B & W Auto Service Inc

My car is old and it began to have trouble starting up in the summer. We took the car in to B&W on a friend’s recommendation. The first time, they told us there wasn’t anything they could find but said we needed to change the oil because it was «dirty», and so we did. A few weeks later, we still had problems with the car not starting (intermittently) and we took it in a second time. Again, this time they said our 1 year old battery had a short in it and we should go replace. It was under warranty so we replaced it at Costco but we still had to pay for the car to be checked. We wondered why they didn’t check the battery the first time but we hoped that would fix the issue. It did not, and we took it in a third time. We suggested maybe there was something wrong with the spark plugs. B&W replaced the spark plugs but I’m not so sure that they really tested it (or if it’s possible to test the spark plug). All in all we ended up spending +$ 600 for the three times we took it in and we still have the issue of car not starting. We felt this was a lot of money for the same problem which still was not addressed. My biggest complaint with them is that when we tried to explain that this was a lot of expenses for a problem that keeps occurring and frankly they could not fix. The mechanic said «if it starts fine when I test it, there’s nothing I can do». And when we fought the charges, he insisted that these were tune ups that were done and were justified. Yes, they were tune ups but that was because that’s what you guys suggested we should do. They did not find the cause of the problem, and it almost felt like they did not understand why we brought it in the first place. There seems to be a breakdown in communication there. We ended up footing the bill each time and took the car home in not much better shape than it was when we first brought it in.
After doing some online research, we found out that Autozone and Pep Boys perform free diagnostic tests to test your battery, starter and alternator when you have problems like what we had. We took it in to Autozone and with a simple diagnostic test, they were able to determine that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. Why B&W did not do the same test in any of the three times we brought it in, is beyond me. We still have to pay for the alternator to be replaced but we certainly won’t take it to B&W. They have ripped us off, resulting in unnecessary expenses.

I really can’t say enough about B & W. Every time I need to use them, they’re always friendly and willing to accommodate if they can (I was driving to Texas on a Thursday, and called them on a Monday asking for an inspection. They did it all on Wednesday). I’ve never once felt like they did unnecessary work to charge more, and the work they do is always great. What really sells me, though, are the personal touches: they call whenever they have a question for you, send postcard reminders about oil changes or inspections, and they’re always pleasant. Bottom line prices are very fair, too. I would recommend them to any and every one who needs something done with their car.

I went to B & W on the recommendation of some friends and have always been happy that I did. I wouldn’t go anywhere else in the Philadelphia area. The shop doesn’t look fancy, but the service is excellent and very professional. They are also easy-​going and very honest. You never have any worries about unnecessary work or inferior service. They are convenient to schedule an appointment with, and do their best to work with your schedule. I’ve recently moved away from Philadelphia, and one thing I was sad about was that I’d have to find a new mechanic. This place is great and highly recommended.

B & W is a medium size, independent auto repair shop. These guys have never steered me wrong. I’ve gone for state inspections as well as repairs. I’ve never left suspecting that they did unnecessary work, and I’ve never left without having my problem completely resolved. Also, they are friendly; this is the kind of place where they remember you after a few visits.