Auto Express Tire Pros Comparative Summary

Auto Express Tire Pros has been providing automotive repairs—including brakes, wheel alignments, tires, and air conditioning—for Santa Cruz motorists since 1987. Owner Paul Salazar believes the firm’s longevity is due to its high-quality express service, reasonable cost, and the level of care its staff shows for its customers.

Mr. Salazar considers transparency as the chief difference between Auto Express and its competitors. The company encourages customers to stay with their cars during the repair process so they can see everything the mechanic is doing. “When most other shops take a car,” says Mr. Salazar, “the customer gets a call an hour later from the service manager, who tells them the car is ready. But we want our customers to stay and watch us work so they have a better idea of what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and why it needs to be done. If there are any questions, we can show them instead of explaining it over the phone.”

Mr. Salazar says Auto Express’ experienced technicians are known for their speedy service. “All our technicians have been with us for at least seven years,” he says. “Our customers get the full benefit of that experience.”

With shuttle service anywhere within 50 miles of the shop and available loaner vehicles, Auto Express Tire Pros aims to make it easy for customers to get their cars serviced, even when they have busy schedules. The company considers customer service the most important aspect of its operations. “We treat our customers as people, not as just numbers or faces,” says Mr. Salazar. “We’re not simply on a first-name basis; we try to be a true friend.”