Follow the Explorers

My Mechanics

On this page I want to thank all the mechanics who helped me to get back on the road with my numerous car breakdowns:

2016

• Cox Automotive in Sewickley, PA
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  Jake, Chris (Owner) and John from Cox Automotive
  
  Jake from Cox Automotive fixing transmission lines
  
  Jake from Cox Automotive fixing my instrument cluster
  
  My S10 without instrument cluster at Cox Automotive
  My mechanic in Warrendale, PA, was not able to fix things after he had the truck for 4 months! Therefore I started to search around and found Chris from Cox Automtive, who was willing to get things done in two weeks, what the other guy was not able to do in 4 months. The guys really worked day and night to get things done, but the old mechanic has screwed up way too much. But we still hoped we got the most important problems fixed and we can fix the rest next year. But when I was eventually on the road, I had to figure out that the old mechanic really totaled the car by fixing it. It is impossible to get the truck back on the road with a reasonable amount of money. And I hoped so much that Chris and his team would be the new maintainer of the Explorers Truck! But if someone needs a good mechanic in the Pittsburgh, PA, area, Cox Automotive in Sewickley is definitely the place to go!
• St. George Transmission in St. George, UT
• 
  Jeremy (Manager) and Tyler from St. George Transmission in St. George, UT
  
  My S10 at St. George Transmission in Utah
  The next breakdown in 2016 was on my way to Las Vegas. My transmission started to dump oil out with one quart per mile! Jeremy from St. George Transmission squeezed me in his already overfull schedule. Tyler figured out, that three screws have not been properly sealed by the old mechanic in Warrendale, PA. These screws go through the transmission body. This is where I lost all my oil. Almost three horus later I was back on the road and was able to keep my reservations for Las Vegas. Thanks for helping me out this fast!
• Clovis Garage in Clovis/Fresno, CA
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  Clovis Garage in Clovis/Fresno, California
  
  Bill from Clovis Garage fixing my brakes
  
  Steve from Clovis Garage in Clovis/Fresno, California
  The next breakdown happened when I suddenly lost differential fluid out of my rear axle. Steve also squeezed me in their overfilled schedule, knowing that he will put some of his own customers back. Now the wheel bearing was broken — whereas I already told my old mechanic in Warrendale, PA, to fix the axle noise! But he was not able to fix this within 4 (!) months! Therefore I needed additionally a new axle and new brakes. This way a $400 repair has been doubled due to my old mechanic! I was lucky to find Clovis Garage, whos mechanics really know what they do! If someone needs a mechanic in the Fresno area I can highly recommend these guys. Thank you so much that you were able to get me back on the road within just one day!
• AR Transmission in Fresno, CA
• 
  AR Transmission in Fresno, California
  
  AR Transmission in Fresno, California
  The next day I had the next breakdown: My transmission lost again oil like hell. I just made it back to Fresno and Paul from Clovis Garage sent me to the best transmission shop in town — AR Transmission. I arrived at late Friday afternoon. Even when they accept new work orders earliest by the end of next week, Randy (CEO) took a look at my transmission immediately. But this is now a full day job because the transfer case had to be taken out and completely taken apart and resealed. When they realized that I am in trouble to catch my flight back to Germany in Pittsburgh they squeezed me in their overfull schedule, setting back own customers way further! They also helped me to get one of the last rental cars for that day. Eventually they figured out that my old mechanic has put in the wrong seal in the transfer case! Also a snap ring broke. Good to know that my old mechanic had the transfer case out and redone last and this year — this year because it was leaking! A real big thank you to Steve (Manager) and Randy (CEO)! Without you and your real great mechanics I would have not been able to catch my flight back! If someone needs a good transmission shop in the Fresno, CA, area, AR Transmission is absolutely the place to go!

2015

• Ken’s Auto in Grand Island, NE
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  Ken’s Auto in Grand Island, NE
  
  Jason and Matt from Ken’s Auto
  Also in 2015 I had a bunch of car issues. The first problem was a weird starter/battery issue which prevented me from starting my car at the local Casey’s gas station. Matt from Ken’s Auto squeezed me in his already full schedule and Jason got the job done the very same day. Thank you both very much for helping me out this fast. And also a thank you to the ladies at Case’s who arranged the appointment and gave me a nice chat until the tow truck arrived.
• C&C Automotive in Fayetteville, AR
• 
  C&C Automotive in Fayetteville, AR
  
  John from C&C Automotive
  
  Corey (Owner) from C&C Automotive
  The next breakdown 2015 was on my way back to Pittsburgh when my almost new fuel pump died. No mechanic in Fayetteville was willing to help me — even not when pointing out that I will miss my return flight in Pittsburgh. Only Corey agreed to do everything he can to get me back on the road today — and they made it! I was back on the road and able to catch my return flight in Pittsburgh! Thanks to the whole team who helped me out of distress! If any one needs a great mechanic in the area, 2316 S. School Ave is definitely the place to go!

2014

• S&S Garage in Green River, UT
• 
  S&S Garage in Green River, UT
  
  Michael (Owner) and Kade from S&S Garage
  
  Kade Removing Gas Tank
  In 2014 I had a horrible time with my truck stalling while offroading. Unfortunately I talked to other mechanics first who were all pointing me to fuel issues. Michael (the owner) was the only one who was immediately thinking of a timing issue which was the real root cause. Thanks for patiently throwing in all the parts I already bought to fix the fuel problem (which I also thought was the problem) and eventually fixing my problem by replacing the distributor. Michael, your first idea was right! Great job! Thanks!
• NAPA River Auto Parts in Green River, UT
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  NAPA Green River Auto Parts in Green River, UT
  
  Jeremy (Owner) from NAPA River Auto Parts
  2014 is also the first time I put an auto part shop on my web page. But Jeremy (the owner) gave me a lot of valuable hints on which parts would also be advisable to replace if I am already replacing another part. This is way more than you expect from the typical auto part guys. He also has a great technical knowledge about cars. If you are throwing in the parts from his shop by yourself I am sure he will have some good advice for you!
• Pearson Tire in Richfield, UT
• 
  Joe from Pearson Tire in Richfield, UT
  My offroading in 2013 completely killed my front alignment. My mechanic in Warrendale, PA, was supposed to fix this. But he did a bad job. Unfortunately I figured that out after I ran down another set of new tires in 2014. When I stopped at Pearson Tire in Richfield around lunch time with my problem and asked when they would have a chance to take a look at my truck, Joe (the alignment specialist) simply answered: Now! Wow, this was awesome! And after an hour I was already back on the road. Thank you Joe for helping me out this fast!
• EZ Auto Repair in San Diego, CA
• 
  EZ Auto Repair in San Diego, CA
  As 2014 turned out to be my breakdown year, my water pump also gave in. Lucky me EZ Auto Repair next to my motel where willing to get me in and replace my water pump immediately. Another thank you to very helpful guys. Thanks to them I had still the chance to do some sightseeing in San Diego!

2012

• Biggi Blondal Thousand Lakes Services in Torrey, UT
• 
  Thousand Lakes Services
  
  Owner Biggi, Thousand Lakes Services
  
  Biggi fixing the Driveline
  
  Biggi Removing Tire
  During offroading my rear differential started to tilt upwards in 2012, causing extreme driveline vibrations. Biggi squeezed me in his already booked schedule and got me back on the road within a very short time. If you need a mechanic in Torrey, Utah, 950 West Hwy 24, just west of Torrey, is the place to go. And please say hello from the German explorer!

2011

• John B. Lombardo’s Complete Collision Inc. in Warrendale, PA
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  John B. Lombardo’s Body Shop
  
  BJ and John B. Lombardo, the owner
  
  BJ is painting my S10
  When my Chevy dealer completely let me down with body work in 2011, John and BJ jumped in and got everything done within an incredible short time frame. Thanks to these guys I was able to start my 2011 journey with almost no delay! Thanks again for this great job and I am looking forward doing business with you again! If someone is looking for a good body shop in the Warrandale, PA, Pittsburgh area, 337 Northgate Drive is the best place to go — but only to this shop! And be sure to say hello from the German guy with his white S10!

2010

• Tire Shop and Mechanics in East Wendover, Utah
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  Tire Shop in East Wendover, Utah
  
  Mechanics in East Wendover, Utah
  
  Mechanics Patching my Tire in East Wendover, Utah
  I got my first flat tire in 2010, but the mechanics were able to patch the tire and help me out within half an hour! Thanks guys for squeezing me in your schedule and getting me back on the road this fast!