BCAA Auto Service Centre

Nov 2017

Long story here . . . because we want to put this experience of exceptional service out there where people can see this! We were on our way from Seattle to a wedding in Langley. After a stop at the border, our parking brake failed to totally release one of the rear wheels. We continued on our way driving slowly on the highway. The brakes were grinding on one of the rear wheels and I was concerned that it might overheat. The flashers were blinking to warn other drivers. Eventually we pulled off in Surrey and drove around to find an open garage. Alas, it being after regular shopping hours on a Friday evening, there were just a couple of auto shops in the area and they were closed. Eventually we happened on a garage with its lights still on and one of the garage doors was open just a bit. It was past 6 pm. We stopped and walked in, expecting to have to plead with the crew to help us fix our brakes. In the office we explained our situation to Tony Wong, Stu Miller and Marcel Jalbert. Immediately they said "We'll take care of it"! Frankly we were stunned and amazed that they would help us after closing! After completing their work on another car, they put our car on the lift. About an hour and a half later, they completed their work and came into the office to explain the repairs. The culprit was that the parking brake cable was hanging up and not allowing the brakes to completely release. To remedy the condition, they disconnected the parking brake cable running to the problem wheel. We would retain our ability to brake, so we were safe to continue our trip. We would need to engage a brake shop to replace the brake release cable when we returned home. The time was now 8:20 pm and we totally expected to pay for any parts and for their time (and maybe overtime!). It was totally warranted: they kept the shop open for us, and stayed to complete the job, working extra hours into the evening. We were so relieved that our brakes were fixed and that we could continue our trip. Surprise #2! They did not charge us for anything! We were flabbergasted! I insisted on paying for their time, bringing cash out of my wallet to show I meant it. With smiles on their faces, they refused to accept our money. They said "This is Canada!" Bottom line: Yes there are places that provide excellent service, where the crew will bend over backwards for you and put in the work and time to help you on your way. You can find such a place at BCAA Auto Services Centre in Surrey BC! We will always remember this amazing experience and the wonderful crew of Tony, Stu, and Marcel at BCAA!

Nov 2017

We were driving north from Seattle to Langley on a cold, snow-dusted Friday evening. After clearing customs at Blaine, a mysterious intermittent 'thump' and noisy wheel shudder dropped our Honda CRV's speed to 25kph. Now that's way too slow for the highway patrol; we got pulled over and the officer directed us to exit BC-99N at once. And so we eventually stumbled upon BCAA - but it was already past closing time. It was also freezing outside - but one of the service bay doors remained partially open. (That door was stuck, and BCAA requested their facilities repairman to close it.) BCAA personnel Tony, Stu, and Marcel welcomed us into the bright sparkling clean shop. They graciously worked overtime, to expertly diagnose and neutralize our Honda's root problem: the cable segment to the right-rear parking brake was binding inside its cable housing and failed to release. Lastly, we were simply stunned when BCAA refused any remuneration. No charge. FREE! I asked out loud, "What planet am I on?" Tony exclaimed, "Welcome to Canada!"