About Power Automotive

For over 34 years, we've been serving the residents of Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas with reliable auto repairs. The crew at our locally owned shop are ASE Certified experts and have the experience and current knowledge of automotive technology to get your vehicle running at its best again. We not only specialize in transmission repairs, but we do everything from diagnostics and oil changes to engine repairs on all foreign or domestic vehicles. We have always been known for our reliable auto repairs and knowledge, so no matter the make or model of your car, we can fit it. We have so much trust in our repairs that we offer a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on all our work. Stop by and see why Power Automotive has been the number-one auto repair shop for Santa Clarita Valley for over 18 years!

The crew at Power Automotive in Santa Clarita, CA
Donald R Wachter, owner at Power Automotive in Santa Clarita, CA

Meet The Owner

Donald R. Wachter


SUMMARY OF SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
I have over 39 years of extensive knowledge as an automotive mechanic and being the owner of two automotive repair shops where I acquired skills in the following areas: automotive repair, including engine mechanical repair and maintenance, transmissions, engine system testing and fault diagnostics, automotive electrical systems, computerized engine control systems, brake systems and steering systems. I am able to repair automotive components and systems and have excellent knowledge of the industry and business strategies. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
President/Owner – December 1998 to Present

Power Automotive & A to Z Transmission and Automotive – Canyon Country, California
I am directly responsible for overseeing all aspects of automotive and transmission repair and/or maintenance performed by my automotive mechanic employees, as follows: 

  • Inspection of clutch assemblies, transmissions, driveshafts, drive chains, and rear-axle assembly using pressure gauge and stethoscope and computer diagnostics.
  • Inspect and test automatic transmission components such as bands, clutch, sun gears, planetary, oil pump, valve body, electric solenoid, bearings, modulator valve, kick down cables, shift linkage, seals, fluid levels, filters, torque converter, governor, speedometer drive, and springs using pressure gauge multimeter, micrometer, feeler gauge, air pressure, spring tester dynamometer, and stall test in order to ensure proper functionality of the transmission.
  • Inspect drive shaft for time/phasing, damage bends, "U" joint play, tightness, center support bearing, slip yoke play, proper balance, and proper alignment using a dial indicator, protractor, straight edge, and pry bar in order to determine improper wear and vibration. Removal and replacement of transmissions, as well as, rebuilding rear ends. 
  • All engine diagnostics, engine rebuilding, tune-ups, brakes, electrical, air conditioning, clutches, transmission service, struts, and shocks. Tune-up and adjust engines by replacing or repairing defective diesel and gasoline fuel system components, ignition system components, and emission system components using timing light, tach and dwell meter, vacuum gauge, infrared analyzer, pressure gauge, oscilloscope, diagnostic center, volume container, hand vacuum pump, feeler gauge, and basic hand tools in order to eliminate possible failure on the road and keep the vehicle under a preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Inspect and test mechanical, hydraulic, antilock brake systems (ABS) and air brake systems including shoes, brake chambers, springs, rotors, drums, valves, wheel, and master cylinders, linkage, compressors, governors, vacuum booster, hydraulic and airlines using micrometers, dial indicators, pressure, vacuum, feeler gauges, ultra-sonic leak detector, and basic hand tools.
  • I also maintain all automotive repair records, such as, parts used, repairs done, time expended, cost, and problem write ups, create safety programs for my employees, greet customers, complete service orders, job quotes, and maintain inventory.
  • My responsibilities also include coordinating hazmat safety meetings with the Fire Department, as well as, control the material safety data sheets. I handle all required permits and forms for the Fire Department and Hazardous Waste Division and comply with CAL OSHA safety regulations. 


President/Owner – January 1984 to November 1998
Mr. Transmission – Van Nuys, California
I was directly responsible for performing, as well as, overseeing all aspects of automotive and transmission repairs conducted by my automotive mechanic employees, such as follows: Inspection of clutch assemblies, transmissions, driveshafts, drive chains, and rear-axle assembly using pressure gauge and stethoscope and computer diagnostics.

  • Inspected and tested automatic transmission components such as bands, clutch, sun gears, planetary, oil pump, valve body, electric solenoid, bearings, modulator valve, kick down cables, shift linkage, seals, fluid levels, filters, torque converter, governor, speedometer drive, and springs using pressure gauge multimeter, micrometer, feeler gauge, air pressure, spring tester dynamometer, and stall test in order to ensure proper functionality of the transmission.
  • Inspected drive shaft for time/phasing, damage bends, "U" joint play, tightness, center support bearing, slip yoke play, proper balance, and proper alignment using a dial indicator, protractor, straight edge, and pry bar in order to determine improper wear and vibration. Removal and replacement of transmissions, as well as, rebuilding rear ends. 
  • I also maintained all automotive repair records, such as, parts used, repairs done, time expended, cost, and problem write-ups, created safety programs for my employees, greeted customers, completed service orders, job quotes, and maintained inventory. My responsibilities also included coordinating hazmat safety meetings with the Fire Department, as well as, controlling the material safety data sheets. I handled all required permits and forms for the Fire Department and Hazardous Waste Division and complied with CAL OSHA safety regulations. 


Transmission Mechanic – February 1982 – December 1983
Leon’s Transmission – Reseda, California

  • Inspection of clutch assemblies, transmissions, driveshafts, drive chains, and rear-axle assembly using pressure gauge and stethoscope and computer diagnostics. Inspected and tested automatic transmission components such as bands, clutch, sun gears, planetary, oil pump, valve body, electric solenoid, bearings, modulator valve, kick down cables, shift linkage, seals, fluid levels, filters, torque converter, governor, speedometer drive, and springs using pressure gauge multimeter, micrometer, feeler gauge, air pressure, spring tester dynamometer, and stall test in order to ensure proper functionality of the transmission.
  • Inspected drive shaft for time/phasing, damage bends, "U" joint play, tightness, center support bearing, slip yoke play, proper balance, and proper alignment using a dial indicator, protractor, straight edge, and pry bar in order to determine improper wear and vibration. Removal and replacement of transmissions, as well as, rebuilding rear ends. 


Transmission Mechanic –December 1977 – January 1982
Dr. Transmission – North Hollywood, California

  • Inspection of clutch assemblies, transmissions, driveshafts, drive chains, and rear-axle assembly using pressure gauge and stethoscope and computer diagnostics. Inspected and tested automatic transmission components such as bands, clutch, sun gears, planetary, oil pump, valve body, electric solenoid, bearings, modulator valve, kick down cables, shift linkage, seals, fluid levels, filters, torque converter, governor, speedometer drive, and springs using pressure gauge multimeter, micrometer, feeler gauge, air pressure, spring tester dynamometer, and stall test in order to ensure proper functionality of the transmission.
  • Inspected drive shaft for time/phasing, damage bends, "U" joint play, tightness, center support bearing, slip yoke play, proper balance, and proper alignment using a dial indicator, protractor, straight edge, and pry bar in order to determine improper wear and vibration. Removal and replacement of transmissions, as well as, rebuilding rear ends. 


EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS:
High School Diploma, Burmingham High School, Class of 1977 

Major: Automotive Qualifications, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, and achieved Masters in the following areas: engine repair and performance, brakes, suspension, manual transmissions, and air conditioning and heating. 


Specialties: The challenge of diagnostics is a favorite although all other aspects of automotive are extremely satisfying to me. 


SAFETY: Practice shop and field safety procedures such as maintaining hand tools and equipment clear from grease, dirt, and other substances; keeping workspaces and floors clean from greases, harmful solvents, and chemicals; and ensuring shop equipment is in safe operating condition; using CAL OSHA regulations and departmental procedures in order to ensure a safe and secure working environment.


Inspect emergency equipment such as road hazardous vehicle signs, emergency flasher, fire extinguishing bottle, and flares, using the checklist in order to ensure the vehicle meets legal requirements.

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