Sergey Danilyuk: From Washing Trucks to Owning a Repair Shop

Sergey Danilyuk came to the United States in 2002. He started with a low-paying job repairing trailers, then washed trucks at a dealership before going to school to become a diesel mechanic.

Today, Sergey owns Mechanical Perfection, a truck repair shop in Medford, Minnesota.

But getting there wasn't easy. He invested heavily in his first shop, lost his main customer, and spent years moving between rented locations. Sergey shared his story with CDL Crew and explained why regular truck maintenance is so important.

From Washing Trucks to Becoming a Diesel Mechanic

— Sergey, how did you get started repairing trucks?

— It all started when I came to America in 2002. I needed to learn English and earn money at the same time.

I got a low-paying job at Coach Trucking in Minneapolis, repairing trailers.

Later, I started working at a dealership, cleaning and washing trucks. A manager noticed me and started teaching me.

After that, I went to school to become a diesel mechanic. That's how I got into truck repair.

Opening My Own Shop Was a Big Risk

— When did you decide to open your own repair shop? Were you afraid to start?

— I was very afraid. It was a big risk.

Before that, I had worked as a manager for a Russian-speaking trucking company that eventually went bankrupt. That experience taught me how dangerous running a business could be.

Later, a friend of mine who owned a trucking company encouraged me to open a repair shop. He promised to keep me busy with work.

So I decided to do it.

It took a huge investment. I had to buy a lot of tools and equipment and get the shop ready.

About a year later, just as things were starting to work out, that friend suddenly took all the work away.

— So you were left with almost no customers?

— Yes. That was my biggest lesson: never depend on just one company. It can all end in a single day, and you are left without work.

Instead of growing the business and finding other customers, I had focused entirely on one trucking company.

As a result, the shop ceased operating for a while.

Then came years of moving from one rented location to another and searching for a place to work.

Eventually I bought a property with a shop, which I expanded and equipped myself. Now I have a place of my own.

Why a Routine Oil Change Matters

— What kind of work do drivers most often bring to your shop?

— Most often, they come in for an oil change. I think it is one of the most important services.

An oil change is not just draining the old oil and installing a new filter. It also includes greasing and inspecting the truck.

During that work, you can find many problems the driver may not even know about.

I always check the truck's mileage and explain what maintenance the manufacturer recommends.

For example, there are recommendations for changing the oil in the axles and transmission, replacing air filters, and servicing other components. Many drivers do not keep track of those intervals.

It costs far less to maintain a truck on time than to repair a major breakdown later.

A Small Hose, an Expensive Repair

— Have you seen a small mistake lead to a serious breakdown?

— Many times. One of the most interesting cases is the radiator story we have already covered on CDL Crew.

Someone had incorrectly plugged the coolant overflow hose. Pressure built up in the cooling system, and the radiator burst.

A small hose that someone installed incorrectly led to a very expensive repair.

It is a good example of how one repair mistake can cause major costs.

A Good Mechanic Should Know Your Truck

— What is your main advice to truck owners?

— Find a good mechanic who will maintain your truck regularly and know its history.

I have customers who have not broken down on the road once in eleven years. They tell me, "Thanks to Sergey, we keep driving and have never been stranded."

Of course, regular maintenance and fixing problems promptly are the most important things.

— How can a driver find a good mechanic?

— Start with Google Reviews. Talk to other drivers and ask where they have their trucks serviced. Personal recommendations often lead you to a good mechanic.

When a truck breaks down on the road and gets towed to an unfamiliar shop, it is a very different situation.

Many breakdowns can be prevented ahead of time, close to home.

When a repair is planned, you know what it will cost and how long it will take. You do not lose money because a load goes undelivered.

You can spend that time with your family and rest while the truck is at the shop.

That is much better than being stranded somewhere and looking for someone to repair your truck.

Valve Adjustment: Maintenance Drivers Forget

— What important maintenance do drivers most often skip?

— Valve adjustment. It is one of the most common things people overlook.

On Detroit DD15 engines, valve adjustment is needed at roughly 200,000-mile intervals. On Cummins and Volvo engines, depending on the model, the interval may be around 350,000 miles.

But many drivers do not keep track of it at all.

Incorrect valve clearance can cause serious damage, including camshaft wear and damaged or burned valves in the cylinder head.

Sometimes the result is a ruined engine.

People think they are saving on maintenance, then face an enormous repair bill.

Editor's note: Exact valve-adjustment intervals depend on the engine model, model year, and manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

Sergey Danilyuk's Main Advice

Over the years, Sergey went from an entry-level worker to the owner of his own repair shop. He lost his main customer, had to close his first business, and spent years searching for a permanent place to work.

His main advice to drivers today is simple: do not wait for your truck to break down.

Maintain it regularly, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and find a mechanic you trust.

A good mechanic does more than repair a truck after it breaks down. They help keep it working and earning money.