Interlock Systems of Texas, Inc.

I know so many people who went through hell with the faulty, «I’m going to the back, and I’ll piece some parts together» Smartstart folks. In fact, the reason I ended up at Terry and Todd’s shop was because Smartstart (the government-​pushed facilities) stood me up for my appointment. I was the luckiest person in the world. They were the first men to treat me with respect after what I went through. They knew cars, really well. More importantly, they knew interlock systems. They’re wonderful people, and save lives. I love them so much.

I can’t say enough great things about this place – Terry is an angel among us, and goes WAY above and beyond. This man easily works an 80-​hour work week and is one of the kindest, funniest and warm-​hearted individuals I’ve ever met. The schedule is great because they are open on weekends as well as after the normal workday, so if you work a regular job this is pretty much the only choice in Austin. Of course, because of the great service it is the ONLY one I would recommend. I never thought I would ever have to be able to say that I recommend an interlock place, but I definitely recommend this place!

If you’re reading reviews for an interlock, you’re trying to make the best of a bad situation already. There are plenty of bad choices out there, but Terry and Todd are great. They treat you like an actual human instead of just a cash cow, and they’ll actually listen and help you if there’s something wrong.
On top of that, their devices are top notch and have none of the issue that the other vendors do. No waiting 10 minutes in the cold for a warmup, etc…
If you’re in the situation where you need an interlock, these guys are BY FAR the best choice here in the Austin area.

Out of all the many places I’ve been in Austin, his is my very first Unilocal review, and is also the last place I imagined would inspire me to write a review. I’m sure you are in a bit of trouble if you are reading this, and I myself am not proud to have had to use their service, but I have to give credit where credit is due. The last place I expected excellent customer service is also the some of the best I’ve ever received.
First of all… take in mind that the one star review was back in 2010. I signed up with this company after a DWI arrest back then, and the management was sketchy to say the least. Well things changed in a hurry when Todd and Terry took over. After my 10 month pre trial (thanks Travis County) I entered into a program called «DWI court» a little different than regular probation. Smart Start offered a discount for DWI court participants (about half the price), but because I had been with these guys for 8 months or so, i decided to stick it out an extra year because they had been good to me so far… boy am I glad I did. Through the program I know about 40 people that deal with smart start, and I have heard every horror story in the book. From the equipment not working properly, to false positives, to draining your battery where your car won’t start, to extra charges and hidden fees. Interlock Systems of Texas may have cost me an extra buck for the month to month, but I don’t regret a penny of it. Out of 22 months, I did not have a SINGLE PROBLEM with my interlock. They use the best equipment, and even better, they are a couple of good guys that are willing to work with you. Plus– Interlock problems = Probation officer problems… the last thing you want while you are trying to get through this.
They obviously love what they do, and understand the position you are in. They keep odd hours, which is good because it suits everyone no matter what type of hours you work. I never felt like they were trying to make a buck off me, in fact a couple of times I should have been charged a late fee, they waived it just because I called in and let them know my situation. Hell, Terry will even DRIVE TO YOUR HOUSE and do your monthly download if you throw him a little money in for his time, even though he doesn’t have a set amount for that and lets you decide it on your own. I never took advantage of this because I could always make it to the shop, but it’s awesome knowing that he’s willing to go the extra mile.
I write this review as my last day as a customer, I FINALLY got my interlock off today. As I pulled it to get it removed, a young girl was wrapping her her install on her first day. Todd walked her through everything she needed to know and even offered her all the «tips» no one tells you about when you are entering the world of DWI probation. He started on my removal, and after 10 minutes or so we started talking. I just shot the breeze with Todd for 15 minutes not even realizing my car was done and I was ready to go. We shook hands and I was told to not be a stranger and come by and have lunch sometime.
DWI probation isn’t fun and isn’t easy. Do yourself a favor, these guys make the interlock portion painless and enjoyable. It’s crazy, but I will miss seeing Todd and having some laughs and listening to Terry’s always interesting stories. Just like anything else in Austin, there are those «hole in the wall» places that scream customer service that are unlike anywhere else. And if you are unfortunate enough to have a DWI, this is one of them.

I first became a customer here in the summer of 2010. The management there was… not good. The former managers were unprofessional and made me feel uneasy about being there. However, the management changed and when it did I actually enjoyed going there every month because it was easy, painless, and Terry (the current manager) is a really nice guy and I always looked forward to talking with him. The owner of Interlock realized that there needed to be a change and as soon as the management shifted my experience as a customer did too. Not to mention, Terry often switched out handsets and equipment for no additional cost and always helped me when I called the toll free number. He also stayed late at the shop when I was stuck in traffic to help me out. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the previous management but now I would recommend them to anyone in need of this service.

Things have changed. The owners have fired everyone described in the previous 1 star rating. I had similar bad experiences with the previous management, but no more. The actual owner, and one other guy, I think his name is Todd, run the place is now. The change has been night and day different.
The new management has cleaned up the store, and are extremely helpful and nice. The regular hours are still a little odd. However, a few months ago when my schedule didn’t allow me to make it in during office hours. I called, and they offered to stay late or come in early to help me out, and that is exactly what they did
First off, no one wants to be a customer of these guys and no one is ever happy to be there. But if you have to use this type of service, these guys are great.
I have been a client since August of 2010. The previous management was let go sometime back in April.
If the old management was still in place I would probably give the place a 2 star rating.
The only reason I didn’t 5 star these guys now is the weird office hours and lack of an easy way to find out what they are. The only way to find out now is to either call, or go into the store. If they had a website, or a Facebook page, or something online letting everyone know what their hours were, I would bump my rating up to a 5.

First off, in the early mornings they are not open and late nights. I’m told they use call forwarding, and the little witch got all defensive when I pointed it out, it was a SUGGESTION NOT AN ATTACK! Sorry if you were having a bad day, maybe she needs to go back to Burger King or whereever the heck she came from.
Second off, two times she answered during store hours, and 10 seconds into the call she put me on hold for like 7 minutes. TWICE. Adding to that on three or four chances, the call was bumped to Houston, the older guy over there sounds like a cool cat I like him already, but he also sounded equally frustrated that he was having to deal with the Austin call volume. I don’t blame him, I understand.
Third off, the two times I came at the posted opening of 12:30, she came in 15 minutes late, both times, and just about every time I come in her eyes are all glazed like she’s been hungover or stoned or maybe something hardcore; I’m a working class guy I don’t know the signs or differences between heroin, crack, ecstasy, meth, pot, or speed, but I’d be surprised at this point if she wasn’t on something.
Fourth off, the non-​drunks behind the counter just visiting, some days that shop is a daycare center for children of troubled teenaged mothers, other days that shop is a halfway house for her homies who through her OWN ADMISSION got released from jail THAT MORNING! Is that a switchblade in that dude’s pocket? I’m pretty sure that was a switchblade.
I don’t mind workforce dating or subtle intimacy, but once I walked in during regular hours and she and her BF were dry humping, which was beyond akward for the rest of us, and the next month I came in and she was screaming his ears off calling off their engagement because he couldn’t wire up a Chevy HHR. True story. And that guy all by himself in Houston? One other time she got off the phone with him and was like «What an ahole» Like I said: Burger King.
Yeah so this place just sucks! Do not go there, keep on shopping…