• Hayes European Working HoursMon-Fri: 8:00AM-5:30PM
  • Hayes European Address1125 17th Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062
  • Hayes European Contact No831-269-5858

About Hayes European Auto Service and Repair

About Hayes European Auto Service and Repair

A Community Staple Since 1995

In 1995, automotive service expert John Hayes left his position with Mercedes Recycling to open Hayes European Automotive. He founded the shop with the goal of offering customers new school technology with old school service, and in 2010, Brian Williams joined him as shop co-owner to help achieve that goal. Since then, the business has done nothing but flourish. Today, our team of skilled mechanics provides friendly service, short wait times, and low prices to vehicle owners in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. If your European vehicle is in need of maintenance or repairs, you can trust Hayes European Automotive to handle the job right.

Meet the Hayes European Automotive Repair Team

In addition to co-owners John Hayes and Brian Williams, Hayes European Automotive also employs three certified, highly talented auto repair technicians: Jesus Mendoza, Bruce Vega, and Jesus Ruiz. With 17 years of automotive repair experience between them, these three individuals have the knowledge necessary to fix any problem your vehicle might be facing. Furthermore, they are committed to getting the job done right the first time, and are driven to meet customer needs with friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Our team is truly passionate about European automotive repair, and our technicians are proud to be able to use that passion to help vehicle owners across the Central Coast area.

Brian Williams

Brian Williams

Master Automotive Technician Co Owner Over 20 years of automotive service experience

16 years ago Brian secured a job at a high end BMW shop and fell in love with German Engineering. Since then, Brian has worked at Mercedes and Volkswagen dealerships as well has high end German automotive repair shops. He always had his eye on the future and some day opening his own shop. In 2010 he partnered up with John Hayes and moved the shop to a customer service-oriented complete German auto Service and Repair facility. Brian is dedicated to the constant improvement of the complete auto repair experience from the clients perspective.

John Hayes

John Hayes

Founder of Hayes European Over 40 years of automotive service experience

John Hayes is the founder of Hayes European. He has over 40 years of automotive service experience. He was awarded top tech for Volkswagen in 1971. From there his career has taken him to every level of the automotive industry. John owned Len Roach Mercedes in Santa Cruz for 12 years. He then went on to open Mercedes Recycling in Watsonville. In 2004 John opened Hayes European in a modest location on 7th Ave. Over the years, his business has grown and evolved! John is very involved in the business and wants the best for his customers and employees.

Jesus  Mendoza “Young Gun”

Jesus Mendoza “Young Gun”

Automotive Technician

Jesus has been working on European vehicles for two years. He has an excellent attention to detail, and the ability to grasp new concepts pertaining to auto mechanics very quickly. His love for cars fuels his appetite for knowledge. Jesus is into Drifter cars as well as street bikes.

Bruce Vega “The Rock”

Bruce Vega “The Rock”

Automotive Technician Wyotech Automotive School – Automotive Technologies Program graduate ASE certification

Bruce has 8 years of automotive repair experience and has ASE certification working towards his Master Technician Certification. Bruce is the rock of the shop. No matter what is going on he is always calm and focused on the task at hand. He has a real commitment to the quality of service we provide our clients and on many occasions has stayed late or came in early to make sure we exceed expectations.

Jesus Ruiz “The Samurai”

Jesus Ruiz “The Samurai”

Master Automotive Technician De Anza Junior college – Automotive Technologies Program graduate ASE master technician with L1 certification as well as State of California smog and smog repair certification

Jesus has 7 years of automotive repair experience. Jesus’s knowledge base he acquired during his schooling and testing is obvious. Whenever we are discussing a diagnostic procedure or repair procedure it is obvious that the only way he thinks something should be done is the right way. Having his wealth of knowledge and professionalism brings the entire shop up.

Contact Us Today

Whether your Audi needs a tune up or your Volkswagen has a broken radiator, Hayes European Automotive is here to help. With the assistance of our ASE certified technicians and factory-grade equipment, we will gladly get your European vehicle up and running as soon as possible. We are the Santa Cruz area’s go-to shop for all European automotive repairs, so give us a call today or stop by the shop to find out what we can do for you.

Shop Amenities

Here at Hayes European Automotive, our commitment to old school service means we strive to offer each customer an efficient and enjoyable auto repair experience. As such, we proudly provide the following shop amenities:

  • 01 ASE certified technicians
  • 02 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • 03 After hours key drop box
  • 04 Shorter Wait Times, Lower Prices & Friendly Service
  • After hours key drop box 03
  • Shorter Wait Times, Lower Prices & Friendly Service 04

Getting your vehicle repaired can sometimes seem like a hassle, but that doesn’t mean it has to be one. If you’re looking for an automotive repair experience that is quick, comfortable, and convenient, look no further than Hayes European Automotive.

Repair & Service Tips

Sprinter Turbocharger

Tricks to Detect and Solve Sprinter Turbocharger Problems

Before the 21st century, turbocharger was an unfamiliar term in normal cars, as it was mostly associated with racing or ...
Volvo Insensitive Steering Wheel

How to Troubleshoot Volvo Steering Rack Troubles

The steering system in your Volvo is one of the key components that ensures that you have control over your ...
Audi Radiator Check

Top Benefits Of Regular Audi Radiator Flushing & Cleaning In Santa Cruz

Steam coming from under the hood of your Audi? It could be due to the fact that your vehicle’s cooling ...

Call us at 831-269-5858
to experience the best of new school technology with old school service

Fill out my online form.
Call Now!