9 Michigan auto shops forced to close after statewide investigation

LANSING, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Michigan is cracking down on unlicensed auto repair shops as nine close for business after a state-wide investigation.

The crackdown was called "Operation Torque Wrench," and it was a collaboration between multiple state agencies designed to tighten enforcement on illegal car repair shops.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson's office headed up the investigation.

She says the state, along with local and state police, took action against the repair facilities after receiving a flood of complaints about repair shops.

Officials say investigators would visit the shops that were reported to verify that there were unlicensed workers there.

If workers were unlicensed, they would provide information and even assistance to come into compliance.

Investigators say they shut down repair shops that were unwilling to take the necessary steps to become registered.

In all, nine shops were shut down across the state including four right here in West Michigan.

The list of closed shops, listed by county, include:

Kent County

Armando Fierro Auto, 1549 Chicago Dr., Wyoming

AutoMex, 1549 Chicago Dr., Wyoming

Lapeer County

Expert Restoration, 4704 Baldwin Rd., Metamora

Macomb County

Quick Lube, 111 N. Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. Clemens

Muskegon County

Walter Kinsey, 2076 N. Getty Rd., Muskegon

Schoolcraft County

Bergy's Auto Repair, 6256 W. US Highway 2, Manistique

David Sundling, 4921 W. US Highway 2, Manistique

St. Joseph County

Southside Customs and Auto Sales, 419 S. Main Street, Three Rivers

Wayne County

Mahdin Auto Sale, 4114 E. Davison St., Detroit

Under state law, someone who knowingly provides automotive repair services without a registration or certificate is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Michigan has more than 9,000 registered repair facilities.

Consumers with concerns about an automotive repair facility, mechanic, or the work done on a vehicle are encouraged to first discuss the issues with the shop's management.

If no resolution can be reached, consumers may file an automotive complaint form with the Secretary of State so that a formal review can be initiated.

Forms are available on the Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/sos by searching for "automotive complaint form" and may be submitted online, by mail or fax.