By Myles Ma
When it appears on the dashboard, for many drivers, it’s is an infuriating mystery, indicating that something is wrong, but not revealing what. It could indicate one problem or many.
“One of the biggest headaches in this industry now is the Check Engine light,” said Maurice “Marty” Martin.
Martin and his wife, Pam, are the owners of Martin’s Auto Service, and his shop has been repairing cars for 30 years. Martin’s Auto Service fixes transmissions, breaks, cooling systems and engines, while specializing in the electronics that today’s cars depend on – the same electronics that are often involved in diagnosing a “check engine” light.
The light is a warning from the car’s on-board computer that the engine is malfunctioning. But the computer only points out where the problem could be. It takes a technician to fully diagnose the problem – someone who knows how to work with the increasingly complicated computers in modern cars.
Martin said that over the past few years, many auto repair shops have closed because they weren’t able to stay up to speed with the latest technology.
Martin ensures that all of his mechanics stay educated about the latest trends in the industry and that he keeps up with the most up-to-date equipment. Perhaps the best embodiment of Martin’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve is his master technician, Eric Oldenburg.
Oldenburg has worked for Martin’s Auto Service since he finished vocational school 23 years ago. He holds a number of advanced certifications from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence.
Oldenburg said the idea of a mechanic has changed from what most people think of.
“We’re not just a part-swapper anymore,” he said. “These cars have more in-depth computers than your house does. Certain new cars have five, six computers that control different parts.”
Oldenburg stressed the importance of regular maintenance, including oil and fluid checks, as well as addressing problems that come up with the car quickly, something he said many customers wait too long to address.
“When they see a light come on in the dash, they don’t bring it in,” he said.
As for Oldenburg, he has kept his car tip-top over the years.
“I have an ’86 Chevy pickup. I will drive it anywhere I have to,” he said. “It just kills me on gas.”
Martin also emphasized how important regular maintenance is.
“If you don’t do anything else, change that oil,” he said.
Thanks to the tight times, Martin said many people are delaying their repairs, which he said eventually adds to their overall expenses. He said the size of the garage — 4,000 square feet with six bays — meant that his mechanics would be able to return cars to their owners quickly.
In addition to the speed of the repairs, one thing the Martins emphasize is their integrity. Martin said he always educated customers about the reasoning behind the cost of any repair. Pam Martin said it was a tenet of their business.
The Martins depend heavily on building customer trust to the point at which their customers tell their friends about it. Because the shop is hidden away on Fifth Street off Olden Avenue, Pam Martin said the shop depends heavily on word of mouth to attract business.
“I think people working for the state tell each other and come over here,” she said.
Martin’s counts many state workers among its 4,000-strong customer list, mainly covering Ewing and Lawrence, in no small part thanks to their ability to deal with those pesky “Check Engine” lights.
Martin’s Auto Service is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can be reached at (609) 771-9006.
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