Lube Job

If I’ve not mentioned it before, I love O’Donnell’s On-the-Spot Repair.

I’m seated in their lobby of their new facility in south Lansing waiting for Hedwig to get a much-overdo oil change and general checkup.

The general checkup is one of many things that, to me, sets O’Donnell’s apart from other shops where I could get my car’s routine services. The mechanics here always go above and beyond checking my car over and catching most issues before they become a problem. If they notice something, they’re honest about how soon I should have it taken care of or if it’s something I even need to worry about.

Though I’d frequented O’Donnell’s for car repair for most of my Lansing life, I used to rely on quick-lube shops for the regular oil changes. As you likely know, these places always like to suggest friendly services that are, apparently, recommended by the manufacturer every so-many miles. During one such oil change at a local quick-lube five years ago, an employee informed me that my car was in need of almost $500 worth of service, including a new serpentine belt. As I was getting ready for a road trip east, I was concerned about all the maintenance my car apparently needed but not ready (or able) to fork over that big of a chunk for all the bells and whistles they said I needed.

I paid for the oil change and drove away to contemplate which services took precedence and to see if I could finagle my finances to cover them.

With the list of all the things Hedwig apparently needed, I gave O’Donnell’s a call on the off-chance that they might be able to perform some of the work for less money than the quick-lube shop. After speaking with a mechanic over the phone, I ended up taking Hedwig in for another oil change — after which they told me I didn’t need any of the services the quick-lube had suggested and my serpentine belt was just fine (a mite dusty but easily cleaned; I’ve only just recently replaced the belt after getting another four years out of it).

So, with the cost of the second oil change, O’Donnell’s managed to save me more than $400 by just being honest. I’ve been a loyal customer ever since. I won’t say they’re the cheapest place in town but my experience has been quality service with integrity.

Oh! Looks like Hedwig’s done. And apparently I need a new fuel filter in the next couple of months. Not a surprise and not something I can’t live without for a little while. So I’m pretty happy and out of here in less than a half-hour.