Drive Automotive

Above and beyond service!!! I’m a full time National Guard Member that ran into tire trouble while traveling home (which is an hour and a half away) so I stopped in Dekalb out of necessity to get a repair done. It was after hours at the store but Vern the owner said he would look at my tire. Once we identified that the side wall had a puncture ! He didn’t hesitate to stop what he was doing to assist me in my dilemma. He had me pull up to the over head door and proceeded to swap my tire out w a spare tire he had in the back. He spent his own time to help me out and after all was said and done Vern didn’t charge me!!! I was fully prepared to pay and he said he takes care of his service members! Needless to say faith in humanity was restored and I’ll be back for that other tire Vern said he had for me. I’m gonna ensure I pay Vern for his help when I was in a tight situation! God bless America and God Bless Vern!

After just over 5 years of experience with the expertise and integrity of my mechanic at DRIVE Automotive, I am compelled to write this professional recommendation for Vern Kuhlman. His shop’s motto of being «committed to quality and committed to you» is true in every sense of the word. Let his over 30 years of experience work for you, giving your family the same peace of mind he’s given ours. Once again he’s tackled a very complicated repair problem and didn’t break our bank in the process.
Vern’s initiative is very impressive. He listens carefully to my explanation of what is happening, scans the gamut of what the problem could be, and with his years of experience zeroes in on the underlying problem. Vern is not just willing to get dirty sticking his head inside of cars all day. He seems to actually enjoy the mental analysis and problem-​solving challenge of his work, and is confident in his ability to decide on a course of action to keep the engine running and the car on the road.
Vern never forces me into a repair by using fear. He is flexible to adjust his direction based on my input and my budget. I have honestly never felt that he was out to make a buck, because he is always thinking of the customer first. He does his best to surpass customer expectations and to deliver on time, at a price that is right, and with high value. Vern builds solid, long-​term relationships with his customers. We have grown to rely on him to handle our requests personally and to deliver on time.
Everyone knows that Vern as a direct and truthful person. He never hedges to make himself look better or hand off responsibility, even when the previous mistake was my problem. He willingly puts in long hours even on short notice, taking on as many cars as he can with the same precision and accuracy, doing whatever it takes to get vehicles in top-​performing condition, regardless of age or mileage. My oldest car is my best-​performing car, just because of his TLC.
Though he has a stack of certifications including Master Technician and ASE Certification, Vern has the sharp mind of top university student whose education is ongoing, is always open-​minded and exploring every possibility of what could be going wrong. Once decided, his course is straight and has always been spot on. Vern is always thinking, easy to communicate with, and takes the pains to apply his vast automotive knowledge and experience to hit the nail on the head and solve the right problem at the right time.
Though I am a DeKalb resident, I’ve been a suburban commuter for over 10 years and we take international road trips regularly. Our cars get a lot of wear and tear, but I’ve learned to cooperate and get oil changes on time, while Vern takes care of the rest. Though I should be considered the customer from hell, he always welcomes us, listens to us and gets us the most mileage out of every car we’ve entrusted to him.
Hats off to the Pro! Keep up the good work, and I can tell that your son is learning from the best and will be good and ready to take over the shop when the time is right.

I have checked into this place more then I wanted but DA each time has done a good job and at a fair price. My car is 17yrs old but I plan on driving it into the ground. These past few months my car has been in the shop multiple times but it has been time for things to be fixed, updated, whatever. I have gone to multiple places and I always find Drive Automotive to cost less.

They do Good work ever time