Questions customers ask
What people want to know before they book, and a few things they ask once the car is on the lift. For anything else, call (613) 741-9696.
Before you book
Most of what people ask before booking is practical. When the shop is open, when to bring the car, how to get around without it, and what the work will cost. The answers below cover those, along with how a repair goes once the car is here.
The short version is this. 2 and 1/2 Mechanics is at 1345 Marchand St in Cyrville, Ottawa, ON, a few minutes on foot from Cyrville O-Train station. You book online whenever it suits you, drop the car off by 9am, and we call before any work starts. The everyday jobs have posted prices, and parts are priced once we have seen the car. The shop is open Saturday from 8am to 3pm as well as weekdays.
If your question isn’t here, call (613) 741-9696, or read more about the services we offer and how to drop off and take the train.
Questions people ask
How do I book a repair at 2 and 1/2 Mechanics?
Book online any time, day or night, through the booking page on this site. Pick the service or choose Other, pick a day, add your vehicle by scanning the VIN or typing the year, make and model, and describe the problem. You can also call (613) 741-9696 during shop hours.
What are your hours?
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 8am to 3pm. It is closed on Sundays. Online booking stays open around the clock.
Are you open on Saturdays?
Yes, from 8am to 3pm. Saturday is a good day for an oil change, a seasonal tire swap or a problem you haven't had time to deal with during the week. Book it the same way as a weekday and drop the car off by 9am.
What time do I need to drop my car off?
Bring the car in by 9am on the day you booked. The shop opens at 8am, so anytime between 8am and 9am works. Bring the keys inside, along with the wheel lock key if your car has locking wheel nuts.
How far is the shop from Cyrville O-Train station?
Cyrville station on Line 1 is on Cyrville Road, about 300 metres from the shop at 1345 Marchand St, roughly a four minute walk. Trains go west toward the St. Laurent Centre and downtown, and east toward Blair and Orléans. Plenty of customers drop the car off and take the train to work.
Do you post your prices?
Yes. A full synthetic oil change is from $99, a brake change is from $180 depending on the vehicle, an on rim tire swap is $75, and an off rim tire change with mounting and balancing is $140. Inspection and diagnosis are $120 an hour. These are labour prices before tax.
Why don't you quote parts over the phone?
Because the right part depends on what the car actually needs once we see it. Two of the same car can need very different parts after a few Ottawa winters, and parts often come in more than one grade. We look first, then call you with the parts, the labour and the total.
Will you do any work without asking me first?
No. After we look at the car, we call with the cause, the price and anything that can safely wait. Work starts only after you approve it, and if we find something else along the way, we call again before doing it.
Can I see the old parts you replaced?
Yes. We keep the parts we recommended replacing so you can see them when you pick the car up, and we'll explain what was wrong with each one. Salim would rather show you a worn rotor than ask you to take his word for it.
What makes and models do you work on?
All makes and models, domestic and imported. If you're unsure about your vehicle, describe it when you book or call (613) 741-9696.
Can I send photos of the problem when I book?
Yes. The booking page lets you attach up to four photos. A picture of the warning light, a puddle under the car or a worn tire helps us plan the right amount of time before the car arrives.
Book it whenever suits you
Pick a time on the booking page, tell us what the car is doing and add a few photos. Bring it to Marchand Street by 9am on the day you chose, and we call you before any work starts.
