A Closed Auto Shop

Over two decades ago, when I first arrived in Canada, I worked a variety of jobs. One of the most memorable was my time as an apprentice at Compu-care Auto Service, a family-run business established in 1987. During my short stint there, I had the chance to learn from Tom and Siu, whom I called "Shifu," meaning master in Chinese. Although brief, my experience taught me invaluable life skills — like changing engine oil, replacing tires, and adjusting four-wheel alignment — which were especially vital for a new immigrant like me who had never even opened the hood of a car before.

About a year after leaving Compu-care, I bought my first car — a lemon that required constant repairs. Naturally, Compu-care became my go-to mechanic shop. Over the past twenty years, I’ve taken my second, third, and fourth cars there for maintenance. After Siu retired, Tom became the sole operator, running the shop five and half days a week from 8 to 6, always busy, moving from one car to another. I never felt the need to negotiate prices with Tom because he charged a fraction of what other places did. Once, a dealership quoted me $5,000 for a long list of recommended maintenance for my five-year-old SUV. I brought it to Tom instead; he checked it thoroughly, made a few necessary repairs, and charged me just $450. That car is still running perfectly, with annual maintenance done only at Compu-care. Last year, when I brought in engine oil and filters for an oil change, Tom advised me to save the air filter for next year because it was still clean — just one example of his honesty.

Yesterday, I packed my oil and filters for this year’s maintenance and called the same number I’ve dialed for years, but it was no longer in service. A quick Google search led me to a Reddit post that confirmed my fears — Compu-care had permanently closed after 36 years due to a more than 50% rent increase. It was a heartbreaking discovery, not just because I’ve lost a trusted mechanic, but because the community has lost a reliable, long-standing service provider.

I doubt Tom has a LinkedIn profile — he never claimed his business on Yelp or Google, despite receiving high ratings. He never advertised online, relying solely on word-of-mouth to sustain his business. I wish Tom all the best in whatever he chooses to do next. I’m sharing this story to encourage us all to support local businesses and reward the honest, hard-working people who serve our communities.

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