In the rapidly evolving world of EV service, independent aftermarket shops with deep technical expertise are carving out a vital niche.

A recent repair by Chris Dekker’s team at My Garage Auto & Tire in Airdie, Alta., showcases the kind of precision work that sets aftermarket professionals apart from OEM service protocols.

My Garage, it should be noted, is part of the NAPA Autopro program and carries the “NexDrive Powered by NAPA” designation as a trained EV specialist.

Here’s the story:

A Tesla Model 3 owner visiting Calgary from British Columbia found himself stranded after a battery failure left his vehicle inoperable. The culprit? A pyrotechnic battery fuse—typically triggered during airbag deployment—had been replaced during a previous collision repair but wasn’t properly torqued. The loose connection began to arc, melting the shunt and damaging the plastic base that houses the fuse and several other components.

After receiving a $16,000 quote from Tesla for a full battery pack replacement with a 2–3 week turnaround, the customer reached out to My Garage. Dekker’s team proposed a targeted repair that would take just three days and cost roughly 30% of the OEM estimate.

Technician Nezam led the repair, removing and disassembling the battery pack before replacing the penthouse base, shunt, pyro fuse, one bus bar, and a bus bar cover—all with genuine OEM parts. After meticulous reassembly and testing, the battery was restored to full functionality, with no visible signs of prior damage.

Why Dealerships Default to Pack Replacement

Stories like this often prompt questions from consumers and professionals alike: Why didn’t the dealership perform the same repair?

The answer lies in manufacturer policy, offered Dekker. “Tesla, like many OEMs, enforces strict service protocols that limit what their technicians can do. Internal battery repairs are typically off-limits, with service centers opting to swap entire packs and send damaged units to centralized facilities in the U.S. for refurbishment. In fact, some of the parts used by My Garage aren’t available through Tesla’s standard channels—they’re sourced through specialized networks built by shops that have made significant investments in EV service infrastructure.”

This isn’t about dealerships being “greedy,” says Dekker, it’s about operating within the bounds of OEM guidelines.

Still, it remains a compelling truth that independent professionals like those at My Garage in Airdrie have the flexibility, tools, and expertise to go beyond those boundaries, offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions that OEMs may not be equipped to provide.

The Takeaway

Chris Dekker and My Garage exemplify the growing role of specialized EV service providers in the aftermarket. As electric vehicles become more common, shops that invest in advanced training and sourcing will be uniquely positioned to deliver value, speed, and precision—especially when OEM options fall short.

And yes, the customer’s vacation was (mostly) saved.

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Special thanks to Chris Dekker, owner of My Garage Auto & Tire, for sharing this story with Indie Garage.

If you have a story you’d like to share, send an email to AndrewRoss@indiegarage.ca.