How To Find An Honest Mechanic - As Featured In The Suwanee Magazine
February 2, 2017
By: DAN RYAN OF TEAM RYAN AUTOMOTIVE
People spend a lot of time researching before buying a car, but often they don’t spend much time finding an honest, qualified auto service & repair shop. Your vehicle is not only likely the second most expensive purchase you will make, it is also responsible for keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. The first order of business is to find an honest and qualified service & repair shop before you need them…
- Look for qualified technicians and shops that have ASE certifications and the Blue Seal recognition. Shops are recognized with a Blue Seal of Excellence if the technicians of that shop meet the high standards of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) organization; they recruit the best employees, support new training and insist on the best equipment. Only 1 in 3 have one certification, meaning 2 out of 3 have none.
- A warranty is proof that a shop stands by their work. Warranties demonstrate that a shop will stand behind the work it performs. Make sure that the shop you are depending on is actually showing you that they can be depended upon. Check that the shop only buys parts from suppliers who provide a warranty.
- Choose a business that has good processes, that keeps their facility clean and properly stocked. While you may not know if a shop has the right tools, equipment or responsible processes, you can make some deductions with a high level of certainty from their restroom, lobby, and parking lot – anything that you can see. This is important because if a shop lacks proper processes, you could be sold parts you don’t need, or worse, be sent away with missing parts.
- Don’t fall into the trap that dealerships provide the best service and that auto parts stores can actually diagnose your car.
- Auto parts stores sell parts (code scans) that may read helpful, but are rarely conclusive when diagnosing a vehicle. Many dealerships no longer provide the best service. Out-of-date equipment and a squeeze for higher profit margins have left most dealerships in the situation of over-promising and under-delivering. There is little to no motivation for the service writer or technician to diagnose your car correctly the first time.
As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy. Who Is Team Ryan Automotive? Team Ryan Automotive is anything but a typical repair shop. We put people first because while car trouble is inconvenient, the real stress is usually what it interrupts: rushing to a meeting, getting your kids to practice, or making it to an appointment on time. When you call Team Ryan, you’re not just getting a repair, you’re getting support. From ensuring your safety to helping coordinate a tow, to setting you up with a loaner car or Lyft, we’re here to keep your day moving, no matter what’s going on under the hood. Family Owned and Operated Team Ryan Automotive began in 2015, when Dan and Shara Ryan, saw a need to do things differently. They opened their first shop in Buford with a simple mission: deliver honest, high-quality repairs with integrity at the center. With many drivers from Sugar Hill and Suwanee already traveling to our Buford and Cumming locations, the Ryans knew the community deserved a dedicated location of its own. Customers were asking for a trusted, family-owned shop closer to home, and we listened. Opening this new location is our way of meeting demand and bringing dependable, high quality auto repair right to the heart of Sugar Hill and Suwanee. Community Driven Community has always been at the core of Team Ryan. Whether in Buford, Cumming, or now Sugar Hill / Suwanee, we are committed to giving back and helping our neighborhoods thrive. Over the years, we have proudly supported local organizations and causes including the Suwanee Library, Toys for Tots drives, and Compassion in Action projects. We have also sponsored North Gwinnett High School athletics for years, including soccer and softball, supporting student athletes right here in the Sugar Hill and Suwanee area just as we have long supported schools near our Buford location. As we expand into this community, we look forward to deepening these connections and continuing to support the people and places that make this area special. Lifetime Warranty Every technician who works on your vehicle meets ASE’s highest standards, ensuring your car receives the best care possible. And to give you even more peace of mind, Team Ryan Automotive offers a Lifetime Warranty on many repairs. This warranty is the first of its kind in the Buford and Cumming areas and we hope that it gives every driver peace of mind knowing that they and their vehicle are protected.
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
Team Ryan Automotive was proud to partner with the Suwanee Library to host a free Car Maintenance & Safety Workshop, designed to help drivers of all experience levels feel more confident behind the wheel. Led by Dan Ryan, co-owner of Team Ryan Automotive and a 25-year ASE Certified Master Technician, the program combined education, live demonstrations, and hands-on learning for our Buford and Cumming communities. Before the event began, Liam and Aidan welcomed families outside the library, handing out toy cars and inviting children and parents to join in the fun. The Suwanee Library staff treated us to a special behind-the-scenes tour, including a peek at the famous bouncy book drop bins that keep returned books safe from damage! What We Covered Participants gained practical knowledge and real-world tips, including how to: Select the right engine oil for their vehicle Use a dipstick to check oil levels accurately Change a tire safely and keep the right tools on hand Assemble a vehicle emergency kit for road safety Identify the qualities of a trustworthy auto repair shop and what to expect from professional service. Throughout the session, attendees asked great questions and shared their own experiences. A line quickly formed after the presentation, as community members stopped by to get one-on-one advice from Dan and the team. Continuing the Mission At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe that knowledge empowers drivers and strengthens our community. This event was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, educating, supporting, and serving our neighbors with honest, reliable auto care. Thanks to everyone who came to the event! We’re excited to share that the library has already invited us back for another session soon. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details on the next community car care workshop in Suwanee!
