Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Colonial Auto Parts Supplier in St. John's
Since 1926, Colonial Auto Parts has been a trusted name in the automotive industry, delivering premium parts and exceptional service to customers across Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton. Founded by Gordon Elton, our family-owned business has grown from a small service station to the largest privately-owned aftermarket parts supplier in Atlantic Canada, operating 13 locations and employing over 100 dedicated professionals. Our commitment to quality is evident in our extensive inventory of brand-name and private-label parts, backed by supplier warranties and our own guarantee. With decades of combined experience, our knowledgeable staff ensures customers receive the right parts for their vehicles, supported by comprehensive technical expertise and personalized assistance. We specialize in providing solutions for garages, repair facilities, automotive enthusiasts, and DIY customers, offering everything from engine components to advanced diagnostic tools.Our focus on innovation and industry education ensures we stay ahead of evolving automotive technologies while maintaining the honesty and fairness that defined our founders. Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like Bosch, NGK, and WIX, we deliver reliable products that meet rigorous performance standards. As a member of Uni-Select Inc., we provide additional value to installer clients through national buying power and specialized support. With flexible hours at select locations and a dedication to community relationships, we continue to uphold the legacy of service that began on Hamilton Avenue in 1926.
Services
Auto Parts Supply
Fleet Maintenance
Radiator Repair
Engine Rebuilding
Body Shop Services
Industrial Cooling Systems
Diagnostic Equipment
Paint Matching
Drivetrain Components
Electrical Systems
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We have over 95 years of specialized experience in automotive parts distribution
- Our staff includes technicians with 40-50 years of industry expertise
- We maintain an extensive inventory of 10,000+ parts for immediate availability
- Our locations offer extended Saturday hours at select branches
- We provide technical support from certified professionals with OEM training
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Extensive inventory
Technical expertise
Family business
Competitive pricing
Services
Auto Parts Supply
We provide comprehensive automotive parts distribution across Atlantic Canada, offering over 10,000 OEM and aftermarket components for both domestic and imported vehicles. Our inventory includes critical systems like ignition, fuel, and braking components, supported by technical expertise from experienced parts specialists. With 13 strategically located branches, we ensure rapid access to essential repair items for professional mechanics and DIY customers alike.
Fleet Maintenance
Our fleet maintenance solutions cater to commercial operators with specialized parts and service support for high-mileage vehicles. We stock heavy-duty components and offer dedicated account management for businesses requiring consistent supply chain reliability. Our technical team provides application-specific recommendations to optimize vehicle performance and longevity for fleet operators across multiple industries.
Radiator Repair
Colonial's radiator shop offers complete cooling system solutions including custom fabrication, repair, and testing for automotive, industrial, and marine applications. Our technicians specialize in designing high-performance radiators for specialized equipment and provide on-site diagnostic services. We maintain strict quality standards for both standard replacements and custom-engineered cooling solutions.
Engine Rebuilding
Through our Colonial Garage division, we offer complete engine remanufacturing services meeting OEM specifications. Our AERA-certified technicians perform precision machining and assembly using advanced diagnostic equipment. We specialize in both gasoline and diesel engine rebuilds for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and industrial equipment.
Body Shop Services
Our fleet body shop provides professional collision repair and customization services for commercial vehicles. We utilize PPG and Nexa Autocolor paint systems for precise color matching and offer structural repairs for trucks and trailers. The facility is equipped to handle major bodywork while maintaining strict quality control standards for both appearance and structural integrity.
People
Douglas Squires
President
A certified public accountant with over 30 years in automotive parts management, Douglas leads Colonial's strategic direction while maintaining financial oversight. He ensures operational excellence across all locations.
Susan Elton Squires
Chief Financial Officer
As CPA with deep industry expertise, Susan manages financial operations and compliance. She plays key role in maintaining the company's fiscal health and long-term sustainability since joining in 2005.
Stephen Squires
Vice President
Stephen oversees daily operations and supply chain logistics. With extensive experience in parts distribution, he focuses on inventory optimization and customer service improvements across all 13 locations.
Steven Best
Purchasing Manager
Steven manages procurement operations, ensuring optimal inventory levels and supplier relationships. He brings 25 years of automotive parts industry experience to maintain our competitive product selection.
Paul Ryan
Branch Operations Manager
With over 20 years at Colonial, Paul coordinates multi-location operations and staff training. He ensures consistent service quality and operational efficiency across our Newfoundland and Labrador branches.
Questions
What locations does Colonial Auto Parts serve?
We operate 13 locations across Newfoundland & Labrador, including St. John's, Mount Pearl, Gander, and Corner Brook, plus two locations in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Do you offer commercial fleet services?
Yes, we provide specialized parts and account management for commercial fleet operators, including volume pricing and dedicated support for heavy-duty vehicles.
Can I get technical assistance with parts selection?
Our certified technicians provide expert guidance for all automotive components, ensuring proper fitment and application for both standard repairs and specialized requirements.
What payment options are available?
We offer credit accounts for qualified businesses and accept major payment methods for retail purchases at all our locations.
Do you carry specialty automotive tools?
Yes, we stock professional-grade tools and equipment from brands like Lisle, Maktig, and RK Compressor for both repair shops and serious DIY mechanics.
Are your parts covered by warranties?
All parts carry manufacturer warranties, and we provide our own satisfaction guarantee on every purchase to ensure quality and performance.
