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How We Work

Our diagnostic process, communication style, and what makes Atomic Auto different.

About Travis Decker: ASE Master Technician & Owner of Atomic Auto

I'm Travis Decker, owner of Atomic Auto, an independent auto repair shop at 610 NE 102nd Ave in Portland, Oregon. I opened the shop in...

Les Schwab said "urgent" brakes and tires at 47,000 miles. Here's what we found.

Short version: A customer came to us for a second opinion after Les Schwab told her she urgently needed rear brakes and a whole new...

The $20 Oil Change That Costs More Than You Think

Short version: A $20 oil change coupon is a loss leader — the shop makes the money back on the inspection report that follows. Most...

How We Diagnose Toyota Hybrid Problems: The 6-Step Process

Short version: When your Toyota hybrid comes in with a warning light or driveability concern, we follow the 6-Step Process — confirm the concern, determine...

Why We Don't Just Quote What the "Other Shop" Told You

Short version: When you bring us another shop’s estimate, we start with your car’s actual symptoms instead of just re-quoting the list. Commission pay for...

Our "Text-First" Philosophy: Why We’ve Broken Up With the Phone

Short version: We run a text-first shop: text 503-969-3134 and your exact words, photos, and videos go right on your repair order, with a written...