09/23/2026
Sometimes the best repair we make is the one we never turn a wrench on.
A few days ago, a customer came to me with an issue on his truck. After looking into what was going on, I realized this could potentially turn into an extended-service-contract/warranty situation.
Instead of taking his money and jumping into a repair, I advised him to take the truck to the dealership first. I explained what I believed was happening, gave him a few specific questions to ask, and told him to let them diagnose the vehicle without leading them toward the answer.
The dealership initially came back and told him it needed a spark plug.
We already knew that wasn't the problem.
He called me, we talked through what they told him, and I gave him a few more questions to take back to them.
Well... the spark plug diagnosis didn't last very long.
Further diagnosis revealed that the engine had suffered a failure and needed to be replaced.
And because he handled it the right way, the engine is now being replaced under warranty.
Today I received his THIRD phone call thanking me for helping him through the situation.
Then he told me something you don't hear from customers very often:
"Ryan, your labor rate is too low. You need to raise your prices."
😂 Now THAT might be a first.
But there's a bigger point here.
When you bring your vehicle to an experienced technician, you're not just paying for the minutes his hands are touching your vehicle.
You're paying for the years it took him to know where to look.
You're paying for knowing when something doesn't add up.
You're paying for knowing what questions need to be asked.
And sometimes you're paying for somebody who is willing to tell you, "Don't spend your money with me yet. Take it over there first."
In this case, that advice may have saved a customer the cost of an engine.
That's what I want REO'S GARAGE LLC to be known for.
Not selling the most parts.
Not creating the biggest invoice.
Finding the actual problem and looking out for the person standing on the other side of the counter.
REO'S GARAGE LLC Splendora, Texas
🔧 Diagnose it. Understand it. Fix it right
We will not disclose which manufacturer but here is a picture of a really nice boat launch
