Our Story: A Legacy of Excellence in Durango

Small auto repair garage with a pickup truck parked outside and two people near the entrance

From Soap Suds to Precision Repairs

The roots of Mountain Auto Care run deep in the Durango, CO community, beginning back in the 1960s when the foundation was laid as a local car wash. In 1983, the vision for the business evolved when Phil’s uncle purchased the facility. While the car wash remained a staple, he closed down one bay to focus on his true passion: mechanical repairs.


What started in a single bay quickly earned a reputation for honesty and technical skill. For decades, we operated as a hybrid of cleaning and care, until 2022, when we officially closed the car wash bays for good to commit 100% of our space and energy to full-service automotive repair.

Low brick building with a white pickup truck parked outside on a quiet street, desert hillside behind.

Mountain Mechanical, Inc. prior to major renovations. Mid 1980's.

Desert roadside scene with a large rocky hill, trees, small buildings, and a parked car under a clear sky.

The original Mountain Mechanical, Inc. with Smelter Mountain in the background.

Partially collapsed building with debris, a red chute, and a worker standing on the roof

Renovations to the car wash. Late 1980's.

A Lifetime Under the Hood

For Phil, this shop has always been home. He began his journey here at the age of 15, learning the trade from the ground up under his uncle’s mentorship. This wasn't just a summer job; it was the beginning of a lifelong career dedicated to the Durango, CO driving community.


Today, that mentorship has culminated in a combined experience of over 50 years between the founding generation and the current team. We don’t just fix cars—we understand the history of every bolt and belt.

Man in blue shirt standing in front of a red Toyota truck outside a store
Family standing outside a storefront with a black jeep and red truck parked nearby

The Third Generation

The history of Mountain Auto Care is one of resilience and growth. After a brief period of outside ownership starting in 2015, the shop returned to its roots when Phil took over the business in 2025.


As a third-generation shop owner, Phil is proud to carry on the family legacy while steering the business into the modern era. We’ve traded the old wash brushes for state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, ensuring that the same shop your grandparents trusted is ready for the high-tech vehicles of today.

Our Promise to You

While the building and the technology have changed since the 60s, our core values remain the same:

  • Ongoing Training: Our technicians stay at the forefront of automotive innovation through continuous education.
  • Quality First: We use premium parts and meticulous methods to ensure every repair is done right the first time.
  • Community Focused: We are proud to be a part of Durango’s history and look forward to serving you for another 50 years.


Mountain Auto Care: Decades of Experience. Driven by Quality.