From one bay in Kallikuppam
Manigandan started GM Car A/C Service in 2018 and opened the first workshop in 2019 at 12A, Gangai Amman Kovil Street, Kallikuppam, Ambattur. It began as a one-man car A/C repair bay. It is now an independent multibrand A/C, auto electrical and general service workshop, and he still runs it from the floor.
He is the founder, the Managing Director and the lead technician at the same time. The person who diagnoses your car, writes your estimate and signs off the job is the same person whose name is on the door.
How he works on a car
The workshop runs on one rule that is his: find the fault before recommending a part, and put the estimate in the customer's hands before touching anything.
- Every car gets the free 30-point A/C and electrical checkup first.
- The estimate is written, itemised and explained before any paid work.
- Parts are matched to the vehicle, not sold by default.
- If a repair is not worth doing, he says so.
He trains every technician at GM in this method rather than delegating it, so a car he does not touch personally is still diagnosed his way.
What he works on
- Car A/C: cooling diagnosis, leak testing, gas and refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator and blower work across R134a and R1234yf systems.
- Auto electrical: battery drain, alternator, starter, wiring, fuses, relays, sensors and warning lights.
- General service: periodic service, brakes, filters and the inspection that goes with them.
- Fleet cooling: taxis, vans, buses and dealer stock on annual contracts.
Brands through the bays include Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Mahindra, Renault, MG, Volkswagen and Skoda.
Why he teaches
Chennai does not have enough technicians who can diagnose a car A/C system rather than refill it and hope. Manigandan teaches the 27-day course himself, on live customer cars, so the people who finish it have done real repairs under his eye. The certificate is a GM Car A/C Service completion certificate signed by him. It is not a government or ITI certificate, and the course page says so plainly.
Where to find him
GM Car A/C Service, 12A, Gangai Amman Kovil Street, Kallikuppam, Ambattur, Chennai 600053. Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday closed. Walk-ins welcome. Free pick-up anywhere in Chennai on confirmed bookings, subject to slot availability.
Read more about the workshop on the about page, browse services, or see the 27-day technician course.
