FAQ / Counter questions
Questions we get every week
Answered the way we’d answer them standing at the counter, including the ones where the honest answer costs us money.
Money and estimates
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. Where the car has to be tested to produce an accurate estimate, that’s a $119 diagnosis — and it comes off the repair. Ontario law says a shop can only charge for an estimate if it tells you the amount in advance, and can’t charge at all if the work then goes ahead.
Can the invoice come in higher than the estimate?
By no more than 10%. That’s the legal cap. If we find something that changes the job we stop and call you rather than deciding for you.
Why is your diagnosis more expensive than a free code read?
Because they’re different things. A code read names a code. A diagnosis finds the fault. The free read is a sales tool at a parts counter, and the part it sells you is often the wrong one.
What payment do you take?
Cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Interac e-Transfer. Fleet accounts monthly, net thirty.
Ontario rules
Do I still need an emissions test?
Not for a passenger car — Ontario ended Drive Clean for light-duty vehicles on 1 April 2019. Heavy diesel commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg still need an annual test to renew the plate. See fleet.
When do I need a Safety Standards Certificate?
To transfer ownership of a used vehicle, or register one from another province. Not to renew a sticker on a car you already own. It’s valid 36 days and it isn’t a warranty. More here.
Are winter tires required in Ontario?
No — that’s Quebec. In Ontario, insurers are required to offer a discount for four winter tires, which is a different thing entirely. We don’t do tires, but we’d rather you heard it correctly.
Warranty and parts
Will servicing here void my new-car warranty?
No. Scheduled maintenance can be done by any competent shop as long as correct parts and fluids are used and the work is documented — which is why our invoices carry part numbers and fluid specifications. Only warranty repairs and recalls have to go to a dealer.
Can I bring my own parts?
Yes, at our normal labour rate. Our 24-month warranty covers parts we supply; customer-supplied parts get 90 days of labour cover and no part cover. We’ll also tell you before we start if the part you bought is wrong.
What’s the warranty on your work?
24 months or 40,000 km on parts we supply and the labour to fit them, honoured at partner shops across Canada. Most GTA shops offer 12.
Practical
How long will my car be here?
Diagnosis about 90 minutes. Most repairs same day with parts in stock, next morning if not. We tell you before you leave the car.
Do you have loaners?
Two, first come, booked with the job. Otherwise we’ll drive you anywhere within 5 km, including Dixie GO.
Do you work on hybrids and EVs?
Hybrids yes — service, diagnosis, high-voltage system scanning and battery health reports. We don’t open high-voltage packs or replace HV components. For a full EV we’ll tell you honestly what we can and can’t do before you book.
Can I watch the work?
Not in the bay — insurance. But we’ll walk you to the car on the hoist to show you a fault, and everything gets photographed anyway.
Do you do bodywork or tires?
Neither. Nor glass, nor alignment. We’ll give you a name for all four.