Rochester Automotive

The Tint Shop outfits vehicles and homes with all their tinting needs using 3M products, a trade that's earned the business accolades on the Democrat and Chronicle's Rochester’s Choice list for nine years in a row. The shop’s film-application specialists cloak windshields in six different types of film, from high-performance charcoal sheaths to fun tints in a rainbow of colors. Solar-control films for residential and commercial buildings block up to 99% of the sun's rays—keeping upholstery from fading and bread from toasting—while specially designed safety and security films reinforce glass to protect it during harsh weather or burglaries. Aside from treating windows, The Tint Shop's crew also masks headlights and taillights in 3M film, and soups up rides with vinyl graphics, audio and video systems, and car alarms.

Auto Finishers Supply Co. owner Richard Trovato deals in more than just auto parts and accessories. He's also dedicated to customer service. Richard began working at the shop as an entry-level employee in 1969, then worked his way up to store manager in 1972. By 1986, he was the storeowner. Since he took the reins, Richard has instilled dedication to customers into every aspect of the business, from stocking quality car accessories, such as DuPont paints and Avital car systems, to employing ASE-certified technicians. Today, Richard and his children still run the shops' day-to-day operations, helping customers find car accessories from crystal clear stereos that house video screens to remote car starters that negate the need for car owners to politely ask it to start.

At Buckmans Car Wash, drivers have a choice between man and machine. They can opt for a traditional soft-cloth tunnel wash using Simoniz products or select the human touch of Buckmans's detail shop, where technicians take a fine-toothed comb to the cars' interiors and exteriors. Using steam cleaners, leather dressing, and hard wax, they'll purge unwanted dust, grime, and scuffs from tiffs autos had with bigger cars when left unattended in the parking lot. A major factor to the success of Buckmans Car Wash over the last 40 years has been its wash guarantees, which allow drivers to bring their cars back for a complimentary rewashing up to five days after their treatment for any reason.