When I bought my first car, I was just excited to have wheels. The problem was, I didn’t have much money left over to maintain it, let alone fix it when something went wrong—and things always went wrong. Every strange noise, every dashboard light, every leak reminded me that cars don’t just magically stay running. They need care. And care costs money I didn’t have.

Instead of letting my car sit idle in the driveway, I made a decision that would shape my future: I would learn to fix it myself.

The Humble Beginnings: Manuals and Basic Tools

I still remember walking into an auto parts store and buying a Haynes repair manual for my car. To me, it looked like a foreign language at first—pages filled with diagrams, torque specs, and step-by-step instructions. Alongside that, I invested in a basic toolset from Harbor Freight. Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers—the essentials. I still shop there to this day. Love those guys.

At the beginning, I struggled with the simplest tasks. Changing the oil took hours and more spilled motor oil than I’d like to admit. Replacing brake pads felt intimidating, but the more I followed the book and got my hands dirty, the more I understood how these systems worked. Every repair that once felt impossible became a building block of confidence. And then, My Transmission went out. And I replaced it myself!

From Survival to Passion

What started as a financial necessity slowly grew into a genuine passion. I realized that working on cars wasn’t just about fixing problems; it was about learning how machines worked on the inside. Cars became puzzles—ones I could solve with patience, persistence, and a little grease under my fingernails.

The more I worked, the more curious I became. Why did engines fail? What caused electrical gremlins? How could I make a car run better than it did before? The questions kept coming, and with each answer I uncovered, I felt hooked. I got ASE certified.

From Curiosity to Mastery

Once I earned my ASE certification, things shifted. No longer was I just trying to save money or keep my own cars on the road—I started helping friends, neighbors, and even strangers who heard through word of mouth. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was building a reputation.

Every job was a challenge, but also an opportunity. I remember pulling an all-nighter to replace a head gasket on a buddy’s old Honda. I wasn’t just fixing his car; I was proving to myself that I had what it took to take on bigger, more complex repairs. Soon enough, I was doing everything from timing belts to suspension overhauls with confidence.

Building Dr. Driveaway

At some point, it clicked—I could take this passion and turn it into something bigger. I had the skills, the tools, and the drive, so why not bring the shop to people instead of waiting for them to find a shop? That’s when Dr. Driveaway Mobile Mechanic was born.

I started showing up at people’s homes and workplaces with tools in hand. No waiting rooms, no towing bills—just reliable, professional repair where it was needed most. Over the years, I’ve invested in better diagnostic equipment, expanded my toolbox, and built relationships with suppliers and parts stores.

Why I Keep Going

For me, being a mechanic is about more than fixing cars—it’s about helping people. When someone’s stranded at the grocery store or stressed because their car won’t start before work, I get to be the one who takes away that burden. That’s what keeps me motivated: the look of relief when an engine roars back to life, or when brakes stop squeaking after a long week of grinding.

Cars have been my teachers, my puzzles, and my livelihood. From that first oil change disaster to running my own mobile business, the journey has been filled with mistakes, lessons, and triumphs. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

If you’re in the Sacramento, Folsom, Citrus Heights or Orangevale Area. Give us a call today!