The trust in the mechanic I've been seeing in Rockledge since coming to Florida in 2022 has been…read morewaning a bit, and it all started when my wife came to Strickland Brothers for an oil change months ago that couldn't be completed.
The Strickland Brothers techs on that day attempted to perform an oil change on my wife's vehicle but couldn't because the drain plug had supposedly been tightened by our regular mechanic, and, erring on the side of caution, it was recommended that we return to him to loosen the plug. The crew continued to perform a few courtesy checks while other team members tried to remove the drain plug.
The main tech checked the air filter, which was noticeably dirty and in need of a replacement, which my wife agreed to replace, and a new filter was promptly installed. Unfortunately, this is where that visit ends. The oil change couldn't be done, BUT the head tech waived the filter part and labor, and advised that we return to our regular mechanic and be sure to inform our mechanic that the air filter was changed.
The next day, I had our mechanic do the oil change. I never mentioned the new air filter, but later, HE stated that the air filter needed to be replaced.
Needless to say, I was infuriated. I paid for the oil change, nothing more.
Fast forward to now, and I'm 2000 miles over my recommended oil change. I decided to go to Strickland Brothers to get my work done.
These guys were BUSY. I was the fourth car in line. Apparently, several staff members were out of town for a business meeting. Turns out there were two gentlemen left to work on each car together. It was maybe a 45-minute wait, which I was OK with, considering the ratio of work to workers and the work involved.
Upon driving into the bay, I was instantly greeted with a smile, albeit a tired one. I could detect the nervousness in keeping someone waiting, but I had nowhere else to be. I made small talk while my car stats were taken, and the younger of the two techs drained the oil.
The oil change was, indeed, done in no time, flat. The work was thoroughly and properly completed.
Now keep in mind, that this is not a place to go to get your tires rotated, which kinda sucks, but for those on the go in need of an oil change pronto, this place is perfection. Your fluids might not get topped off, either, as it may be dangerous to open the gaskets while the vehicle is hot (as opposed to sitting off for at least an hour) which I never even considered until I asked about it during my visit.
All in all, it is a fine establishment that does the job and by knowledgeable and friendly technicians. Thanks, guys. See you in another 10,000 miles.