Review Workshop

[Dolphin69]

Hevshop is a Hybrid specialist workshop in Sin Ming.

In Oct last year, I  sent my car for a major servicing there, including changing spark plugs, in preparation for drive to Genting.

There was occasional clanging of engine but I did not think much.  In December, I drove with my family up to Genting for holiday.  Car was progressively clanging, jerking and losing power more frequently.  It endangered my family of 6, including a 4 year old on the steep slopes.

On my return, I went to Hevshop, who diagnosed a gearbox problem, and estimated cost of $5k and 3 weeks to repair.

I took car for a second opinion at another workshop, which found the spark plugs put in by Hevshop to be worn out and have gaps of more than 2mm.  Changed all 4 plugs and the car is smooth to date.

Hevshop denied responsibility claiming that they have CCTV system showing that the car was serviced, but offered to pay for the replaced spark plugs if I bring the car in for further tests at Hevshop.  I was hesitant but also wanted to know what happened. So I said I will bring the car back if they will show me the CCTV footage of the servicing in Oct.  HEVSHOP FLATLY REFUSED. I guess they have something to hide.

Whether, they charged me and didn't replace the plugs or replaced it with old or sub-standard plugs, we don't know. But it endangered our lives, spoiled our holiday and nearly caused me an expensive repair which we don't need.

The Hevshop management should and could have done the right thing to address a genuine complain and work together with me to get to the bottom of this problem, but instead they chose to standoff and avoid responsibility.

AVOID HEVSHOP TO SAVE YOURSELF AGGRAVATION, TIME AND MONEY!

[Goldenvodka]

How many KM you drove before the the car showing signs of a worn spark plug

[Albeniz]

Which workshops/industrial parks in the west has a nice /cool/big/not-so-many people lounge area/coffee shop which I can work on my laptop while my car is being serviced/repaired?

[Beregond]

2 hours ago, Albeniz said:

Which workshops/industrial parks in the west has a nice /cool/big/not-so-many people lounge area/coffee shop which I can work on my laptop while my car is being serviced/repaired?

actually i ask u .

say u are looking at your car while its being service.

do u know what u are watching ?? or know what to look out for ? if not no point also .😂

[Albeniz]

1 minute ago, Beregond said:

actually i ask u .

say u are looking at your car while its being service.

do u know what u are watching ?? or know what to look out for ? if not no point also .😂

Actually, I am not interested in watching them working on my car.  I just need to find a comfy coffee place to work on my laptop, so that I don't have to come back to collect the car after the repair is done.

[Beregond]

1 minute ago, Albeniz said:

Actually, I am not interested in watching them working on my car.  I just need to find a comfy coffee place to work on my laptop, so that I don't have to come back to collect the car after the repair is done.

got 1 ace motor sport that i know of got ac room to sit in . but their price not exactly the cheapest.but i find the boss still quite upfront,😁

[Albeniz]

My car still feels abit bouncy even after a recent change of suspension.  

I am thinking of getting a second opinion from another workshop.

I probably need to go to the second workshop to engage the mechanic to do the following 3 things first: (1) jack up the car, (2) check/inspect  the undercarriage and (3) do some trouble-shooting to identify the source of vibration.  The 3rd one may take some time.

Without committing to any repair, do workshop  provide the above service?  How much would they typically charge for diagnostic alone?

Edited February 9, 2021 by Albeniz

[Beregond]

17 minutes ago, Albeniz said:

How much would they typically charge for diagnostic alone?

Lets say a ws diagnosis  your issue for u say is bababa damage.

U proceed to buy the parts and ask them replace.  But after replace  and if the same symptoms  still there . How?

They not gonna return  u the diagnosis fee. Or compensate u for buying the wrong parts.

My suggestion  is just go install 4 spring buffer 

[Albeniz]

18 minutes ago, Beregond said:

Lets say a ws diagnosis  your issue for u say is bababa damage.

U proceed to buy the parts and ask them replace.  But after replace  and if the same symptoms  still there . How?

They not gonna return  u the diagnosis fee. Or compensate u for buying the wrong parts.

My suggestion  is just go install 4 spring buffer 

No, no.  I just need to go to the second workshop to jack up the car and look out for any anomalies. Won't be proceeding with any repairs at this second workshop.  Just need a second opinion and will pay the workshop a fee for trouble-shooting/diagnostic alone.

Currently,  my first workshop is only able to jack my car up to kneel or waist height only.  I couldn't see anything under the car carriage .

Edited February 9, 2021 by Albeniz

[BoneStock]

On 2/8/2021 at 12:45 PM, Albeniz said:

Which workshops/industrial parks in the west has a nice /cool/big/not-so-many people lounge area/coffee shop which I can work on my laptop while my car is being serviced/repaired?

Thanks for surfacing this thread.

I am also looking for a new workshop 'cos my ex-mech retired already.  I used up all my free servicing with the AD and have no intention to send my car back there.

Will be good if someone can recommend a good workshop in the north or east area.  I also prefer a waiting area or canteen nearby that I can wait for the job to be completed.

Don't need atas or famous workshops as these usually charge a huge premium.  I am driving b&b Honda only.  Best is allow me to carry in own engine oil.

Thank you all in advance!

[SiLangKia]

15 minutes ago, BoneStock said:

Thanks for surfacing this thread.

I am also looking for a new workshop 'cos my ex-mech retired already.  I used up all my free servicing with the AD and have no intention to send my car back there.

Will be good if someone can recommend a good workshop in the north or east area.  I also prefer a waiting area or canteen nearby that I can wait for the job to be completed.

Don't need atas or famous workshops as these usually charge a huge premium.  I am driving b&b Honda only.  Best is allow me to carry in own engine oil.

Thank you all in advance!

Can try Edwin Garage (SGgarage) at AMK, not bad, got aircon waiting room and also nearby got kopitiam. He is good and prices reasonable

[BoneStock]

3 hours ago, SiLangKia said:

Can try Edwin Garage (SGgarage) at AMK, not bad, got aircon waiting room and also nearby got kopitiam. He is good and prices reasonable

thanks.  will check them out.  

[BoneStock]

please keep the recommendations coming.  this will benefit fellow MCF'ers here 

 

btw, anyone tried this shop before?  it was recommended in one of the Honda FBs, but with very limited info given.  Only know can bring in own engine oil.

https://www.sgcarmart.com/directory/merchant.php?MID=10785

[Yousurebo]

Any honest mechanics in north area to recommend for coe cars? Don't need to be dirt cheap, but accurate diagnostic and reasonable prices. 

[Albeniz]

I usually start my car after working hours or on the weekends. 

That is usually the time for me to discover any breakdowns (if any).  And at this awkward time, most workshops would be closed.

I am trying to collect some contacts to keep, just in case the car breaks down in awkward timings.

Do you know of workshops which are still open after 7pm and/or during the weekends?  Preferably come with tow service and located near Jurong East/Bukit Batok/ Toh Guan.

Many thanks.

[alphapunk2]

any recommended workshops for a G30 bmw 5 series? Looking for a balance between cost and service quality/reliability

[Didu]

Sent my car for servicing last week. We chit chat and talked about how more EVs on SG roads is going to impact his future business. He told me it's not looking good. Suspension, brakes, tyres services as per normal. Other than that, there's not much a ICE workshop can do. He told me one case he encountered of a faulty aircon compressor on an EV. Since it's motor driven rather than belt driven, the replacement unit costs $2K. This might be some of the hidden cost once factory warranty expires.

‘How to get business?’: Motor workshops face uncertain future as Singapore moves towards electric vehicles

Mr Khor Joo Heng, 60, was hurrying about his stuffy motor workshop in AutoCity at Sin Ming when he was asked what he would do if Singapore achieved its aim of phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040.

"Die lah," he quickly told CNA without missing a step, shuffling from car to lorry wearing stained overalls with tools in hand.

Mr Khor is among a number of traditional motor workshop owners who said they would likely shut down if Singapore's vehicle population becomes fully electric, attributing it to factors like advancing age and a potentially crippling lack of business.

In particular, the workshop owners pointed to how brand new electric vehicles (EVs) would come with extended warranty periods – longer than some ICE vehicles – and thus be exclusively maintained at authorised agents, ending their stream of customers.

And with no potential successors intending to enter what could be an increasingly niche and costly market, the workshop owners said they were only biding their time before retirement.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/car-workshop-electric-vehicle-uncertain-future-2785261

 

[mersaylee]

Many will be forced out of the industry unless able to reinvent the wheel...

...causeway traffic to be lighter then? 

My old skool workshop boss sold his business few years ago to keep his good reputation becos he couldn't find reliable workers and to repair modern cars...heard he's now a sleeping partner at ah Luck...