Note: The following feature appeared in the July 29 print editions of the Twin Lakes Report, Westosha Report and Westosha Report, published by Southern Lakes Newspapers.
Wilmot Auto Service among small shops that find a niche
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Tucked away in unincorporated Wilmot, an auto repair shop has continued to thrive after more than six decades, courtesy of customer trust and a long-standing reputation.
Wilmot Auto Service, 11307 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, in business since 1951 services about a dozen vehicles per day in the five-bay shop, according to third-generation owner Dwayne Garwood.
Garwood, whose shop employs two other ASE certified mechanics, acknowledged one of the primary attributes to garner trust from customers is through understanding.
“We get 99 percent of our work done in one day,” Garwood said. “I strive to get people’s vehicles back to them as fast as possible.”
Additionally, when a vehicle breaks down, Garwood stated, there is a stark contrast between rural Wilmot and a facility in an urban market.
“We don’t have public transportation, a lot of people use their vehicle as their only source of transportation, they need it back,” Garwood said. “In the city, you can ride the buses, call a cab. A lot of people have friends close by that drive them around.”
While he touts rapid repair, Garwood also services vehicles purchased at auto dealerships, noting Wilmot Auto Service can perform maintenance on automobiles under warranty.
Garwood mentioned the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975, which indicates certified independent shops can provide the same service as those of auto dealerships.
“As long as the vehicle is maintained, and serviced, at an authorized repair center, such as us their warranty does stay in effect,” Garwood said. “They don’t have to go back to the dealer to get their first, second, or third oil change.”
One requirement is the use of quality parts, he added.
“The parts we have either meet, or exceed, dealer specifications,” he said.
In addition to routine maintenance and auto repair, the trust extends beyond the scope of these services, to towing service.
That service, a feature embedded into the shop since 1951, has been a quality customers have sought.
For example, Garwood has often made trips to other states, where customers have been stranded.
“They are our customers that trust us and they wanted it back here to get worked on,” Garwood said. “They are willing to pay to have it towed back here so we can service it or repair it.”