Harris Garage, Inc., located on Hayes Road, recently was recognized as a "top shop" for automotive repair by a Colorado-based website.

Harris Garage was recognized by the Monday Morning Mechanic, often referred to as MMM, an automotive repair expert who ranks the country’s best auto repair shops.

"One of the criteria for the ‘top shop’ award is it’s a place I would want my mom to go," said David Roberts, who is the MMM. "Not only do you have to be the best in auto repair, you have to be looking out for the best interests of your customer and not simply your bottom line."

A publicist for Harris said that the Hayes garage was one of only 18 auto repair businesses in the country recognized for the award recently. The only other shop in Virginia is located in Fredericksburg.

Michael Harris of Hayes, who manages the shop and provided much of the information for this article, said that he is pleased his shop received this recognition. Harris said the staff strives hard to provide "honest and ethical service" to the community.

It’s the little things that can make a difference, Harris said, such as his mechanics looking at all systems of a vehicle when it comes in for routine service like an oil change to spot possible trouble spots before they occur. For example, Harris said it is much better to find and replace a belt about to break while in the shop than it would be if it broke while the vehicle is being operated on the road.

The garage has three ASE certified technicians, including Harris, who serves part-time as mechanic and has more than 18 years’ auto repair experience. They provide all types of repair service and preventive maintenance for cars, light trucks, and even some dump trucks and other heavy trucks.

They work on engines, electrical, and other major components of a vehicle, Harris said, but do not do heavy body work. They plan to sell tires and offer alignments after they purchase an alignment machine later this year.

Michael Harris’s father, Jimmy Harris of Hayes, owns Harris Garage. He is semi-retired and has more than 50 years’ automotive experience. Harris’s wife, Betsie, works part-time as the bookkeeper.

Jimmy Harris’s father, the late Herman Harris, started the business more than 60 years ago. The present location once housed an auto dealership, Harris said.

The shop serves clients throughout Gloucester and even a few in Mathews. Customers appreciate a staff member driving them home or to the office while their vehicle is being worked on, Harris said.

"We don’t just work on cars in a repair shop, he said. "We work in a community and we serve our neighbors."