum warranty of 12 months or 2,000 miles, said the owner.
The business also offers a customer referral rewards program and a free local shuttle service to those having their car seen or repaired.
“If they are stuck for a ride, we’ll take them home or to work,” said Shalles. “It’s that extra little touch.”
Before taking their cars in to be seen anywhere, Shall-Martin encourages owners to call the business’s 24-hour hotline to hear an informative recording.
The message details four misconceptions about car repairs and lists six questions the consumer should ask before setting up an appointment with any car repair company.
“I wanted to give the people information so they can make an educated decision, whether they’re new in town or looking for a change in repair centers,” said Shalles. One of the biggest — and most costly — misconceptions is that a garage can give an accurate price quote over the phone, he said.
“It’s very difficult to give a quote without seeing the car, and once you get in the door, it’s three times that price,” he explained. “It happens more often than you’d like to think.”
But not at Shall-Martin, he added.
“Everyone out there is willing to give promises, but no one is willing to back them up,” said Shalles. “If you want an honest and ethical garage, you should definitely come here.”
In the recorded message, the owner also explains that preventative maintenance of a car is important to its longevity and that car manufacturers are not specifying regular maintenance schedules just to make more money off the consumer.
“If maintained properly, you can expect your car to go over 100,000 miles without [major] service,” he said. “For instance, most engines have timing belts that must be replaced before they wear out and cause even more expensive damage.”
To learn more about auto repair misconceptions and the necessary questions to ask auto repair companies, call 610-356-6444.
In addition to repairs, Shall-Martin Garage performs Pennsylvania state inspections. Right now, clients can receive a free inspection for bringing in three nonperishable food items for the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County.
The 50-bed shelter, located in Upper Darby, provides a daily feeding program where homeless residents and needy individuals and families within the community receive a hot dinner 365 days a year, according to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County.
“They are really hurting,” Shalles said of the organization. “With the economy and the way things are, the need outweighs the supply.”
Shall-Martin Garage opened in 1965. Shalles, the third generation to run the garage, hopes his 19-year-old son, David, will continue with the business.
That’s what Shall-Martin Garage hopes clients will recognize while doing business there.
Auto care professionals at the Newtown Square garage work with the latest technology, computers and online support to accurately diagnose and repair all makes and models, including top-line European, Japanese and American vehicles, said owner John Shalles.
The business — now in its 45th year — specializes in brakes, suspension and wheel alignments, computer diagnostics and repairs, air conditioning and more, he added.
But what really sets the family-owned and -operated business apart, Salles said, is its “old-school” customer service motto: “We treat our clients as we want to be treated.” As part of that philosophy, the business utilizes an honest sales approach.
“We will only fix what is necessary, and we will never pressure you into getting additional work done,” the owner said.
As a complete repair facility, Shall-Martin uses top-quality parts and guarantees all work with a minimum warranty of 12 months or 2,000 miles, said the owner.
The business also offers a customer referral rewards program and a free local shuttle service to those having their car seen or repaired.
“If they are stuck for a ride, we’ll take them home or to work,” said Shalles. “It’s that extra little touch.”
Before taking their cars in to be seen anywhere, Shall-Martin encourages owners to call the business’s 24-hour hotline to hear an informative recording.
The message details four misconceptions about car repairs and lists six questions the consumer should ask before setting up an appointment with any car repair company.
“I wanted to give the people information so they can make an educated decision, whether they’re new in town or looking for a change in repair centers,” said Shalles. One of the biggest — and most costly — misconceptions is that a garage can give an accurate price quote over the phone, he said.
“It’s very difficult to give a quote without seeing the car, and once you get in the door, it’s three times that price,” he explained. “It happens more often than you’d like to think.”
But not at Shall-Martin, he added.
“Everyone out there is willing to give promises, but no one is willing to back them up,” said Shalles. “If you want an honest and ethical garage, you should definitely come here.”
In the recorded message, the owner also explains that preventative maintenance of a car is important to its longevity and that car manufacturers are not specifying regular maintenance schedules just to make more money off the consumer.
“If maintained properly, you can expect your car to go over 100,000 miles without [major] service,” he said. “For instance, most engines have timing belts that must be replaced before they wear out and cause even more expensive damage.”
To learn more about auto repair misconceptions and the necessary questions to ask auto repair companies, call 610-356-6444.
In addition to repairs, Shall-Martin Garage performs Pennsylvania state inspections. Right now, clients can receive a free inspection for bringing in three nonperishable food items for the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County.
The 50-bed shelter, located in Upper Darby, provides a daily feeding program where homeless residents and needy individuals and families within the community receive a hot dinner 365 days a year, according to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County.
“They are really hurting,” Shalles said of the organization. “With the economy and the way things are, the need outweighs the supply.”
Shall-Martin Garage opened in 1965. Shalles, the third generation to run the garage, hopes his 19-year-old son, David, will continue with the business.
