Keith Heckman started Keith’s Automotive Electric in 1978 as a mobile service specializing in service and repair of charging systems and electrical wiring for all makes of automobiles and heavy equipment, including tractors and earth moving equipment. At that time his customers were mostly other repair shops and fleets, including the fire departments of Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar as well as fleets like Hubbard Contractors, San Dieguito Water District, and El Camino Rentals. As other garages referred their customers to Keith for the work that they couldn’t do his reputation as “the Knight in the Shining Blue Van” grew.
In 1980 Keith opened a repair shop in Del Mar, continuing to specialize in high quality rebuilt alternators, generators, and starters for all makes and models. At that time he got involved with wiring antique and classic cars. He helped build, sponsor, and worked on the pit crew for a couple of IMSA race cars. As business grew he moved to Solana Beach in 1984 and found that too many shop mechanics were just “parts changers” and really didn’t have the training to diagnose electrical problems accurately.
The complexity of the electrical system continued to grow and more mechanics were being left behind. Electronic ignition, computer controlled fuel systems, automatic electronic climate controls, electronically controlled transmissions, and anti-lock braking systems were here to stay. Keith discovered new problems being referred to him and felt the need to expand services to included air conditioning service, tune ups, trailer brakes and custom wiring. As the electronics have evolved in today’s automobile, so have the services offered at Keith’s Automotive Electric to include everything from diagnosis of complex computer controlled circuits to oil changes and general maintenance.
Keith has been an active member of such associations as The Optimist Club, CYSA Soccer, Automotive Service Councils, Automotive Service Association, Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas Merchants Association, and serves on the advisory council of San Dieguito ROP as well as the advisory council of Mira Costa College. Keith continues to attend classes and stay current with the latest training and diagnostic information available in all aspects of the automotive repair industry. You cannot see electricity but every function of today’s automobile depends on it.
