S.U.R.&R Auto

S.U.R.&R. Auto is not a traditional "Auto Repair Station" in the sense of a service garage where consumers bring their vehicles for repairs. Instead, S.U.R.&R. (which stands for "Shop, Use, Repair & Replace") is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of specialized automotive fluid line repair kits and tools for the automotive aftermarket industry. Founded in 2000 by Joseph Wathey, an automotive repair shop owner himself, the company was born out of a first-hand understanding of the challenges mechanics faced with fluid line repairs. What began as a solution for fuel sending unit repairs quickly expanded into a comprehensive range of kits and tools designed to make fluid line repairs quicker, easier, and more cost-effective for professional mechanics and, increasingly, for advanced do-it-yourself (DIY) installers. S.U.R.&R. operates as a division of Husky Corporation, a larger entity in the fluid transfer business, reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation in automotive fluid systems.

The "environment" of S.U.R.&R. Auto is primarily within the realm of manufacturing, research and development, and distribution. Their operations involve designing and producing specialized components, kits, and tools that are then supplied to auto parts stores (like O'Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Value, Advance Auto Parts, and Amazon) and professional repair facilities. Their focus is on creating products that are robust and easy to use, even in the often challenging and tight spaces of vehicle undercarriages.

Their manufacturing processes are geared towards producing high-quality, durable components, such as copper-nickel alloy tubing that is flexible and resistant to rust and corrosion, ideal for harsh automotive environments. They invest significantly in research and development to continually innovate new solutions for fluid line problems. While they don't have a direct consumer-facing "shop" in the typical sense, their products are designed to create a more efficient and effective repair environment for the mechanics who use them. This indirect influence on the repair environment ensures that when a mechanic or DIYer uses S.U.R.&R. products, they are working with components that simplify on-the-car repairs and help maintain a clean repair environment.

As an "Auto Parts Store" or, more accurately, an automotive aftermarket supplier, S.U.R.&R. Auto provides a specialized range of goods focused entirely on fluid line repair and associated specialty tools. They offer extensive catalogs of kits and individual components designed for various vehicle systems.

• Brake Line Repair Kits & Tubing: This is a key product area. They offer flexible copper-nickel alloy tubing (e.g., UltraBEND® and Max Flex) that can be bent by hand without specialized tools, making routing and installation simpler and significantly cutting labor time. Their kits include various fittings (metric and standard) to repair and replace 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" brake lines. They also supply tools like flaring tools (for both SAE and DIN flares) and fluid line stoppers to manage brake fluid during repairs.

• Fuel Line Repair Kits: S.U.R.&R. offers kits to repair and replace fuel lines, including various connectors (e.g., quick connects with push-button release) and adapters for a wide range of domestic and foreign applications. Their hoses are often triple-walled rubber, pressure-rated up to 250 PSI for safety and durability.

• Air Conditioning (A/C) Line Repair Kits: They provide solutions for repairing damaged A/C lines, including compression unions and other fittings, to restore air conditioning system integrity.

• Power Steering Line Repair Kits: Products for repairing and replacing power steering fluid lines are part of their extensive catalog.

• Transmission Fluid Line Repair Kits: Solutions for repairing and replacing transmission fluid lines, ensuring proper fluid transfer and system function.

• Coolant Line Repair Kits: Kits and components designed to repair and replace coolant lines, critical for engine cooling systems.

• Specialty Tools: Beyond repair kits, S.U.R.&R. manufactures a variety of specialized tools that simplify complex automotive tasks. These include:

  • Tubing benders and cutters.

  • Brake line flaring tools (e.g., the BR-EZ316 Brake Line Replacement Kit, which won the #1 Most Requested Product of the Year award from Professional Tool & Equipment News Magazine).

  • Fuel injection system cleaner tools and fuel pressure testers.

  • Hose clamp kits.

  • Brake bleeder removal kits.

  • Fluid exchangers for various systems (coolant, transmission, brake fluid, power steering, differential).

S.U.R.&R. Auto's products are distinguished by several key features designed to benefit professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts:

• Innovative Technologies: The company prides itself on developing innovative technologies that simplify complex fluid line repairs. This includes their flexible UltraBEND® tubing and "push-button release" quick connect fittings that can be assembled by hand, eliminating the need for specialized crimping tools in many cases.

• Ease of Use: A core philosophy is to create products that are easy to use, even for on-the-car repairs in tight spaces. Many of their solutions reduce or eliminate the need for complicated specialty tools for bending or flaring, drastically cutting down labor time.

• Cost Savings: By enabling efficient and effective repairs of specific fluid line sections rather than requiring full line replacements (which can be costly and labor-intensive), S.U.R.&R. products allow mechanics and vehicle owners to save hundreds of dollars on each repair. Their kits often pay for themselves in as little as one job.

• High Quality and Durability: S.U.R.&R. products are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications. Their materials, like the copper-nickel alloy tubing, are highly resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting repairs even in harsh automotive environments.

• Broad Application: Their extensive catalog of kits and components covers hundreds of domestic and foreign vehicle applications, making them a versatile solution for a wide range of cars, trucks, and even heavy-duty vehicles.

• Comprehensive Kits: Many of their offerings come as all-in-one kits, containing everything needed for a specific repair. This convenience saves technicians time spent sourcing individual parts.

• Backed by Husky Corporation: As a subsidiary of Husky Corporation, S.U.R.&R. benefits from the larger company's resources and commitment to providing dependable tools and products in the fluid transfer industry.

S.U.R.&R. Auto's promotional efforts are primarily directed at automotive professionals and the aftermarket retail channels through which their products are sold. Their messaging consistently highlights the practical benefits of using their solutions:

• "Save Time and Money": This is a central theme in their promotion. They emphasize how their easy-to-use kits and tools drastically cut labor time and reduce overall repair costs for both repair facilities and vehicle owners. They highlight the rapid return on investment (ROI) for their specialized tools.

• Highlighting Innovation: They promote their unique technologies, such as flexible tubing that bends by hand and push-button quick connects, showcasing how these innovations simplify difficult repairs.

• Addressing Mechanic Pain Points: Their origin story, founded by a repair shop owner, resonates with mechanics. Promotional materials often speak directly to the challenges faced by professionals and how S.U.R.&R. products offer effective solutions.

• Product Catalog & Online Presence: S.U.R.&R. maintains a detailed product catalog and a strong online presence (e.g., surrauto.com) where they showcase their extensive product line, features, and benefits. They also use online retailers and auto parts store websites to list their products and their advantages.

• Industry Recognition: Winning awards, such as the "#1 Most Requested Product of the Year," is a significant promotional point, validating the effectiveness and demand for their products within the industry.

• Testimonials from Mechanics: They feature testimonials from ASE Certified mechanics and shop owners who vouch for the quality, ease of use, and time-saving aspects of S.U.R.&R. products, building credibility among their target audience.

• Retailer Partnerships: Their presence in major auto parts retail chains like O'Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Value, and Advance Auto Parts means they benefit from these stores' promotional efforts, including coupons, sales, and in-store displays for their product lines.

In essence, S.U.R.&R. Auto is a specialized entity within the "Auto Repair Stations" ecosystem, not by directly performing repairs for end-users, but by providing the innovative parts and tools that empower repair professionals and advanced DIYers to perform complex fluid line repairs quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, ultimately contributing to the overall health and safety of the vehicle fleet.