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Rewind: Girls Auto Clinic- Patrice Banks, CEO and Founder


GIRLS AUTO CLINIC

 Well this morning for the first time in a long time there was a guest of interest on the morning radio show.    The guest was Patrice Banks, CEO and Founder of Girls Auto Clinic.   The company was founded to provide women with workshops on auto mechanics.   It was music to my ears, I am not sure about my you but I have been duped with repairs for my car.  My last visit to Firestone left me feeling really annoyed after I was given an estimate for over $1000 to replace  two struts.   After this estimate I started going to my brother’s mechanic who evaluated my car and told me only one of my struts was leaking not two.

This experience shed light on the unnecessary quotes given to women because we typically are not well versed on car mechanics.  Fast forward to Patrice Banks, I went to her website GirlsAutoClinic and I emailed her.    My main concern was the last oil change at a cost of $50 which I was told that was too high and Patrice concurred.    The same garage recommended replacing my air and cabin filters as well as an engine flush.  Now what was quoted was well over $400 dollars after knowing that the oil change was too high there was no way I would consider returning to this garage.

Ladies, if there is one take away I remember as important it is to consult your car’s maintenance schedule to keep track of your maintenance.

Based on my questions and concerns, below is Patrice’s response.  I also found out Patrice like myself is an engineer by education.

Excerpt from Patrice’s email response to me:

“You are over 100,000 miles so I would consider getting a coolant flush every year.  I say consider because it is up to you, but if the car hasn’t had one since it was manufactured the original coolant is most likely contaminated and not working as well.
If they shop was saying you need an engine flush, it is because too much build up from the oil breaking down over they years is all in your engine and oil lines.  The oil will smelled burned and will be very dark.  I am not sure if you need one, it is a matter of seeing it.  I do have two great mechanics I work with you can take your car to that will help you out and NOT rip you off.  Your engine air filter should be changed once a year or every 15,000 – 30,000 miles.  The maintenance section of your owner’s manual will tell you the exact mileage or time.  Keep that in mind and try to remember that last time that was done.”
She gave me two different mechanics who she obviously trusts to provide the best recommendations.
Edwin Regis of Guy’s Auto Clinic in West Philly 215-900-8537 (cell) 215-474-1022 (office).
Bill Keller of Keller auto in Roxborough/Manayunk 215-487-2088.
Patrice holds auto clinic workshops, she is currently in the process of finding an indoor location for upcoming workshops.

 

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Comments

  1. Patrice Banks says

    Cocoa Mommy! I am just now seeing this! I didn’t realize you posted abut me on your site. I am going to share this on my site and my social media pages! Thank you so much!

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