Andy Ly is a seasoned automotive technician with over a decade of experience. He began working on cars at the age of 16 before honing his skills through formal training at Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Since graduation he has professionally wrenched on both Toyotas and BMWs at several major dealerships in Southern California. As a Tinker expert mechanic, Andy brings his wealth of knowledge to DIY enthusiasts, guiding them with great know-how and care.
I joined Tinker last year because I love the idea of assisting others with their automotive projects, both big and small. It has been extremely rewarding to help people all over the country solve their automotive issues and I get to do it while working from home. What’s better than that?
Working on your own car is not rocket science. With the right guidance, anyone can tackle automotive problems and I love showing DIYers they can do it. That’s what makes my role at Tinker so fulfilling. Whether it’s a stubborn bolt or a complex electrical issue, I’m here to help guide them through it on camera in real time. And it’s a lot of fun to see them figure it out and experience the joy of getting the job done the right way. We share that experience together. It’s pretty cool.
I’ve been crazy about cars my entire life, but I started working on them when I turned 16 years old and my cousin handed me the keys to a 1991 Mazda RX-7, the one with the rotary engine. It needed some work, but I always loved that car growing up, so it was a cool gift. I was immediately hooked. Digging into it and figuring things out really sparked my interest in working on cars. And as it often goes, one project led to another. That's how my journey began.
After high school, I decided to advance my skills at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Ontario, California. I graduated in 2012 and immediately began my professional career at one of the country’s largest Toyota dealerships in California. Not long after, I joined a BMW dealership in Alhambra, California and later began my current position at a BMW dealership in nearby Calabasas.
The BMW certification process for mechanics is rigorous, but I enjoyed the challenge of progressing from basic maintenance work like oil changes and brake adjustments to more complex electrical diagnostics and engine repairs. Now I'm certified to work on everything from bumper to bumper.
Despite my expertise in BMWs, my skills are pretty versatile. Since joining Tinker I've helped many callers, men and women, through both simple and complicated repairs on a wide range of makes and models.
One of my favorite Tinker calls was a caller who needed help with his 2007 Toyota Camry. He didn’t know why it had a musty smell inside. I guided him step-by-step to locate and replace its cabin air filter, explaining how changing this small but often overlooked part can significantly improve air quality inside the car. I walked him through the entire process, and he was very grateful for the help.
Another memorable case involved a Tinker caller who was frustrated with the air conditioning in his 2011 Ford Fusion. It was no longer blowing cold. I walked him through a series of diagnostic steps, eventually pinpointing a leak in the condenser.
The key was when I asked him if the car had been hit on the front bumper. Turns out it had recently been in a minor fender bender. From prior experience, I knew that accidents like this often end up damaging the condenser and that was indeed the case with his Ford. With the diagnosis compete we then discussed the parts he would need to order, and the tools required to tackle the repair at home.
It's rewarding to see how empowered my clients feel after successfully tracking down and fixing issues like these. With just a little detective work, I’m able not only to help them fix the immediate issue but to teach them valuable diagnostic skills they can use in the future.
I'm Andy Ly, Tinker expert. Need a hand with your next project? Find me on Tinker.