Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Auto Repair Experts in Minneapolis
Hawkins Automotive has been serving the Minneapolis community for over 70 years with quality automotive repair services. Our certified auto mechanics deliver professional auto repair and maintenance solutions for cars and trucks. We prioritize trust, transparency, and customer education, ensuring clients understand their vehicle needs. With decades of combined experience, our team handles everything from brake service to transmission repairs. We maintain rigorous quality standards, using only top-tier replacement parts and following manufacturer-recommended service intervals.Our commitment to excellence extends to personalized service, with technicians who explain repairs clearly and prioritize client safety. We specialize in diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and complex repairs, backed by ASE-certified expertise. Our facility supports both routine maintenance and emergency repairs, with a focus on long-term vehicle reliability. Community trust remains our foundation, reflected in repeat customers and referrals. We combine technical proficiency with ethical business practices to ensure customer satisfaction.
Services
Brake Service
AC Repair
Oil Change
Transmission Service
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Cooling System Maintenance
Electrical System Repair
Steering & Suspension
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- 70+ years of automotive repair experience in Minneapolis
- ASE-certified technicians with specialized training
- Transparent diagnostics and repair explanations
- Use of premium-quality replacement parts
- Comprehensive vehicle inspection with every service
Associations and certifications
- ASE Certified
What people say
Exceptional customer service
Honest and transparent
Expertise and professionalism
Long-term reliability
Clear explanations
Services
Brake Service
Our brake specialists diagnose and repair all brake system components including pads, rotors, calipers, and master cylinders. We use precision diagnostics to identify issues like soft pedals, vibrations, or unusual noises. Early brake intervention prevents costly repairs while ensuring safety. Technicians perform complete system inspections and recommend OEM-quality parts for optimal performance.
AC Repair
We restore vehicle climate control systems through comprehensive AC diagnostics and repairs. Services include refrigerant recharge, compressor replacement, and leak detection. Our technicians address issues like warm air output, strange odors, or system inefficiencies. We use modern equipment to service both older and newer vehicle AC systems while ensuring proper refrigerant handling.
Oil Change
Regular oil changes maintain engine longevity using conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oils. Our service includes filter replacement, fluid level checks, and vehicle inspection. Technicians recommend intervals based on driving conditions and manufacturer specifications. Every oil change includes a multi-point inspection to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Transmission Service
We provide transmission maintenance and repairs for automatic and manual systems. Services include fluid changes, power flushes, and diagnostic analysis using specialized tools. Technicians address shifting issues, fluid leaks, and performance problems. Preventative maintenance follows manufacturer guidelines to extend transmission lifespan and avoid costly overhauls.
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Our computerized analysis identifies engine management system faults triggering the check engine light. Technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to read codes and determine root causes. We address issues ranging from sensor failures to emission system problems. Clear explanations help customers understand repair requirements and prevent further damage.
People
Tom Hoeben
Service Manager and Owner
With over 25 years in auto services, Tom leads our team with technical expertise and business acumen. He ensures quality control across all repairs while maintaining customer relationships. His 3-year technical education foundation supports informed decision-making for complex repairs.
Brian Kerr
Assistant Service Manager
Brian brings 25+ years of automotive experience to his role, overseeing daily operations and technician coordination. He ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining technical proficiency through ongoing training. His customer-focused approach resolves issues effectively.
Jason Powers
ASE Certified Technician
Jason combines ASE certification with 20+ years of hands-on experience. He specializes in complex diagnostics and system repairs, maintaining technical excellence through continuous education. His expertise covers modern vehicle electronics and mechanical systems.
Mike Hoeben
Senior Technician
Mike contributes 20+ years of automotive expertise, starting in the industry at age 13. His extensive experience covers all vehicle systems, with particular strength in preventive maintenance and repair diagnostics.
Brian Gunderson
Lead Technician
With 45+ years industry experience since 1976, Brian provides technical mentorship to our team. His 2-year technical education foundation supports expert-level repairs. He specializes in older vehicle systems while adapting to modern automotive technology.
Questions
What services does Hawkins Automotive offer?
We provide complete auto repair services including brake systems, AC repair, oil changes, transmission maintenance, electrical diagnostics, and check engine light analysis.
Are your technicians certified?
Yes, our team includes ASE-certified technicians with decades of combined experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.
How often should I get an oil change?
Recommendations vary: conventional oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, synthetic blends at 5,000-7,500 miles, and full synthetics up to 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Do you offer emergency repair services?
While we're not a 24/7 emergency service, we prioritize urgent repairs during business hours and provide guidance for after-hours vehicle issues.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Minneapolis, MN and surrounding Twin Cities areas with comprehensive automotive repair and maintenance solutions.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at 612-827-2971 during business hours or use our online appointment request form for convenient scheduling.
Reviews (5)
Bryan Mann
Jun 15, 2022
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Was making a trip home to see my mom just after my dad passed and had an issue with under body protection panel. Services: Transmission, Engine repair, Auto brake repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, General repairs & maintenance, Oil change, Tire rotations
Bennie Mickle
Jun 09, 2022
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Great service. They have gained my trust and I can rest assured that I'm getting a fair and quality deal. My choice for all repairs!
Katy Knox-Carr
Feb 12, 2022
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Above and beyond service everytime! They are so kind, fast and amazing I almost want to keep this place to myself, but truly worth the drive to keep coming back. Honest and fair pricing, plus if you get something stuck in your tire you get to keep it afterwards. Go get snacks while you wait at Sun Street bakery! Services: Wheel alignment, Engine repair, Auto engine diagnostic, General repairs & maintenance, Oil change, Tires, Auto engine tuning, Brakes
Audry Wolters
Jan 07, 2022
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I've been seeing these folks for years. Nothing untoward has "happened" to my car (they haven't lied or made up some nonsense). Regular ol' stuff fixed for a good price. I had to find a new mechanic after Eddie retired from Imported Car Service. They are a close 2nd. :)
Joe Piscaschmoe
Jun 03, 2021
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They fixed my truck but used a part with the same flaw that caused my truck to break in the first place. I asked them about using an OEM part before they did the service but they assured me the part they use would be fine. Several thousand miles later, the symptoms leading up to the issue have returned. I didn't pay a good chunk of the value of the truck to have this fixed only for it to go bad again within a couple years.
