London, Ont., auto repair shop reminds motorists to think twice about DIY repairs

As the novel coronavirus pandemic has people sheltering in place as much as possible, a local auto shop is reminding the public to think twice about which tasks they can do at home and which should still be handled by experts.

Jeremy Hanford of Hanford’s Tire & Service says his operation has changed its “whole process” as a result of the pandemic.

Staff don’t touch keys, vehicles are disinfected when they get in and out, and communications are now handled digitally or over the phone.

“We’re all in this together. Every shop has their policies as far as waiting in the shop or not waiting in the shop — we can’t allow waiters in our shop,” he explained.
“Be patient with us. We’re doing the best we can. We will take every precaution possible and all shops out there right now are doing the same thing. If we all just be a little more patient with each other I think we’ll get through this.”

While it’s important that people do not take unnecessary trips in an effort to flatten the curve, Hanford adds that even some tasks that are considered “easy” can result in complications.

“There are definitely differing degrees of what’s a safety thing and what’s just potentially going to cost you more money as far as trying to fix something and actually making the situation worse,” he said.

“But there are a lot of things that people may take for granted as being an easy task that really isn’t that easy.”

For example, he said if tires aren’t installed correctly, there is the potential that they could come off while driving.

Source: https://bit.ly/2BW56tN