Dan Preciado is an ASE-certified technician with over 20 years of experience and the owner of Devolada Roadside & Tire in Yucaipa, CA. about 75 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Since 2021, the well-known shop has been helping travelers on their way into and out of the city, whether it's a simple tire change or complicated mechanical repair. Dan’s service specializes in getting people back on their way with a minimum of time or fuss and Devolada’s impressive five-star Yelp rating reflects Dan's dedication to detail, transparency and customer service.
By Dan Preciado
I really enjoy my role as a Tinker expert mechanic. It’s fun and allows me to combine my two passions, helping people and fixing cars. My shop, Devolada Roadside & Tire, is in Yucaipa, CA, but being a part of the Tinker team enables me to help DIYers anywhere.
Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from American classics to the latest cars, trucks and SUVs. But the joy of being a mechanic isn't only about fixing cars or motorcycles, it's also about the opportunity to help fellow enthusiasts.
I can help DIYers with any kind of problem, from an engine that's not cranking to a project they're just getting started on. I make sure I ask the right questions, guide them through process and save them time and money. And I enjoy it.
My journey in the automotive industry began at Pomona High School in Southern California back in 1996. One of my teachers noticed my talent for working on mechanical things and encouraged me to pursue a career as an expert mechanic.
I was eager to deepen my knowledge, so I enrolled in Toyota's Technician Training & Education Network, known as T-TEN, at Citrus College in Glendora, CA. This two-year auto repair program gave me a thorough understanding of all things automotive. It also marked the start of my hands-on experience in the field, as I began taking on side jobs to hone my skills.
From there, I joined a General Motors dealership in Pomona, CA where I learned all aspects of the business, from sales to parts and service. Working with customers from all walks of life for eight years helped me discover another one of my talents: I have a passion for helping others.
I decided to further my training, so in 2009, I enrolled at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC), where I focused on motorcycle repair, from basic maintenance to complete engine teardowns and rebuilds. I put this new expertise to good use during my tenure at Whittier Fun Center, a motorcycle dealership and service center.
Three years later I embraced a new challenge, working the night shift with Enterprise Car Rental at the Ontario Airport. My responsibilities included performing oil services, tire changes, brake jobs, and other maintenance and reconditioning work. This role underscored my ability to work autonomously and efficiently manage a wide range of automotive maintenance tasks.
When I’m not tinkering, I cherish time with my wife and two children. Every couple of years, we embark on a new journey to explore a different part of the world. These are more than just vacations, they're a conscious effort to experience different cultures and learn how they prioritize life beyond material things. We also visit museums to connect with the past and enrich our understanding of diverse ways of life. For me, these experiences are as integral to my family's life as my passion for mechanics is to my career.
I’m Dan Preciado, Tinker expert mechanic. Need a hand on your next project? Find me on Tinker
