About Us

Our Story

Nearly 20 Years of Trusted Service in Clearwater

Founded in 2006 by Keith Ringel, Moonlight Automotive has been serving the Clearwater community with honest, reliable auto repair services for nearly two decades. What started as one man’s vision to provide trustworthy automotive care has grown into Clearwater’s most respected independent auto repair shop.

Keith’s journey in the automotive industry began long before opening Moonlight Automotive. With a passion for mechanics and a commitment to helping people, he recognized that many drivers felt overwhelmed and uncertain when dealing with car repairs. His mission was simple: create a place where customers could trust they were getting honest advice, quality workmanship, and fair pricing.

Meet Keith Ringel, Owner & Master Technician

Experience You Can Count On

Keith Ringel brings over 25 years of automotive expertise to every service we provide. As a Master Certified Mechanic, Keith has dedicated his career to staying at the forefront of automotive technology and repair techniques. His hands-on approach means he’s involved in every aspect of your vehicle’s care, from initial diagnosis to final quality inspection.

“I treat every customer’s vehicle as if it were my own family’s car,” says Keith. “That means taking the time to do the job right, using quality parts, and standing behind our work 100%.”

Keith’s commitment to excellence extends beyond technical skills. He believes in educating customers about their vehicles, explaining repairs in plain language, and never recommending unnecessary services. This philosophy has earned him the trust and loyalty of thousands of Clearwater residents over the years.

Our Team

Skilled Professionals Dedicated to Your Service

At Moonlight Automotive, we’ve carefully assembled a team of experienced, certified technicians who share Keith’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Each member of our team brings specialized expertise and a dedication to continuous learning in this ever-evolving industry.

Our technicians are:

ASE Certified with ongoing training requirements
Experienced with all makes and models
Committed to honest, transparent service
Dedicated to finding cost-effective solutions for our customers

We believe that great service starts with great people, which is why we invest in our team’s ongoing education and certification. This ensures we can handle everything from routine maintenance on your daily driver to complex repairs on the latest vehicle technologies.

Why Choose a Local, Independent Shop?

The Moonlight Automotive Advantage

When you choose Moonlight Automotive, you’re not just another number in a corporate system. You’re working directly with Keith and his team—people who live and work in your community and genuinely care about keeping you safely on the road.

Personalized Service We get to know you and your vehicle’s history, allowing us to provide more personalized recommendations and catch potential issues before they become major problems.

Flexible Solutions As an independent shop, we can work with you to find solutions that fit your budget and timeline. We’re not bound by corporate policies that might not serve your best interests.

Local Accountability Our reputation is built on word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors like you. We can’t hide behind a corporate brand—our success depends entirely on the quality of our service and the trust we’ve earned in the community.

Direct Communication When you have questions or concerns, you can speak directly with Keith or the technician working on your vehicle. No call centers, no runaround—just honest, direct communication.

Our Commitment to You

The Moonlight Promise

After nearly 20 years in business, Keith and the entire Moonlight Automotive team remain committed to the same principles that built our reputation:

Quality First: We never cut corners or compromise on the quality of our work
Fair Pricing: You’ll always receive honest, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Timely Service: We respect your time and work efficiently to get you back on the road
Complete Warranties: We stand behind our work with comprehensive parts and labor warranties
Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn’t end when you drive away—we’re here for follow-up questions and ongoing maintenance needs

Visit Us Today

Experience the Difference Nearly 20 Years Makes

Whether you need routine maintenance, complex repairs, or just have questions about your vehicle, Keith and the team at Moonlight Automotive are here to help. Stop by our shop, call us, or schedule an appointment online to experience the personalized service and quality workmanship that has made us Clearwater’s trusted auto repair destination since 2006.

Moonlight Automotive Locally Owned • Community Trusted • Service Excellence Since 2006

What Our Customers Are Saying

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Zhyar Agha profile picture
Zhyar Agha
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I called without an appointment and they told me to come by. The team was quick, professional, and very helpful. Kieth checked my car, diagnosed it, and assured me everything was fine — and they didn’t charge me anything. Honest and trustworthy service. Highly recommend!
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morgan senn profile picture
morgan senn
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I took my car here to get my brakes done because they had been squeaking for a while. The first time they were replaced, the brake pads had issues (no fault of theirs at all) and their team gave me no issue getting them replaced and the issue fixed quickly and without charging like I’m sure some other places would try to do. The family here is super nice and professional. Definitely going to continue bringing my car here.
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Ed Nada profile picture
Ed Nada
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Best shop in the area & very honest people/mechanics
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Carmelo Cataudella profile picture
Carmelo Cataudella
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If you’re looking for a mechanic who’s not just great at fixing cars, but also somehow fixes your soul a little along the way—this is the place. I’ve never met someone more honest in my life. Like, brutally honest. The kind of honest where he’ll tell you your car is fine and you don’t need to spend a dime, even though he could’ve easily charged you for something imaginary and I would’ve believed him. He’s got this rough-around-the-edges charm. Yeah, he might smell like whiskey and wisdom, but don’t let that fool you—the man knows his way around an engine like it’s second nature. He treats every car like it belongs to his own mother, and he treats every customer like a long-lost friend. There’s real love in his work. Real compassion. Real “I’ve-seen-some-things” energy. Bottom line: the car comes back running like new. He’s a cool guy. A real one. You want honesty? You want heart? You want your car fixed by someone who actually cares? This is the place. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a little life advice too.
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don empsall profile picture
don empsall
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I live in Largo and recently needed a new car door cylinder and keys for damage done due to someone breaking into the car during Hurricane Milton. After getting the run-around from the dealer and others, I was referred to Moonlight. They did the job at a very fair rate and efficiently. Since then they replaced my leaky valve cover gaskets and a worn serpentine belt. They are trustworthy and wont upsell for unneeded repairs. This is my go to place now. Added plus is their friendliness.
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Lori Gassman profile picture
Lori Gassman
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Fast and efficient!
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Lauren Nuckols profile picture
Lauren Nuckols
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These guys are the best of the best. I found them when I had a Jeep Wrangler and go to them now with my BMW. I send anyone who will listen, straight to them! They're super friendly, and most importantly honest 🙂
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digital stream profile picture
digital stream
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Never had a bad experience. They've always fixed the problem. They've even explained to me what was wrong. They've even shown me the bad part..