BJ's Automotive

Fast service, friendly family atmosphere, high integrity, quality communication, knowledge & experience... Brad Johnston and his family/team at BJ's Automotive in Simi Valley have it ALL going on! I wish every business could perform at this level. If you need a trusted auto mechanic and are in the Los Angeles/Ventura County area, take the drive to Simi Valley. You will be happy you did!

I went to BJ's Automotive for a Winter checkup because I will be taking my kids up to the mountains for a ski trip. I had a feeling that my brakes might have an issue because they felt a little odd. Also, the day before I took my car in my engine light came on. I found out on the web that with my 2001 Dodge Durango I could turn my ignition switch on 3 times and it would give me the error code that my engine warning light was triggering on. I thought that this would be a good test of if a shop was being honest. I just moved into Simi Valley and didn't know an honest repair shop. The error code was P0442. A minor emissions type problem.

After bringing my car into the shop they did a full inspection for $79 which included an oil change and wiperblade replacement. They also saw my engine light on and diagnosed it correctly and notified me of the problem being a small emissions leak. I was told that this should be corrected because if there were a more significant engine problem I would not become aware of it because it was already triggered. Right on!!! But, what was significant was that I was told that more important, my break pads were low - 35% on one side and 15% on the other - and that this was more important to take care of (I know they meant if I was having to make a financial decision-it's a week before Christmas).

I hesitated because this is the first time I was at this shop. The cost was going to be about $250-$350 because my rotors were going to have to be turned or maybe replaced. So I initially declined knowing that I can replace breaks and rotors myself..so I called Auto Zone. Ceramic Brakes ( I don't buy semi-metallic) were going to run me $70. Rotors were going to cost $60 each and they were not going to be OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) - I think the rotors were coming from China. Also, I was going to have to do the work, and though I know how to work on cars, I've been out of it for quite a while. So I immediately called BJ Automotive back and asked them to fix my brakes. They started work right away.

I must say that I was also concerned about my ABS (Anti-lock Brake System). I had an experience where I slammed on the brakes and it just seemed WAY too long to slow down, but I thought that maybe it was just me because ABS can kind of feel that way. Turns out, they found an issue with one of the calipers being really dirty and clogged and instead of saying that I needed to replace them that they would try and clean them if possible.

They completed the job successfully, but recommended that I come back within 1000 miles to make sure that my brakes were still behaving properly.

I have been driving for 26 years.... wow I'm old :o) ... I am an AAA member and this truly was the BEST experience I've had with anyone repairing my vehicle ---- HANDS DOWN!! I will and have already recommended them to people I know. I will be going back to BJ's Automotive.

BJ's Automotive..... From me, and my kids....Thank you!!!


Matt Armstrong
5776D Lindero Cyn Rd #389
Westlake Village, CA 91362
javaguy777@yahoo.com

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A PROFESIONAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR FACILITY THAN THIS IS THE PLACE. THEY FIXED MY CAR RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND DID IT FOR A GREAT PRICE.

They did a good job and didn't charge any higher than other repair places.