Auto repair is usually pretty regular business as people need to keep their vehicles running, but the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed traffic — in more ways than one. 

Even though gas prices have gone down, people are traveling less because of the need for social distance and putting fewer miles on their cars. 

“Business is slow,” said Jeff Hackett, owner of Hackett Automotive Center. “It’s more slow than usual. I’m doing half the business I did last year.” 

Dave Wright Auto and Eastside Tire and Automotive service have each seen drops in business since the pandemic started, but Eastside’s was more temporary. 

Business has changed for Eastside, said Jesse Burgess, Eastside Tire and Automotive owner. “I can’t say we’re doing terrible. We’ve definitely seen a change but we’re still managing and keep on going.” 

Near the beginning of the pandemic Eastside started seeing a decline, but after the first stimulus checks were distributed they have started seeing regular service again.

“We’ve been able to stay steady,” Burgess said. “I wouldn’t say that we’re what we were before all this transpired.” 

Burgess has noticed a decline in people coming in for oil services and an increase in major repairs. 

“We’ve been able to stay busy because of the more intensive work,” Burgess said. 

There’s not as much of a need for basic services overall. 

“At this point right now usually we do four or five oil changes a day. Right now we’re not doing any because people are just not driving,” Hackett said. 

For the next month Hackett will be able to stay open, but if the slow down from the pandemic continues for more than six months he may have to close his doors. 

Car sales on the other hand have remained steady if not increased. 

Dave Wright Auto has seen an increase in car sales and a decrease in service calls, said Todd Long, executive manager. 

“We set an all time sales record for the month of April,” Long said. “Sales have been great, the customers have been great, our customer service scores have through the roof, the only glaring issue we’re having is on the service side. Our service business has been down 50 percent.”

Long attributes the service decline to the pandemic, but a positive attitude has helped get their sales up 20 percent compared to last year. 

“More than anything you have to keep a super hyper positive mental attitude about everything,” Long said. “We are a reliable trustworthy business that’s been here for years and years.”

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Contact Thomas Nelson attnelson@timesrepublican.com