Sam Spano has been a mechanic in Springvale for 24 years and says car manufacturers pose a threat to By Shaun Inguanzo
LIKE his 1974 Chevrolet Oldsmobile, Springvale mechanic Sam Spano is fast becoming a relic from a bygone era.
Before the days of fuel-injected motors and computerised cars spitting out self-analyses on their internals, Spano was forging a successful business as a Springvale mechanic with a strong cast of regular customers – many of whom still trust him with their cars to this day.
The sense of humour that wins over his customers extends to the walls of the front counter. “In God we trust – the rest pay cash,” a wall-mounted sign reads.
But the 46-year-old Hampton Park man warns that local mechanics are fast becoming an endangered species.
There are the domestic challenges for a Springvale mechanic of Italian heritage: multicultural communities choosing mechanics with the same native tongue; Springvale’s lack of parking forcing him to move; and older customers leaving town.
Then there are the broader challenges that threaten to cut out the friendly local and his brethren altogether.
Mr Spano says a growing number of cars now have proprietary on-board computer systems that require special machines for servicing, machines that cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Such restrictions are beginning to limit the number of new cars mechanics can touch.
“I can’t warrant $100,000 on the machinery for each manufacturer, when next year or next model it’ll all be new,” Mr Spano says. “That is what’s hurting us, local mechanics just can’t afford to spend that kind of money.”
And then there are the dealers persuading customers to bring their new car back to their service departments to avoid losing their warranty.
“Dealerships keep saying you have to take your new car back there to keep your warranty,” he said. “But as long as we use genuine parts then there is no stress.”
Where the nonchalant mechanic beats the big boys is his old-fashioned way of doing business.
Mr Spano greet his customers with a smile, engages in meaningful conversations, enjoys the odd drink with his regulars and, in most cases, offers to pick up and drop off customers’ cars as far away as Narre Warren – free of charge.
There’s one more sign that Mr Spano wants to put in his shop.
“Everyone brings joy to this office,” he says with a grin, “some when they enter, and some when they leave.”
But if Mr Spano’s worst fears are realised then there will be little joy for the customers the day he leaves Springvale.
