This is How California Does Car Repair?

Holy crap! Talk about fancy. When I think auto-shop, I generally don't expect Web 2.0 layouts, women-owned establishments, and online booking. But there you have it -- this is what the weird-ass green explosion is doing to the world.

Apparently, since hybrids are different, so should auto shops be. I'm not sure how I feel about this, honestly. I mean, you don't need a special garage to service a hybrid, and I'd hate it if people thought they did. You can go into any garage you want.

But if you want a different kind of experience, I guess the Luscious Garage in San Francisco is the way to go. They do practice what they preach though. It's more than just a pretty skin on the website. They have a fairly exhaustive explanation of the lengths they go to to keep the shop green. And, indeed, auto repair is a huge source of waste (toxic and otherwise) so it's good to see people making those changes.

But it just feels like it's not all that likely that this kind of sentiment is going to break free of the Bay Area without some trouble.

Thanks for the Tip Chirs

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Batteries over Pneumatic?
written by EV, October 10, 2007

Why would they say battery powered tools are better than Pneumatic (compressed air) tools? Pneumatic tools can are powered by electricity just as easily and rechargeable batteries need to be replaced every few years.

specialized garages
written by johnny, October 11, 2007

Ive heard that car companies recommend that you take you car to brand-specific garages (not just their private ones) since they know the cars the best. I'm assuming the same thing applies for hybrids in this case and thats one of the main reasons that this shop exists.

from current.tv
written by Brian, October 11, 2007

I saw a pod about this on current.tv and they made it clear the majority of her customers are regular cars, but that she especially reaches out to hybrid owners because she knows they're willing to pay a premium to help out the environment, and her shop is not the cheapest. She also said that a lot of people who are thinking about buying hybrids go there, because it's the mindset they're in.

And I think "green mechanics" will follow hybrids in spreading across the nation. Probably the reason this shop only exists in CA is because >25% of the hybrids are sold in CA.

now, with links
written by Brian, October 11, 2007

Special Garages?
written by Sed Emihcra, October 11, 2007

This seems to me like another money making scheme. I'm sure there is more than a few hybrid drivers out there who know next to nothing about their vehicles and can easily be stooped into beleiving they need to take their cars to a 'special' garage. Halogen fluid anyone?

What is really needed is pressure on existing garages to uphold cleaner standards. Try going to a car shop run out of someone's home garage. You'll see some questionable practices.

Put a shop in Northern Virginia, please
written by doc75, October 14, 2007

If these folks are going to target hybrid owners, then put one in Northern Virginia. There are a ton of hybrids here because up until last year, the legislature incentived hybrids by letting them drive in the HOV lanes. Cars bought prior to last year can still ride in the HOV. So bring it on!

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