How he got started
Matthew Bolen has been working on engines since he was about 7 or 8 years old. He learned the basics from his dad, who was in the military and built hot rods before he got married. His brother, about 18 years older than Matthew, is a heavy diesel and equipment tech.
Once Matthew was old enough he worked with his brother on summers and weekends, building whatever he could and learning as he went. He got his L1 training and certification, then took extra courses to get his electronics up to speed. He passed his Advanced Level Certification in 2007 in Nevada and became a G2 emission testing tech. That is the path that became Wrench Services LLC.
What he gets called for
Most calls Matthew gets are no start problems. He also says a lot of his work comes from referrals, people calling and saying they got his number from someone else. He says that kind of word of mouth is part of what makes the job rewarding.
On pricing, Matthew says most customers think he is pretty fair, and he does his best to be fair and realistic.
A repair he is proud of
Matthew points to hybrid batteries as a repair he takes pride in. He says hybrid batteries get condemned all the time, and sometimes sales people tell customers they are doomed without looking closer. His view is straightforward: don't sell someone a 3,500 dollar battery unless it actually needs it.
If the fix is really a module and someone else can replace modules, he says the right move is to send the customer there so they get a true repair and a fair deal, even if it is not him doing the work.
What is in the bay
Matthew has the advanced equipment for what he services, diagnostic scanners, oscilloscopes, a hybrid tester, and meters. But he says experience and mindset beat tools and tech every time. His point is that no tool does the job for you if you don't understand the information it gives you and know how to read it. Otherwise, in his words, it is just another video game you can't beat Bowser on.
Maintenance people skip
Matthew is direct about oil changes. Change your oil, change it before it is due, not after. Use the best oil you can afford and never use a cheap filter, always go with extended life filters. He says it will save you more than you would imagine.
He also flags something people don't think about, running the tank between a quarter and empty all the time. He says keeping it around half a tank helps the engine's combustion process and keeps the fuel pump cool, which helps prevent premature failure.
Area covered and picking a mechanic
Matthew covers Rio Rancho but can travel to surrounding areas. He says he tries to be friendly and open and listen to customers, and that every call is different.
His advice before hiring anyone is simple. Give the tech a call and just have a conversation. See if they are kind and knowledgeable, and whether they treat you as valuable, not just a number. Look for someone who will educate you and tell you truly what you need, not just what they want to sell.
Ask him about his favorite vehicle and he doesn't hesitate. He is a truck guy through and through, and he loves the F150. In his view it is one of the most versatile and dependable vehicles on the planet, especially when it is taken care of.
Interviewed by Mechanicrank · September 5, 2026. Nothing here is sponsored and nothing was rewritten into marketing copy. Read the other features or tell us about your own shop.