By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“We are a full-service automotive repair shop,” stated Louis Lavoie, owner of Lou’s Auto Center, “we are very serious about customer service, offering the same warrantee, as the previous Midas franchise did and I offer a discount on vehicle repairs to larger corporations.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Lou’s Auto Center, a full-service automotive repair shop,is now open at the site of the former Midas location on 93 Bennett Drive in Caribou. From left are, Dan Thibodeau, mechanic; Lou Lavoie, owner; and Roland Belanger, mechanic.
Lavoie purchased the business from Midas owner Brian Cullins in February, opting not to carry on with the Midas name and franchise. “The first professional shop I worked in was back in 1989, “ said Lavoie, following that he was employed at a local service station from 1995 to 2005.” “When I came back to this location where I was the manager, it was my goal that within five years, I would be able to own the business myself — and here I am.”
“We provide customer vehicle pick-up and drop-off, as another service to our customers and we also do free estimates.” said Lavoie, “we call everywhere in determining the best price for parts, so we can pass any savings along to our clientele in regard to service jobs,” he added.
The full-service location, which has three working bays, provides a full list of services including engine diagnostics, wheel alignments, suspension work, starters, batteries, water pumps, brakes jobs, exhaust system repair, oil changes, anti-freeze flushes (machine) as well as custom exhaust work and minor body work. Lavoie stated he expects his business to become a licensed inspection station in the near future and will also be able to have a loaner vehicle available.
“Vehicle parts are usually readily available, which cuts down on the amount of time a customer’s automobile is tied up, “ stated Lavoie. “I try to get parts locally, and it is up to the customer whether or not they want the life-time warrantees, but we always take into consideration the price and quality of the parts and go from there,” Lavoie said.
With the winter months behind us now, Lavoie suggests vehicle owners pay close attention to having the suspensions checked and wheels aligned. “We don’t notice that our vehicles may be riding a little rough, during the winter as ruts and pot-holes are filled with snow, but it really is necessary to have the tires aligned and of course remove those snow tires, exchanging them for all-season radials.
Lavoie also would encourage drivers to have the vehicle’s shocks and struts checked out and most importantly, the brakes. “The way the roads are around here,” said Lavoie, “vehicle owners should have an alignment done twice a year, this can save money in the long run — in tires, suspension parts and in fuel. Preventive maintenance is very important.”
Working with Lavoie as auto mechanics are former Midas employees Dan Thibodeau and Roland Belanger.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon. Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Fore more information contact Lavoie at 498-8746 or 498-8747.
Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards are accepted.
Roland Belanger
Dan Thibodeau
