KINGSTON — Scott Carlson believes the key to making sure a car runs properly for a long time is preventative maintenance — heading off problems before drivers find themselves burning a hole in their pockets with repair costs.

That is just one aspect of Carlson’s customer service philosophy as the owner of Benchmark Automotive — being up front about how people take care of their cars.

The newest tech shop in the North End opened March 1 in Kingston, behind Premier Rentals on State Route 104. Carlson also owns Hockett & Olsen Automotive on Bainbridge Island and has been operating it since 1998.

He attributes his success with Hockett & Olson to his customer service, which he takes great pride in displaying at his new North Kitsap shop.

“The service we provide is the backbone for our business,” Carlson said, noting that the quality of parts and overall honesty with customers is the block of which he has built his business on Bainbridge. He plans to do the same in Kingston.

Carlson and his technician Dan Hacheney perform tire and general service on a wide range of cars including domestic, import (both Asian and European) cars, as well as fleets for local companies.

While it is just the two of them, Carlson said they are getting enough business to possibly bring in another technician in the near future. On a slow day, they work on two to three cars and, on a busy one, they service about seven to eight.

“And those numbers will only go up,” Carlson said.

He emphasizes that car owners don’t have to go to a dealer for scheduled maintenance work, which many believe is required to keep their warranty valid. That is not the case, plus the cost of the labor and parts is generally less expensive at an independent dealer, he said. His prices also compete with chain tire stores, he added.

Carlson said he strongly believes in being honest with customers, as well as trying to teach them something about their vehicles.

“Honesty and integrity is a huge part of this business and educating the consumer if they don’t understand,” he said.

He keeps an open line of communication with his customers by showing them what the problem is and possible solutions, as well as giving advice on heading off problems before they worsen. Making sure all systems work properly not only extends the life of the car, but with surging gas prices these days, proper maintenance can also help save a few bucks at the pump. One example is keeping the air filter clean — something which helps fuel mileage go a long way.

Word is getting out that his services are available and with the growth in North Kitsap’s population these days, “it’s only going to get better here for people,” he said.

It can be an inconvenience for residents to have to go to Poulsbo or Silverdale to have their car serviced, he added.

Future plans for the business include adding an accessories department, where customers can have customized wheels, exhaust systems, tires and other work done to their cars.

“I’m glad the younger generation has an interest in cars,” Carlson said, referring to the customized Hondas or Toyotas done by young drivers these days. In an age of computers, Carlson initially believed the interest in working on cars would eventually dissolve, but “they found an interest in the foreign conversion.”