Tools In Motion Auto Service - Airdrie

I have dealt with Tools in Motion on a couple of different occasions, Tim the owner is excellent, Brent up front is outstanding. I recently dealt with Derek the new mechanic, highly skilled and very easy to speak with. I highly recommend the team at Tools in Motion!! 10 out of 10 stars for sure... Mike

My car broke down on Highway 2 near Airdrie because the charging system failed. The dash alerted a charge battery alert. I knew instantly it was because my alternator just quit working. I was driving my parents to the airport, so I was in a rush. I called AMA and they mentioned Tools In Motion is a close shop they could tow my car to. I quickly checked the reviews online, they looked good, so I agreed to let them tow it there after-hours. The next morning, I'm back in Red Deer, at work. I called to check in with the shop. They seemed polite, and I was happy to hear they were already looking into my car. They said they have the Battery out of the car and they're testing it on their "intelligent battery tester." They said they'd call me back with the results. 2 hours later, we're on the phone again. Derek, tells me my battery has 2% charging capacity, and I need a new battery. I asked how much for the battery, and he said $240.00, plus $80.00 to put it in the car; in addition, there is a $170.00 fee for testing the old battery. That's right, that's $490.00 to tell me my battery is dead and to install a new one. I stayed calm, and asked what brand and type of battery were they installing? Maybe my car requires an expensive battery I thought. I told them to stand by, and I would call right back. I phoned a auto parts store, and found the battery they were wanting to charge me $240.00 plus $80.00 install costs $150.00. I phoned them back, didn't tell them what I just found out, and asked if they could test my alternator first before charging me near $500.00 to replace my battery. Their reply was that I first need to agree to pay for the new battery and then they'll be able to test the alternator. I said, you must have a battery or booster around your shop somewhere to be able to start my car and get an alternator reading...they said no. Immediately I asked them to not worry about fixing anything on my car, and that I'll come to pick it up and take it to a local shop. They said sure, but after I pay $170 for them to tell me my battery is dead and won't hold a charge. 2 days later, I showed up with a new battery in hand, hooked it up and had enough juice to drive it to red deer. I took it to my local shop, they tested the "bad" battery, and sure enough it was holding charge at 12.6 volts. Within 5 seconds a test confirmed that the alternator needed replacing. 3 hours later I had a brand new alternator installed for $400, including parts and labor. I now have two batteries because the old battery they told me couldn't hold a charge after they tested it on their "intelligent battery tester" apparently can hold a charge just fine. This shop puts on an amazing facade, claim they are running an honest shop, but let me tell you, with my experience with this shop, they are anything but. Stay clear, unless you have money to blow and enjoy being ripped off by some attempting smooth talkers.I feel bad for those who fall for these scammers, taking advantage of the vulnerable. Scavengers.

Where should I start first? Woke up to a flat tire, inside side wall had a hole. Further investigation found parking brake cable that they changed, rubbed 2 holes into my tire. So had to buy 2 new rear tires. After looking at that noticed the differential cover leaking. They used rtv instead of a gasket. These guys are a joke, the exact reason I do my own work and don't let a mechanic touch my stuff, because in the end I do better work then 90 percent of these so called mechanics.

Just had an out of province inspection. We originally called for a price and were advised that it was $200+tax. We were charged $200+$20 for shop supplies. Was told this was for rags, uniforms etc. We had to get the brakes done, fair, fronts didn’t pass. They gave me a price and checked around and I was surprised that it was cheaper to get them done at a VW dealer. We’ve been to Tools in motion several times and have always been satisfied by the level of service and fair pricing, we’ve even recommended family and friends to this establishment. But this kinda shocked me that getting the work done at a VW dealer would be less. We had to get the re-inspection done and again, we were charged the shop supplies. They did take it off when I commented on it. I’m giving 2 stars as they did accommodate us in a timely manner, but I’m disappointed in their pricing and charging fees that were not disclosed in a simple phone conversation. I’m not sure if this a result of Covid and the business is slower and they need to recoup costs. But if you are charging shop supplies, just say it up front and quote it in the price. It’s $220, not $200, like were quoted on the phone. Now $20 may not sound like a lot, but to a university student, $20 is $20.

I have been going to Tools in Motion for a few years. I appreciate the staff and the comprehensive auto knowledge. When they check my vehicles they send a report card via email with pictures/video of what the see. I know right away what needs immediate attention and what can wait, allowing me to manage my costs. I am usually skeptical of the auto service industry but have found I can trust Brent and Tim to assist on the vehicles my family brings to them. It is worth the drive from Calgary to get the service they provide.

After paying $600 to fix my car diagnosis it wasn’t fixed. The issue showed up right after getting the car back. They kept making suggestions to fix things that had nothing to do with the original issue. Took it to a different shop and they fixed the problem for a fraction of the price the first time. I would never go back. They 100% will try to scam you and take your money. go to a different shop.

I took my daughters 2009 Chev Cobalt to Quality Transmission, they charged me $378 in diagnosis, and then "just" provided a hand written bill with 2 codes and claimed a solenoid was defective and wanted over $1,000 to repair. I went to Tools in Motion after approx 2 hours they diagnosed, provided evidence of the diagnosis and repair, and did the repair which was a broken wire. Go to Tools In Motion for quality diagnosis and repairs.

Took my vehicle in to see where my leaks were coming from. Got charged $330 for a diagnostic and inspection without anything actually being fixed. After i picked up my vehicle i found my power steering fluid completely empty. I got told it would be $1000 to get my engine lights turned off, it costed me $60 to do it on my own. Felt kind of taken advantage of being a young female. Will not be back or recommend