Tidewater Auto Electric of CHESAPEAKE

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Ky Nguyen
3 weeks ago
GREEDY, DISHONEST OWNERI took my car here for inspection last week, after a little while, he came out and told me that " Both rear turn signals show more white than amber, amber coloring has FLAKED OFF the bulbs". It would cost a very convenient $100.00 for parts and "labor" to have them replace the bulbs for me, I refused, told them I'll do it myself and drove home with a rejected decal.Now, look at the photos, did it look like the amber color had "flaked off"? How can you tell through the distorted layer of the housing? And that what you call "more white than amber????" The "flaked off" old bulbs and the new ones look identical when put next to each other, and off course, there was no color flaked off the old bulbs, they are perfectly fine.Also, $100.00 to replace two bulbs? You are telling me your qualified mechanic would take almost an hour to replace the bulbs? A job that take me 5 minutes plus $9 for the bulbs? And why $100.00, because it was the number he made up in his head, he thought it was easy money.DO NOT take your car here for anything, they are greedy and dishonest. You'll end up wasting your time like me, or worse, your money.

  Rebecca Clark
3 months ago
Thankful, that I could drop my car off without an appointment. l needed to get the battery charged and tested after I had to get it jump started. The battery was defective and under warranty. They were able to get it ready for me before they closed for the weekend. So happy that I can end my year on a positive note.

  Steven Newman
a year ago
Awesome experience got my problem fixed in a timely manner communicated with me throughout the entire process and got my vehicle fixed!!!! Great job guys and thanks again!!! The repair looks like it never happened even cleaned up the wiring and make it look factory like it is supposed to!!!Service: ElectricalService: Electrical

  Frank J
11 months ago
I had an outstanding experience at Tidewater Auto Electric. Their service was top-notch, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The facility was clean and well-maintained, creating a professional atmosphere. Not only did they provide prompt and efficient service, but their pricing was also fair. Tidewater Auto Electric is excellent at scheduling and completing work on time. I highly recommend them for their great service, friendly staff, cleanliness, promptness, and fair prices.Services: Electrical repair, Tires, Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Tire rotations, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Brakes, Vehicle safety inspection, Oil change

  Shanteece Smith
3 years ago
I sent my vehicle to this location pre-diagnosed to needed a new Power Control Module. I requested that this shop verify the part was in need of replacement and complete the job. When I checked in on the status, the mechanic spent an hour switching around the spark plugs and ignition coils and I was billed about $145. And still didn t know if the part in question was faulty or not. 3 more hours of time was requested to do other things outside of what I requested. (A second opinion on the faulty power control module). I declined.::Customer response to owners response: :it is very unprofessional to be dishonest about the condition of my vehicle in order to make yourself look good, instead of offering solutions. This just shows the lack of integrity you have in this business. I for one, will never call on your shop for mechanical expertise again.Services: Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic

  Scott H
8 months ago
I called requesting some battery assistance after unsuccessfully using a battery retailer nearby. Chris, who answered the phone, graciously offered to look at the vehicle right as they were closing. He replaced the battery for us (that we had already purchased) and didn't charge us for his time. We will definitely be back to this mechanic next time we need any work done.

  Latoya Vaughn
11 months ago
DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO TIDEWATER AUTO ELECTRICThe owner/manager is as unprofessional as the work he did on my car. He does not take accountability for his mistakes. (See his responses to all of the one star reviews including my previous review)To the owner/manager: no matter how much you try to place blame on the customer the fact is we gave you three times and left the car with you for weeks to get it right and you didn t.Since you shared the history of the repair I will add for clarification:- The car sat for months because the driver is away at college. The problem returned shortly after the last visit but it was obvious after three visits and weeks of effort your shop could not properly repair the car.- The problem was intermittent but FREQUENT. It was a SAFETY concern.- Visit 1- we told you the fusible link was previously replaced and thought the issue was related to that area based on the behavior and you didn t find the issue.- Visit 2 - we brought the car back and sent you videos of the problem and you told me you found the root cause and fixed it. The car started acting up on the way home. When I called, you told me you had issues with the work done by tech that said he fixed it but you will take care of it.- Visit 3 - you told me you worked on it personally and finally found a problem with a ground wire under the electrical box. Now you are saying you didn t touch the area we told you we thought was the problem AND where the new repair shop found missing bolts? Unbelievable!I will gladly give you back the $40 you spent on gas if you will give me back the $800 I spent getting the issue properly diagnosed.Lastly, you should let your employee write the responses to the reviews. Chris was kind and professional and after speaking with him I almost deleted my first review. Since you have my name on the owner/manager list please add to it owed $800 for additional repair costs incurred due to MY negligence.

  Latoya Vaughn
11 months ago
If it was possible to give zero stars I would. We ve used them twice over the years on two cars and had the same result they couldn t find the issue. Most recently we dropped our car off three times the first time they couldn t find the issues, the second time they claimed to have fixed the issue they couldn t find the first time it wasn t fixed so we took it back a third time. After driving it a few times the issue returned. We took it to another repair shop and paid over $800 to find out the following from the new repair shop:Removed passenger side under-hood fuse box/fusible link assembly to disassemble and inspect for root cause of power loss. Once disassembled, technician verified that it had been previously disassembled, and not properly reassembled and additionally had mounting bolt missing that secures fuse box to fusible link to allow transfer of power to fuses to then operate the fuel injectors and ignition coils, and other systems.I am more than disappointed. They are well known, but the quality of the work does not match the popularity. Don t waste your time just spend the money and take your vehicle to a quality repair shop.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Gabrielle Blake
a year ago
After two dealerships gave me bad info, I took my vehicle here for their assessment and they were 100% dead on correct. It was worth the money to just get their advice. Did repairs myself and saved nearly $2,000 in the end. Vehicle back to running great and all notifier lights are off. I recommend them to anyone with electrical issues, or others. Better service than the dealership and more reasonably priced!Service: Electrical

  Natascha Robinson
8 months ago
Tidewater Auto Electric was highly recommended and they did not disappoint! My A/C issue was looked at quickly, diagnosed and repaired that same day. I am very pleased!

  Nathan Corbett
a year ago
MORE THAN ELECTRICAL! These guys came highly recommended from nearly everyone I know. I wish I would have came here first instead of throwing a couple parts at my car. My issue wasn't a straightforward repair - but was found by their tech. They were able to diagnose the root of the problem without replacing any parts! Also they were able to fix my rough idle. Do yourself a favor and have these guys check it out before you waste any money chasing down and replacing part yourself. More than satisfied thank you! Turnaround time was excellent as well!

  Dawn Gothers
2 years ago
Great work! Trouble shooters, fixed and found rare parts not manufactured for our truck ! Confident and professional! My husband is a mechanic and has a complete trust in this shop! Electrical issues definitely their ninch plus Thank you for going the distance and sending us a copy of our receipts since we relocated to Washington.

  Janet P
9 months ago
Love the way they were able to fix my problem and when the did a quick inspection they found other issuesThey were honest about pricing and work needing to done not pushy at all

  Paul Lyon
8 years ago
I thought I had a blown head gasket due to many things and contemplated buying a motor from Jasper to the tune of $6K installed. Based on a recommendation from a friend, I contacted Auto Electric Chesapeake about just getting the head gaskets replaced because it would be about half as much or less. It turns out they send the heads to a very reputable machine shop, so I was very comfortable going forward with the decision to have the work done. But they contacted me and said they found nothing wrong with my vehicle. I asked what they did to test, and asked them to do more tests just to be sure (I couldn't believe my ears initially). Still, nothing wrong. Paid for all the tests and after a little more research, I have no problems with the vehicle at all. I won't bore readers with how it was diagnosed incorrectly by another reputable place as a head gasket issue, but thankfully that was not the problem. However, Auto Electric of Chesapeake could have stuck it to me and oversold me on not just the head gasket work, but all kinds of things while under the hood doing the tear-down. I am extremely pleased with their honesty - I saved thousands of $$ due to their integrity. Like I said before, they were recommend by a good source, the machine shop is highly reputable, and I would have been very comfortable giving the green light for them to do the work. But they told me I didn't need to after their comprehensive testing, and that is very commendable in my book. Thanks Tidewater Auto Electric of Chesapeake!!!

  Ryan Hersey
2 years ago
Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Brought in a 91 Bronco with electrical issues affecting the vent blower. Made an appointment in advance (required due to limited lot size), dropped it off Tuesday at 5:00pm, Johnny called me at 9:30am Wednesday with diagnosis, pricing, and availability of parts - picked it up at 5:45pm that night. Yes, they even let me pick it up after closing due to my schedule. Refreshing customer service, highly recommended.Service: Electrical repair

  Paul Aguallo
3 years ago
I brought my 4Runner here to have offroad lights installed. It took a few days as the shop is extremely busy but the work completed looks exceptional. All the wiring, harnesses, ect. look like care and expertise was used. Shop staff were all honest, and did a good job communicating with me via phone and text throughout the job.I will be bringing my vehicle back for my next project without question.

  Chelsea Raines
4 years ago
I can't thank them enough for helping me. I went to 3 different places who were unable to provide me answers that Tidewater was able to provide me in less then an hour. I have a Jeep Liberty that had electrical issues causing the windshield wipers, dashboard light, and radio to not work properly. They were fast, friendly, honest, and very informative. They provided explanations for everything, which was very comforting after the ordeal I had gone through. I never felt like I was being taken advantage of and the price was very reasonable with a great warranty. Thank you again for everything. I would defiantly recommend them to anyone.

  Kelly Hannigan
4 years ago
This review is extremely over due but very much deserved. About 4 months ago I was having acceleration issues with my Altima. After my previously normal mechanic would not answer the phone I started looking for another shop to take my vehicle to. I took it to four shops who were all unable to diagnose the isse which amounted to a significant waste of time and money. A friend recommended Mike's shop. Extremely frustrated at this point I gave Mike a call. He stayed on the phone with me for at least a half hour discussing my vehicle's history, what was happening currently, what the issue could be best and worst case scenarios because he could tell I was at my wits end. We scheduled an appointment and I made arrangements to drop off my car. Let me just say this is were I truly became a fan of this shop. They had my vehicle for about a week trying to find the issue. These folks were persistent. The entire time Mike kept me informed whether he had anything new to share or not. I read another review that read they treated me like I had been there 100 times. I couldn't have said it better myself. I will always call Mike and his team when my vehicles are in need of service.

  Kip Kinsey
10 years ago
We moved to the area just over 8 years ago and a big concern when relocating is finding a good, reliable mechanic. We hit it lucky - big time. They were the first place we went to and we have never had any problems, the customer service is phenomenal, and we can completely trust any recommendations they make. They do not make us buy any unnecessary services and we know they will fix our problems right the first time. Great communication is a huge plus. Friends we have recommended them to have also been very happy, so I will continue to recommend them - hands down - as the best auto repair in this area. :)

  Kristina Jankosky
5 years ago
I have had some really odd issues with my car and it has been extremely frustrating for me and everyone who has dealt with it. I have had to bring my car in quite a few times because of this odd issue it was having that no other shop knew how to fix and they never seemed to mind or relay to me any annoyance that they might ve felt. I felt like I was out of options and nothing seemed to help my car but they have helped me figure out the root of my problem and now my car, which I had just recently purchased and have barely been able to enjoy, is back on the road! I am so thankful for all of their help and for being extremely kind to me. Plus, they are very fairly priced! I will be happy to come back to this shop for any future issues and to refer in all of my friends and family!

  Gayle Lindemeyer
3 years ago
I recently had a problem with my 2015 GMC truck "Trailer Brake" system, in my 7 pin RV plug. I first tried to troubleshoot the problem myself with negative results. I then took it to my dealership to have the trailer brake system serviced. The dealership came back and stated that they could not find any problems with my trailer brake system. I went back to my RV, plugging it back into my truck and I still did not have trailer brakes. I then went to a well known RV service center and they confirmed that I did not have any trailer brakes on my 7 pin RV plug. They attempted to work on it but was unable to pin point the problem. Their main suggestion was to replace the wiring harness that feeds into the 7 pin plug. When I asked them if they were able to locate the problem inside that wiring harness they stated no, however, that was the only thing else they could think of that "might" fix my problem. My last thought was to install an after market trailer brake controller on my truck, but was not sure if that would cause some type of conflict between my factory trailer brake system and the after market system.To say the least, I was about to trade this truck in for another one, but that didn't seem to make much sense either. I then thought about trying "Tidewater Auto Electric of Chesapeake". I read their reviews on line and and felt like this was something that they would help me out with. Upon my arrival at their shop, as I was getting out of my vehicle, a gentleman came out of the shop area and approached me wanting to know if he could help me. I explained my situation and went through everything that I had done to attempt to fix this trailer brake problem. The guy immediately understood what I was talking about and gave me a few ideas as to what his thoughts were. I set up an appointment for them to look closer at my truck and within two hours they found and fixed my problem that no one else could find. It ended up being a couple of "Y" fittings deep into my wiring harness that was causing my problems.I have to say that Tidewater Auto Electric of Chesapeake, their staff was extremely professional and gave me the confidence that they were there to fix my issues. Once they took possession of my truck they got right on it and found the problem that no one else could find. Thank You guys for all of your assistance in fixing my problem in a timely manner at a minimal cost.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TIDEWATER AUTO ELECTRIC OF CHESAPEAKE with any and all types of problems relating to your vehicle. Keep up the great work!!

  Tyler Simonic
4 years ago
Not affiliated with the one in Virginia beach. This location gives excellent customer service, and let's you know the issues before they start the work. With the diagnostics fee given upfront i was worry free about getting ripped off in the long run. Thanks for getting the headlight fixed on my Lincoln navigator!

  Curtis Miller
4 years ago
My 2002 Dodge Durango had some issues to say the least. After 2 shops said they couldn t find the electrical problem. I found myself looking for a shop that knew what they were doing and a shop I could trust. Tidewater Auto Electric in Chesapeake was just down the road from me. From day one, they talked to me like I d been there 100 times. They where up front with how long it might take, prices and answered all my questions. The problem was found and repaired with no hidden price hikes. I also had them inspect the truck. Look, finding a shop you can trust is not as easy as it should be but, for me and my family this is that trustworthy shop we all look for.To the Owner and the team at Tidewater Auto Electric in Chesapeake be proud of the quality service the honesty and the pride you show in the work you do and continue to be that shop everyone wants and needsThey helped me more than they know.Thanks again

  Ben Gonzales
10 months ago
Great and easy to chat with. They ll always take care of your car, I don t trust anyone else with my vehicle

  Stephenie Honeycutt
2 years ago
Wonderful experience w/Tidewater Auto Electric of Chesapeake!! Soon as you walk inside it looks & feels very professional. Front desk service are kind & very upfront. The time my car was being repaired, they kept me up to date & the way they handle their customers were & are superb! Major plus they actually repair your car Service: Electrical repairService: Electrical repair

  Sarah Warren
7 years ago
Would definitely go back! I was having problems with a battery drain on my Yukon. Every morning when I went to start the truck, it was dead. We replaced the battery and took it to a service center twice. No one could figure out what was draining the battery or why. I looked online and found Tidewater Auto Electric of Chesapeake and saw that they had great reviews, so I decided to give them a call. After only a couple of minutes of me explaining what was going on, he said he had a pretty good idea of what the problem could be. He quoted me around $800 if the issue was what he thought it was. I took in in the next morning and they had it fixed by closing time. His diagnosis was right (BCM) and it only ended up costing me $607!! It has been just over a month now and my truck starts every time...have not had one issue with it since! Thanks again guys for fixing it and for getting it back to me so quickly!

  Wanda Hood
10 years ago
Wes was great! I talked to him over the phone the day before, and I came in the next day. He remembered the conversation and gave me an accurate price range.They were quick and efficient. I was able to get my vehicle back before the end of the day.My husband, father-in-law, and I have used their services for years. I wouldn't recommend any other place to accurately diagnose and fix your electrical problems.Very polite staff.

  talondaa
5 years ago
I was having electric wiring issues with my car. My car had overheated to the point where it melted some of the wires in my harness and also caused my ac to stop working. I had someone fix it before I took it in to tidewater auto electric and they basically made a mess of my wiring and my car was STILL overheating, I took it to the Nissan dealership and they wanted to charge me almost 4 grand to not even fix the problem but replace all the parts. I was so stressed and i didn't know how i was going to get my car fixed until i brought it in here. They had my car fixed within one day and they saved me soooo much money. They were so nice and explained everything they were doing. For the first time, I felt like someone actually cared about the quality of their work more than just filling their pockets. I will most definitely be coming back for all my Auto needs.

  Brandon Mitchell
6 years ago
These guys did right by me. I came in with a lot of questions and no answers. They could have easily taken a few hundred dollars from me, they did not. Up front and direct about the reality of what needed to be done, the vehicle isn't worth what I needed done. Gave a recommendation to a trans specialist and even provided me with a coupon to the place. They charged me a very low minimum shop charge. I highly recommend Tidewater Auto Electric.

  Mark Wheeler
4 years ago
I just wanna say thanks to Jim, Tripp and any others that worked on my vehicle. I have a 2007 Tahoe that had a harsh shifting issue. They listened to exactly what i told them it did and when it did it. They diagnosed and repaired very quickly and I haven t had a problem since. Thank you all very much. It s nice to deal with a top notch vehicle diagnostic center.