Lake in the Hills Auto Repair

Previously I only serviced my BMW at dealerships. Unhappy with a recent dealership experience, I tried out SJM. I planned to only do one repair with them. I wanted to see their work before I placed all my business with them. After meeting Steve my trust in the business grew. I was walked through the shop to see what the technicians saw on my BMW. This experience is more rare than it should be. After my experience booking the appointment, dropping off my car, and follow up call to approve work, I decided to get all my repairs done by SJM. My only regret is not leaving the dealership and working with SJM years ago!

I wanted to rate SJM AutoWerks at least 7 stars but Google limits ratings to 5 stars... truly a pity, really. They deserve, rather, earn all the accolades in their reviews. Anyone who has their vehicle serviced at a dealer, or one of the big chains for that matter, is simply foolish and wasting a lot of money. I have worked in the service department of a dealer, and the "free" vehicle inspection they do is meant to upsell the heck out of your visit. The big chain auto service places are exactly the same. Case in point: I was required to have my car inspected to drive for ridesharing at a specific, big chain location in C.L... I won't say the name, but it rhymes with "StireFone." They failed my car, said I needed a complete brake job all around - pads and rotors and then some, to the tune of over $1200.00! And they still charged me for the inspection! I took it to Steve at SJM, told him of my experience at (sounds like) "StireFone," and it was determined my rear pads were getting low. Everything else was just fine. SJM does NOT try to sell you anything your vehicle does not need (like the dealer or big chain place will). They replaced the pads at a very, very small fraction of the other place's estimate. I then took the car for its required rideshare inspection at a different, authorized place, passed with flying colors, and I have since driven 11K miles over the past 1 & 1/2 months doing rideshare, still stopping just fine! My vehicle is the tool and lifeline I rely on foremost for the safety of my children, and also my rideshare passengers. I will ONLY have it serviced at SJM from here on... Dealer service departments are for recalls and warranty work. Outside of those instances, it would behoove you, if only for the peace of mind in knowing that you are getting and paying for just what you need, to have your car serviced at SJM AutoWerks.

Good work & courteous. Tony and the crew at SJM really helped me out and fixed up my car exactly as I needed. Bob B. Crystal Lake

There is no place to park or turn around at the new location.

Great business and owner

So I've been pretty blown about how well this place treats its customers. I live in the city but I work in the suburbs and my car broke down in Lake in the Hills. They ordered a starter for my car and got to work. Turns out the part they ordered was faulty, so what Steve did is offer me HIS car for 24 hours while he finished up my car. Really over the top stuff, can't recommend these guys enough.

Professional shop with experts & quality parts.

If you're looking for a mechanic look no further! These guys are not only professional, but kind and caring towards their customers. They go above and beyond in their service. They do not gouge you with their prices and they do not sell you what you do not need. They also know how to talk to you about what is wrong with your vehicle and what really needs to be done. I could not be more grateful to have found SJM AutoWeks. My husband and I will continue to come here for all our vehicle needs for many years!

SJM is able to do things other shops couldn't. They took very good care of my car, in a timely, efficient way. Charges are fair, mechanics explained things very clearly. Highly recommend this shop.