Why Customers Aren’t Allowed in the Workshop

We get it .. the Garage 22 workshop looks like the best place to work. The music’s going, there’s the smell of degreaser and redbull in the air, and we’ve usually got a half-pulled-apart 4x4 or engine bay. It’s loud, it’s fast-paced, and if you’re into cars, it’s easy to see why you’d want a peek.

But here’s the thing: our workshop isn’t a walk-through attraction. It’s a high-risk workspace, and unless one of our mechanics personally invites you in to show you something specific, we’re asking … nicely …. that you stay out of the “genius” zone.

And no, it’s not just because we can’t concentrate with someone watching over our shoulder (although that doesn’t help either).

The Yellow Chains Are There for a Reason

If you’ve been to the shop, you’ve probably seen the yellow chains across the workshop entry. They’re not just a gentle suggestion …. they’re there for legal, safety, and insurance reasons.

Our workshop is packed with moving vehicles, heavy machinery, high-powered tools, and very expensive customer vehicles. If something slips, falls, drops, or sparks, it can go south fast …. and customers aren’t covered under our workcover or liability insurance if they’re injured in that area.

Even a simple trip on an air hose, a slip on a bit of oil, or standing too close to a car being reversed in… that’s all it takes for a small moment to become a serious issue. And we’d much rather not take that risk with you in the middle of it.

It’s About Safety — Yours and Ours

This isn’t about being cold or boring. We think our customers are the best around the barossa. We love a chat. But when we’re mid-job … spanners flying, diagnostics running, music pumping, phones ringing … it’s not a good time to also be keeping an eye out for wandering feet near the hoist or tools near a customer’s knees.

Every time someone walks into the workshop uninvited, it divides our attention. And in this line of work, distractions can lead to mistakes. Whether it’s torque settings, brake bleeding, or diagnosing a fault code, we need to be fully focused to get it done right …. and safely.

But What If I Want to See What’s Going On?

Totally fair question …. and we’ll always try to keep you informed.

If something on your vehicle needs explaining, or there’s a decision to be made that’s easier to show you in person, we’ll invite you into the workshop under our supervision. That way, you can safely have a look, ask questions, and we can talk through what’s happening. But that’s always our call, and we’ll make sure it’s done in a way that doesn’t compromise your safety or ours.

The rest of the time? Please head to the front desk or reception area.

Respect the Space

Think of the workshop like a commercial kitchen. You wouldn’t walk into a busy restaurant kitchen while the chef’s plating up ten meals, just to check out your steak right? Same rules apply here.

We’re proud of our space, our team, and the level of work we deliver … and part of what makes that possible is knowing we’re working in a safe, controlled environment.

So next time you visit Garage 22, know this: it’s not personal, it’s just policy. We’re not trying to be rude or keep secrets …. we just want to keep you safe, keep us focused, and keep your car getting the best service possible.

Got questions? Hit us up at the front desk or via our website chat. We’re always happy to explain what’s going on, just not while we’re underneath a car.