Nanda Wubs-Huizenga (left) and her brother Mike are part of the ownership group behind No Limit Auto Parts on Dawley Drive in Winchester. Tinkess Photo
WINCHESTER – As the auto parts industry continues to shift toward corporate ownership and online transactions, one Winchester business is holding firm to a different model, local ownership, family involvement and deep product knowledge.
No Limits Auto Parts, located at 12024 Dawley Drive in Winchester, was originally established in 2000 in Gloucester. After nearly two decades serving Ottawa-area customers, the business relocated to Winchester in August 2019 when it was purchased by the same ownership group behind Precision Diesel. As sister companies under the same corporate umbrella, the two share facilities while maintaining distinct roles; one focused on repair and service, the other on parts and product expertise. The collaboration provides customers with a seamless, locally rooted solution.
While ownership transitioned, the face behind the counter did not. Mike Huizenga continues to run No Limits Auto Parts and remains the driving force behind its reputation. With more than 30 years of experience in the automotive parts industry, he is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable auto parts professionals in the field. That expertise has earned him a loyal following that extends well beyond North Dundas. Many long-time customers from Ottawa continue to make the drive to Winchester rather than shop elsewhere, valuing the knowledge and personal service they have come to rely on.
Customers often say that if Mike can’t find the part, no one can.
The business has earned over 120 five-star Google reviews and built a following of more than 1,600 on Facebook, growth driven not by aggressive marketing campaigns but by consistent service and honest advice. One customer recently described Huizenga’s success as coming from simply being “100 per cent genuinely him,” noting that his strong reputation is built on authenticity rather than strategy or gimmicks.
No Limits Auto Parts prides itself on offering straightforward guidance. Customers are given options based on budget, intended use and how long they plan to keep their vehicle. Whether sourcing stock original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts such as brakes, steering, suspension and batteries, or performance upgrades for off-road and racing applications, the focus remains on education and transparency.
While online purchasing has become common, Huizenga cautions that price alone does not always tell the full story. Many customers do not realize that brokerage duties, cross-border fees, shipping costs and return restrictions can apply when buying parts online. In some cases, returns are difficult or not possible at all. “People shop price only,” Huizenga explains, “but you lose the service and advice. When you buy local, you know you’re getting the right part the first time.”
Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts can depend on how much use the vehicle is going to receive, or how long you plan on owning it. “You don’t always need the best quality or the lowest quality,” says Huizenga. “It depends on the usage and budget. Cheaper parts are suitable for low budget repairs, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles not being kept for a long period of time.” At No Limit Auto Parts, they find out what the customer is more concerned about, price or quality. If they have a low budget, then they shop for parts that are lower-priced but still good quality.
The broader auto parts industry landscape is changing. Major chains such as NAPA are now corporate owned in the United States and have acquired companies like Benson, consolidating market control and influencing pricing structures. In contrast, No Limits remains locally owned and operated.
“We are not a corporate store,” said Huizenga. “When you buy local, you support Canadian business.”
In a market increasingly dominated by corporate chains and automated transactions, No Limits Auto Parts continues to show that in a small community, relationships, trust and genuine service still make all the difference.
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