Heilman’s Auto Service Center

we’ve been going to Heilman’s for 20 years. they are not always the cheapest but they are always honest! this morning, I went out to my car to a dead battery — and I had to drive to NYC by 10. Heilman’s came to my house, jumped my car and then installed a new battery. They will tell you what your car needs –and what can wait.

I dropped my car off for a yearly inspection, but it was hit in the parking lot and there was damage to the front of the car. It was frustrating and the entire process took a few weeks, but in the end they were able to replace my hood and bumper and return my car to the condition it was previously.

I took my car to Heilman Auto Service for an official safety inspection. The service tech was prompt when I showed up for my appointment and, after completing the inspection, was thorough in showing me the repairs that would be required for my vehicle to pass. He also identified another issue that would not be needed for the inspection. I was given a ride home, and was able to pick up my car with the completed inspection that evening. As someone relocating from a state where the DMV handled all inspections, I appreciated the convenience of being able to have the repairs completed without a second inspection trip. Everyone was very courteous and the whole experience was significantly better than I’d been expecting.
So why the two stars? In order to pass the inspection, I was told I needed to purchase two tires. I don’t doubt that the purchase was necessary — I was shown the wear pattern and the areas of the tire that were nearly bald. However, when I compared the price I was charged at Heilman’s Sunoco with the price at a retailer like
or Pep Boys, I realized I was paying exactly double what each tire would have cost elsewhere. Had I not trusted the technician, I could have purchased four tires for what I paid for two. (I was also charged a mounting and balancing fee on top of this.)
I would expect to pay a bit premium for the auto shop’s having the tires in stock and available — but 100% more? I don’t know if I was paying the main line tax, or the «female at an auto shop» tax, or if they were taking advantage of the fact that I was out the inspection fee already. I understand this kind of graft is standard practice at car repair stations. It is what it is. But hopefully my experience can help others avoid this situation.

These guys are great. Recently (and suddenly) my brakes went VERY bad and needed to be fixed immediately. I know some places in the general area that have done decent work in the past, but I saw the good reviews on Unilocal and decided to give them a shot. Perfect. It’s rare these days to find good people who do good work on cars. They fixed the problem with my rear brakes & calipers, and didn’t try to oversell me (I thought my front brakes needed to be done too). Also, I asked them to finish in a very short window of time because I needed to leave town, and they nailed it. 5 stars for sure. I will return for more service in the future, and recommend these guys to anyone who needs minor repairs in the Ardmore area. Thanks Mike & Alphonso!
EDIT– My wife and I have been back here for random issues/​repairs about 6 or 8 times since I first wrote this review. Still 5 stars… great work every time.

I really like this place. I went in for a minor auto repair. I asked for an estimate of cost & time and scheduled a time to come in. I assumed the estimate would be «ball park». The time to make the repair was on the nose, 1.5 hours. The cost was under the estimate by $ 2.
The owner introduced himself to me and his staff. The facility was clean and well maintained. What was evident to me is that the people there take pride in their work.
I could not be happier with my experience there. Just as Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, «I’ll be back.»

Heilman’s have been great to me for the 4 years I have lived in Ardmore. I get my annual state inspection there and the price is always significantly less than at my dealer. I have had a few minor issues with my car over the years and Heilman’s has often repaired them for free if it was really simple. It is great having a repair garage I can trust to not rip me off.

I am giving Heilman’s 5 stars not just for the times they have fixed my car, but for the times they haven’t had to. Alfonso and the team have been so honest with me over the past year that I feel comfortable bringing my car to them for anything.
Starting with an inspection, then an oil change, then some work that needed to be done to get the car back in working order… every time, I’ve gotten a phone call, explaining the details and a great price. Even when I went to get my windshield wipers changed, I was charged for the blades only.
From the outside, you might think this is just a gas station, but consider them for your next oil change. They have coupons on their website, for a diagnostic check, an oil change and an inspection. Tell Alfonso I sent you!

I really love this place. Here is a business that cares about their customers. From the friendly staff to the free compressed air, this place is very welcoming. Gas isn’t cheap… but where is it cheap? The fueling area can get a little congested however be patient and everything will be just fine. Road rage while trying to get gas is a little absurd but I have seen it. ha ha