One of my first experiences with R&M involved an intermittent problem with the air conditioner; when it was really hot, it would blow really cold air and then after a bit would blow warm air. Then it would go back to blowing cold air again for awhile, just intermittently like that. This had been happening for two summers. I had already been to other mechanics who always thought they knew the answer, some had even replaced various parts, but still the problem persisted. It also seemed like every time I got it to the mechanic, it would blow cold air without problem! It was at this point one of my co-workers highly recommended R&M. Well, the first time I took it to R&M was the same story, the weather had turned somewhat cooler and it was blowing cold air consistently several days before I took it in to them. I agreed to leave it with them for a couple of days so they could drive it and hopefully the problem would occur again. When I came to pick it up they had some theories about what could be wrong, but admitted they just weren't sure because they just couldn't get the problem to occur. He told me it could be 'the computer' but that was an expensive part and he didn't want to spend hundreds of my dollars without being sure. He told me the next time it acted up, to just show up at the shop; he would stop whatever he was doing and look into it. So that's what I did, I just showed up one day when it wasn't working and he dropped what he was doing and started running diagnostic tests. Turned out, it was a $23 sensor for which he sent someone into town to purchase and I was on my way within 45 minutes. That was last summer and the air conditioner has worked ever since without problems. I was impressed with his honesty when he really couldn't pin-point the problem and that he did exactly what he said he would, drop everything when I came in with it not working. Since then, I've had them do all my regular maintenance and mechanical problem solving. Usually Yvonne can diagnose the problem (or determine it's not really a problem) over the phone! It's a family business and they all are very friendly and knowledgeable. My vehicle is a 2001, so there are things that are wearing out; but I feel the R&M staff are very good at explaining how things work in my vehicle, what is recommended maintenance, and what they see as potential mechanical problems. They give me information, their advice based on years of experience in the business, and up front estimates of the cost of repairs. I recently dropped by for some oil and a discussion about some concerning noises coming from the engine. In the past they've explained I have a slightly leaky oil gasket, but it really isn't bad enough yet that I have to replace it now. They said it will be a fairly expensive repair when the time comes, and I should be sure be sure to check the oil on regular intervals until then. So I drop by periodically and they check and add a little oil as needed, no charge. While their son was adding the oil we discussed the noises; it was decided I was probably overdue for a tune-up, and her son noticed my Blazer still had a factory installed part (gasket set?) that was known to cause issues in GMC and Chevy vehicles. They said if I planned to keep my vehicle, I should think about replacing the part. No pressure, they just provided me with info and I could decide what I wanted to do. I'm not very mechanical, but I trust their advice. I do plan to keep my vehicle for a good while and since I'm now making regular trips to Chicago to visit the grandbaby, I went ahead with an oil change, tune up and replacement of the part. When all was said and done, the cost was exactly what they quoted me before the repairs, and my vehicle is running like a champ. I think they are really good mechanics and also good people.
