Grease Monkey — Local services in Kenmore

I came into the shop to get an oil change based off their good reviews online. I waited about 15mins in my car, while they finished the car in the bay. After pulling my car in I took a seat outside. Approx. 45min later the store manager, Austin, came out and informed me that he accidentally knocked my coolant line while looking under the hood. He said he was working on getting it fixed and would keep me updated. During this time I saw about 3 different O'Reilly auto parts associates run from their retail store next door into Grease Monkey. Another few minutes later Austin came to get me and let me know that he was working with O'Reilly on finding a replacement part but couldn't get it until the next morning. He promised that he'd get the part (downtown Seattle) and be back in the shop by 7:55am to fix it. Because of the nature of the repair I couldn't drive my car. He kindly offered to call me an uber to my house and told me the entire service would be free of charge. Sure I was frustrated, but his level of professionalism and true customer service was unparalleled. The next day rolls around and just as promised, I got a call from Austin - my car had been fixed with the replacement part and was ready to pick up. To be treated with such a high level of customer satisfaction is something we rarely see, especially in the auto industry (for this clueless woman car owner.) Everyone in the shop was over the top friendly and apologetic for the mistake. Austin and his Grease Monkey team have a lifetime...

As a solo young car-ignorant woman, I always feel wary in mechanics shops. I have heard horror stories about young women being made a target for extra and unnecessary "fixes." So when the mechanics told me there was an issue with the spark plugs that would cost an extra ~200 dollars, I was uneasy. But, they asked permission, and when I ultimately went into the garage later to ask the questions my car-savvy contact told me to ask, and to take pictures of the damage for my contact to view, they were very kind, easy-going, and accommodating. The car-guy I was talking with gave the thumbs up on their instinct to fix the damage as well! A little critter had chewed at the high-tension spark plug covers 🐁

Ultimately, I think this is a good place to go if you are wary of this sort of thing. You'll have a good experience, and they'll do their best to keep your car safe and up-to-date, and they'll be very polite while doing it. Also, the...

In need of just an oil change and basic inspection, a nearby Jiffy Lube was a colossal fail. After I checked to see if they could even service my vehicle and waiting, they told me they were unable. On a previous occasion, I noticed they left the antifreeze coolant on low because they didn't stock that type and didn't bother to tell me or put that on their inspection report. The Kenmore Grease Monkey was fast, their lobby was kept immaculately clean, and even had Keurig and beverages available. The service was excellent and the feedback on the car services was transparent and professionally communicated. Austin, the manager, runs a good operation. I didn't get the name of the Korean technician, but he was knowledgeable and also extremely courteous and professional. This review is a few weeks late, but I wanted to acknowledge their service and give this location the positive feedback...