AAA is pleased to announce that Fehlman Brothers Automotive, located at 116 S Midler Ave., Syracuse, was named a AAA Best in Auto Repair 2022 and took home the silver award among medium-sized facilities across the entire country.

Just one of eight in the country, Fehlman Brothers Automotive is one of AAA’s Best in Repair facilities for 2022. This award recognizes the “best of the best” among AAA’s 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America that meet and maintain the highest of standards for the industry.

Shops across the country are nominated based on certain criteria, including maintaining all AAA Approved Auto Repair program standards and requirements, keeping a customer satisfaction rating of 95% or higher and exhibiting a commitment to their communities and the industry.

“A fantastic statistic is that the Fehlman Brothers had almost 700 customer satisfaction surveys come back with about a 98% approval rating,” said Bob Prendergast, senior business advisor for AAA Western and Central New York. “Way off the charts!”

Fehlman Bros. Automotive has been a staple in the East Syracuse area since 1929. The current owner, Mark Ellsworth, bought the business in 2010, and says his staff is dedicated to servicing locals’ automobiles. When asked what the award means to him, Ellsworth said, “It tells me that my guys are doing a good job. I’m pretty proud of the team we have and the staff we have here.”

Fehlman Bros. Automotive is part of a select group representing the top tier in the automotive repair industry in North America. The AAA Approved Auto Repair program, created in 1975, connects consumers with the most qualified and trusted automotive repair facilities.

To earn the AAA Approved Auto Repair designation, shops must undergo a series of inspections performed by a AAA service specialist. These individuals hold the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or original equipment manufacturer equivalent and have an extensive background in their field. Facilities are inspected for cleanliness, proper tools, adequate technical training and appropriate technician certifications. AAA also vets the shop’s reputation by checking with government and consumer agencies, performing an insurance/financial background check, and surveying existing customer satisfaction.

“I like the partnership with AAA — I appreciate it, it definitely benefits our business,” Ellsworth said.

About AAA

AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

About the AAA Approved Auto Repair Program

The AAA Approved Auto Repair Program, created in 1975, is a designation awarded to automotive repair facilities that have met a stringent set of standards developed by AAA. Facilities undergo regular and thorough inspections conducted by AAA service specialists who hold the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or original equipment manufacturer equivalent and have extensive knowledge in the field of automotive repair. Today, there are over 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America for consumers to choose from, providing everything from general repair to specialty repair to collision work to even auto glass replacement. The AAA Best in Repair award is given to those AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that have maintained all Approved Auto Repair program standards and requirements, a customer satisfaction score of 95% or higher and exhibit a commitment to their communities and the industry. To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, visit aaa.com/autorepair.