Repair Facility History
Automotive Recalibration Center was established in 1977. Our first location was on Stone avenue one block south of Grant. This was previously a Small two bay gas station. The gas pumps were not around any longer but auto repair was in full swing. . Our mission at that time was to “to make cars run right” Our focus was aimed at achieving better fuel economy and enhancing performance for the vehicles that were being produced at the time. As times changed and vehicle were being manufactured, that performed properly and achieved good fuel economy, our focus switched to maintaining performance and optimal fuel economy.
As with all industries, the technologies led to production vehicles that now not only perform properly, produce good fuel economy and meet stringent emission standards. We once again switched out focus to problem solving (diagnosing) and repair, when these vehicles were not performing properly. Our final evolution was to also to focus on Maintenance. We realized many years ago that a well maintained vehicle not only performs better but it lasts longer. We perform Fleet Maintenance, New vehicle Maintenance, that includes manufacture service interval recommendations generally at a price substantially less than the dealer. We also provide any vehicle service other than collision repair. This completes the evolution of Automotive Recalibration Center into a true Automotive Repair Center.
Auto Mechanical Education
In 1978 after graduating Santa Rita High School, I (Sam Santistevan) enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Pima Community College, while attending college I took a part time job at Automotive Recalibration Center. It was exciting to apply what I was learning in school while learning more on the job. In 1980 I graduated with honors, receiving an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology. At this point I went to work full time for Automotive Recalibration Center, you could say this is the only real job I’ve ever had. How lucky I was to do what I loved doing. 1981 was a big year for me, not only did we move the shop to our present location 2455 S. Craycroft, but this was the year I married my wonderful wife Lydia.
Things were going great, and then in late 1982 the two founding partners split, I was offered the opportunity to become a partner in the business. I seized that opportunity. Then in 1985 my wife and I became sole owners of Automotive Recalibration Center.
In the late 80’s the business was incorporated, slowly we began the process of our evolution to the state of the art repair center we have become. We repair and maintain import and domestic cars and light duty vehicles. We service and repair light to medium duty trucks. Our specialty is Maintenance; this gives us the opportunity to spot most problems before they become major repairs.
I am an A.S.E. certified Master Mechanic and Engine Performance Specialist. Education is ongoing as automotive technologies progress. I have served on the board of directors for the Southern Arizona Better Business for the last ten years where it’s been my privilege to become Chairman of the Board for the second time. I belong to the Tucson Association of Executives, where I have the honor of being past President. I have served on the automotive advisory council to Pima Community College. I have had the privilege of serving as an automotive expert witness as well as an independent arbitrator for warranty dispute settlements.
Family Run Automotive Services
We really are a family run operation. When you call or come in to Automotive Recalibration Center, you get to speak with the owner (me), from the time you drop your vehicle off until you pick it up and even after if you have a question. We always take the time to explain the service that we recommend and we only recommend the services that you need. We keep the waiting area presentable and appealing to all of our customers, from a well stocked candy dish to current and diverse magazines. My lead mechanic (Omar Ramos), has been part of the family for eleven years. The rest of the crew is just as eager to help.
You won’t find any high pressure sales tactics, just honest service for a fair price. Not only is it our mission to “Fix Cars Right” but to service our clients properly. You won’t see any big advertisements or specials to get you in the door; we rely on referrals and our reputation to grow our business one client at a time. It gives me a great sense of pride to say that through the years that many of our clients have become close personal friends, not many businesses can make that claim.