Auto Savvy
Motor Wise of Kokomo Turns 30
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Jason Graves
For Les Felton Jr., serving his country was a commitment he made early in life. While he was in high school, he began a five-year stint in the military, beginning with the Army Reserves 209th Supply Company in Lafayette, Indiana. Now the owner of Motor Wise of Kokomo, he honors all branches of the service by offering year-round discounts to veterans.
Dad and I opened Motor Wise in 1991, Felton says. He was employed at Indiana Bell/Ameritech and was close to retirement, so he wanted to get something started. I own the business alone now, as dad passed in December 2017.
Before starting the business with his father, Les Felton Sr., he finished his military service. In 1984 he completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He returned to high school, and after graduating he went to Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 1985. Then he moved to active duty with the 295th Supply Company at Fort Lewis in Washington. He concluded his military career in Göppingen, Germany, at Cooke Barracks. There he was in the 56th Field Artillery, Pershing, 193rd Aviation Company. He separated from the Army when he reached his Expiration Term of Service in 1989.
We specialize in customer service, Felton says of his business. We are a general auto repair facility and do all types of repairs, even heavy-duty diesel trucks and trailers. We can do hydraulic repairs and fleet maintenance. We have highly experienced techs, and offer the best veteran discounts in Howard County.
The full-service facility is not a franchise, but it is a NAPA auto repair center. This means that qualifying repairs are covered under a nationwide NAPA Peace of Mind Warranty. There are NAPA locations all over the country.
Feltons mission is to keep vehicles running like they should, by providing preventative maintenance as well as repairs. The business offers oil changes, air conditioning repair, battery replacement, belt and hose replacement, brake repairs, cooling system services, engine diagnostics and repairs, steering and suspension work, and more. In addition, Motor Wise installs, repairs, replaces and maintains all types of exhaust systems, especially custom performance exhaust systems.
Motor Wise serves Kokomo, Greentown, Russiaville and surrounding areas. Customers appreciate the comfortable waiting area with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi. A shuttle service is also provided. Financing options for repairs are available. Periodic coupons for auto necessities such as NAPA filters can be accessed on the Motor Wise website.
One of the companys specialties is the ability to offer full fleet services. The facility has the capability to repair and maintain Isuzu NPR commercial trucks and cargo vans, as well as municipal vehicles, service and delivery vans, rental cars, commercial trucks, and box trucks. With test equipment, experience and knowledge, business fleets are able to run reliably.
If you choose us, you get a clean facility, great customer service, coupled with outstanding pricing and repairs, Felton says.
Motor Wise of Kokomo is located at 1116 South Leeds Street in Kokomo. For more info, call 765-252-3211 or visit motorwisekokomo.com.
