I did a quick check of other reviews before posting this, and I wholeheartedly agree with them. As he did for so many others, Alex saved our vacation. He was prompt, thorough, communicative, and extremely helpful throughout the day. You can read about the whole story if you like, but that's the short version--a solid five stars, no caveats, no hesitation in recommending him to anyone. We were on vacation in Wears Valley, and shortly before arriving I had noticed some intermittent steering issues, where the wheel would be very hard to turn, but just for a second or two. We made it OK, but I started calling around the next morning to all the shops I could find in the area. There's not much around--mostly local garages, and nearly everyone was booked for the next week. We were only staying for 2 more days! I finally called Alex, who met me about 45 minutes later. I had no trouble heading back down the mountain to meet him, so I was worried we wouldn't be able to reproduce or diagnose the issue. But I described everything about what happened and when, and that was enough. I left him with the van and continued my day with family. About 1 1/2 hours later he called and said I needed to get back right away. Logistically that was tricky, so he came and picked me up in the van and had me drop him off back at his own vehicle. In the meantime he explained how he had repeatedly reproduced the problem, run several tests, did some research online, and contacted the nearest dealership about it. Turns out the steering pump I had recently gotten replaced wasn't cutting it in certain very specific circumstances. He wasn't able to immediately source a suitable replacement, so he set up a tentative appointment with the dealership. He assured me they rarely have same-day availability and that I should get it taken care of. The dealership wouldn't get quite as glowing a review, but that's another story, and in the end the problem was fixed. From his end, Alex took care of everything as well as I could have asked for, and I was extremely impressed (and reassured) by his approach and results. read more

I just arrived in Gatlinburg for my vacation after a 3 hour drive. As soon as I arrived to my destination, my rear brake caliper malfunctioned and left me stuck at my cabin at the top of the mountain. In these secluded areas of Gatlinburg, it is impossible to get most tow trucks up to any of the cabins. I called 5 or 6 different repair shops in the area and it was a 5 day wait just to get an appointment at any of them! That was out of the question. I stumbled across Automotive Antidote while trying to find a mobile mechanic who could access my cabin. This was the service I was looking for. An experienced, professional, prepared and knowledgeable mechanic. He called me right back, arrived when he said he would and came prepared and outfitted with an amazing service van. He identified the problem, got the few extra parts I needed and had me back on the road in a few hours. He literally, single-handedly saved my vacation that I had waited all year for. I hadn't been on a real vacation in 12 years and it turned out to be the best vacation I have ever had. This was also my honeymoon getaway to an extent, as I'm getting married in December and it would be too cold to enjoy this trip that time of year. So, thank you Alex! Thank you for everything you do, how courteous you were, how professional you were and you saved everything! I wish you the best of luck and prosperity! I will always remember this trip and you're now a part of those memories that last a lifetime. I am eternally grateful! Peace, my friend! read more

If you're on vacation and need car repairs with a mechanic that COMES TO YOU, then this is your guy. We were in a remote location in Sevierville, had issues where we couldn't drive the car or we risked further damage to the engine, and Alex pretty much diagnosed the fault on the phone based on my description of the issue. He showed up with all the necessary parts already on hand after he purchased them before arrival. - Service fee: $95 if you're in a location closer to Alex's normal areas. $150 if you're like me and you're further out. - Recommend calling him early in the day though, because as he arrived his phone was already ringing with other customers. The reviews he has on Yelp made me call him; read them and you'll see; they're all positive. - Labor wasn't too intensive, changed the spark plugs and engine coils, but given the nature of how he comes to you I was impressed at how fast he was able to get everything done. Probably about 2 hours total. - Very professional and friendly. He showed up when he said he would, and even gave advice on the uptick in bear activity in the area due to a recent forest fire in early 2022. - Extremely knowledgeable and experienced. From the moment he showed up, I could tell he knew what he was doing, and wasn't nervous about the end result I'd get. - Thank you Alex for saving our vacation, and allowing my family to get out of our cabin and explore the area!!! read more

Our two-day vacation was saved by this responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly gentleman, Alex Willems! What a great mechanic, and a nice man! We had a broken starter, and limped into Auto Zone. We thought it was a battery problem but the battery tested 'good'. They referred us to Alex, and he met us at Auto Zone in his mobile workshop/van. He then procured the new part, and replaced the starter in the parking lot of Auto Zone over next 3 hours, while we Ubered back to our hotel room. I enjoyed some vacation activities and laid in the sun by the pool. 3 hours later, Alex delivered our repaired car to our hotel in person, with a fair, itemized bill, and a clear explanation of all the costs. It saved us hours or days of frustration because we avoided the tow, the repair shop, and the delays of waiting in line. He was skilled, fast, responsive, and knowledgeable. Alex has experience and knowledge in pneumatic engineering and welding. He has a mechanical mind and God has blessed him with ability. He was an interesting person, and he made fun recommendations for leisure activities. We are so thankful that he was put in our path. We recommend him to you most warmly, and we give him our highest endorsement! read more

My ball joints on both sides went out during a weekend trip to pigeon forge. On our way into town, we stopped at a bigger garage to have t looked at, but they couldn't fix it before closing time. They told us to drive 2 hours back home, and we would be fine. We left our car parked the rest of the weekend, and when we left to go home on Sunday the issue was much worse. We called Auto Antidote, and he met us immediately. He checked our car on the spot. He was very nice, very professional. He immediately found why our car had gotten much worse. The previous mechanics had not tightened lug nuts on our tire!!! Our tire would have come off on us driving home! It was a very dangerous mistake. His price was as reasonable as a regular garage, and definitely a great value for a Sunday on call, and on location mechanic. We were able to continue on with our day as expected, and never missed any activities. We were able to ride with my parents, and he fixed our car while we were having our photos done and enjoying ourselves. I can't say enough good things! We would be tempted to drive the 2 hours just to have him work on our cars in the future. He really was a God send to us in a bad situation!!!! read more

This business saved our vacation (I'm sure Alex has heard this over and over)! We were driving up into the mountains on Saturday when my radiator blew out. Fortunately we were able to limp back into town to a well-known auto parts store where I was planning on asking for a referral. As it turns out, Alex was there chatting with the staff and he looked at my truck immediately. I'm an engineer, so I had lots of technical questions. Alex is an engineer, so he had all the detailed answers for me. He did a quick and accurate analysis on a12-year-old truck with 175,000 miles, worked up a fair estimate, and charges a fair (and competitive) labor rate. Because he has a mobile workshop, he did the work right there, and I had my truck back in about 3.5 hours. He even took apart my old radiator to show me how it was designed and how it failed, in response to my earlier questions. And some of the parts were less expensive than planned, so my bill came out cheaper than the estimate. If he's available, you want Alex working on your vehicle. He's smart, hard-working, reliable, and honest. read more

Automotive Antidote saved my vacation! I was driving down to meet my family for the weekend after they had been enjoying the mountains a few days. While driving down Thurs after work, I stopped for a bathroom break and the dreaded service engine soon light came on as well as a few others. I made it to the mountains but thought I would likely spend the next day traveling to the nearest dealership in Knoxville to look at my car. Instead, Automotive Antidote was recommended. He spoke to us on the phone and we were able to arrange for him to look at the car. He called with a quote, completed the work, and even allowed us to pay on the phone. He left receipt for all parts, etc - and labor was very reasonable. Because of Automotive antidote, I was able to enjoy the day at Dollywood with my niece instead of spending 1 of my 2 vacation days in a dealership. Have had no issues with the car since the repairs! Honest, efficient, reasonable. I am so grateful that he saved my vacation! read more

I can't say enough in praise of Alex. He saved our vacation! The trunk latch malfunctioned on my Sonata, and a mom can't travel without access to the trunk! I didn't know how I'd get our stuff out, much less get it fixed (this is a common problem/manufacturer defect and the dealership would have charged me hundreds for it to not be a guaranteed fix anyway). And it was July 3!! My brother found Automotive Antidote online, thank goodness! Alex not only gained access to my trunk, he actually fixed the problem and rigged a failsafe! He knew exactly what the problem was and what to do -- plus, he was courteous, efficient, reasonably priced for what he does, and even managed to meet us early enough for our plan to get to Dollywood Splash Country as soon as it opened! I'm pretty sure he's a rock star superhero. I went from despair to joy in less than an hour thanks to Automotive Antidote -- and the trunk latch still works just fine! Alex is THE BEST. Thanks! read more

I cannot say enough good things about Alex! Yesterday our Jeep died completely in the middle of the road. I called Alex on the recommendation of another person. He immediately started taking down my information and gave us the info for a towing company who came and towed us to AutoZone. He began working early this morning and came to found that there were multiple problems with our vehicle, including a bad crank shaft sensor, alternator and belt, and a dead battery. Nevertheless, he worked tirelessly through the day to get the job done. He provided great communication, he was incredibly knowledgeable, and extremely honest! He outlined everything he did and each part he purchased (he does not mark up price for parts!). Alex took what was a disaster of a trip and completely turned it around, and for that I cannot thank him enough! If you're in the area and need any sort of repairs, do not hesitate to call Alex! He will do anything he can to help you! read more

Every once in a while you run across someone that feels like they've stepped out of another time, a time when people took pride in their work and shouldered their tasks with purpose and conviction. That was our experience working with Alex. My partner and I were looking at a used car in the area and met up with Alex at the local Autozone for a once-over of the vehicle. To say this guy is a pro is an understatement. He worked quickly but thoroughly, combing over the car with a seriousness and expertise I only wish I could find in a local mechanic. In the case of our pre-sale inspection, we found him to be honest, straight shooting, and discrete (making sure to communicate issues without raising any unnecessary tension with the seller). Like I said, the man's special, a real diamond in the rough. If you have a chance to use his services, just do it, and then breathe easy knowing you're in the hands of an expert tradesman. read more

Alex Willems is a mobile mechanic and a knight in shining armor! We were vacationing in Tennessee and had car trouble. It was Friday evening and I called around and everything was closed for the weekend leaving us with quite a dilemma..Fortunately I was given his number and all I can saw is wow! He came out to our cabin within the hour, diagnosed my car and ordered parts that same night! He came back the next morning and fixed my fuel pump and a few other things that were needed as well as a tune up and had us on the road very quickly. Not only did he do an amazing job, he only charged me cost for parts And VERY reasonable labor! I don't know what we would have done without him! He reminded me that there are still amazing people who offer great service and his attitude was great! If you are ever in the Sevierville or pigeon Forge area..he's the man to call..I wish we had him in our home town! Thanks again Alex read more

We got home from an excursion in Gatlinburg to find out that antifreeze was leaking from our car. I called a few mechanics I found on google and they we all closing. When I called Alex the first thing he asked was what was our address and that he would be there in 30 to 40 minutes. I was stunned because I have heard of mobile mechanics but never had a reason to use one. Alex showed up and diagnosed our car within minutes and ordered the parts. He had the cracked radiator removed just as the new radiator was showing up. The installation went as easy as the removal. Alex sure knows what he's doing. If I were not 10 hours away he would most defiantly be my regular mechanic. Alex was very polite and professional. His price for the work done was also very reasonable. If you live in the Gatlinburg area or like us just visiting this is the guy you need to call for all your automotive needs. Thanks again Alex!!! read more

Stopped in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for a few days to break up a trip down to Georgia and had a wheel start squeaking in the middle of our stay. I normally do all of my own wrenching at home, but being 8hrs from home and none of my tools with me, I had no choice but to look for help. This normally doesn't go well with me because I always have crap for luck with any type of service. With that said, this guy was amazing! Turns out it was a dried up wheel bearing that would have left us stranded down the road. This guy was waiting at the autozone before we even got there and had all the tools to get the job done right and quick! I watched him and we talked throughout the job. He doesn't charge any extra for the parts and the the price was fair. Dude has over 20yrs experience with high review ratings and it shows. If you are local or on the road and looking for help, this is your guy! read more

My family and I were on vacation and we was experiencing a leak but wasn't sure what was wrong. My husband and I was worried because we had our 3 month baby girl with us and our 3 year old son. We was only on day 1 trip from Indiana. What was we going to do?? We got on Google and found Automotive Antidote! He was truly a lifesaver and extended his work evening for us! Alex was able to help us decide what was leaking. It ended up being power steering leak! He told us what we would need to do because our car is still under warranty with Chevy! He definitely put our mind at ease in what could have been a very frustrating situation. He is a Very smart guy, dependable, with excellent communication. He is very good at what he does and I would highly recommend in for any auto work needed. (I just wish I had one of him closer to our house in Indiana.) read more

On a weekend vacation I found myself with an over heated car and no one close that I knew to call on. I limped the car to the closest auto parts store and went in and asked for some one who could help me on a Saturday. I just knew I was going to have to sit and wait for days for repairs. The clerk recommended Automotive Antidote. I called and spent just a few minutes on the phone with the owner. Less than ten minutes later I had a mechanic pull up to work on my car. This guy was knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to getting me on my way. Even when it started pouring down rain he worked through it and got me on my way. I wasn't treated like a customer, it was like I was a member of his family. You can't ask for a better way to come out of a car breaking down on you. Thanks Automotive Antidote! SLS read more

Alex came to our rescue after our truck wouldn't start today while visiting Gatlinburg, TN - battery was good but still wouldn't start after trying to jump it. We've had the truck to multiple GMC dealerships in the past and they would tell us it was one thing or the other but issue would still happen where it would randomly not start. Unfortunately it happened at the worst time! It's hard to try and find a mechanic/garage in an area you're not familiar with by Alex was dependable, honest, and kind! Worked perfect for us the he is mobile and fixed it right where we were stuck and we didn't have to also pay to tow it to a garage. Alex worked quickly to get us on our way and was honest in what we actually needed to get us fixed up and on our way back home! We're half way there now and still golden :) Thank you again, Alex! read more

First day of vacation had car trouble. He was willing to meet me if we broke down before we made it to our hotel. Due to having to drive slower to make it we ran way past his normal hours so he was willing to come to my hotel first thing in the morning and repair the car. It was rainy and freezing so we messaged him to give him an out due to the weather conditions and he called me and informed it was no problem he already had the parts and would arrive early. He showed up and was very professional having all parts ready and in front our vehicle. Something that was to take 3 hours other places took under two hours. He was very fairly priced. Hope I don't need him again while here but would use him again!!! We were so thankful for his help we have posted on any review board we could find for him. Shane W. read more

We were in Pigeon Forge on Valentine's Day this year (2021) for my daughter's gymnastics meet - drove over from Knoxville. On our way home, and thankfully before hitting back roads, the car engine lights all started coming on. We were able to make it to Autozone on WearsValley Rd. and they were super helpful. They called Alex, from Automotive Antidote, and even though it was after hours and on Valentine's Day, his wife let him come help us out! Alex was very courteous and thoughtful. Since the repair would take a couple of hours our family walked down to Mel's Diner to eat diner and wait it out. Alex called when the repair was done and he had even come to the diner to pick us up! That is going above and beyond. We are so thankful for the Autozone kind workers and for Alex at Automotive Antidote. read more

My sons Toyota Tundra broke down at Buc ees driving back to college. I had a friend in Virginia that had relatives in Sevierville that said to call Alex at Automotive Antidote. I am very glad I did. Alex was amazing. He drove to Buc ees, looked at the truck and determined what was wrong. He could not get the parts until the following morning, but he showed up the following day and had all of the parts and it no time the truck was repaired and my son was back on the road. Being in another state and feeling pretty helpless, it is nice to know there are some true professionals in the world that do what they say they are doing to do and don't give you the run arould. Alex was excellent at communicating and his price was fair. My son said he really liked Alex. I highly recommend him. read more