The modern car has gone from a simple and easy “turn the key and hit the gas” experience to something far more complex. In our digital, smartphone-first era, cars are their own kind of computers, nowadays. In fact, the computer has transformed the role of the mechanic into a high-tech diagnostician.
Few experts know this shift as much as Seyit Volkan Tarlaci, a Master Mechanic and Automotive Engineer who is the founder of 3A Garage in Costa Mesa, CA. Tarlaci’s 20-year career in the automotive world has helped bridge the gap between auto engineering and advanced mechatronics.
Tarlaci has a particular emphasis on high-performance vehicles. A native of Turkey, Tarlaci cultivated an early interest in automobiles which led him to earn an Associate Degree in Automotive Engineering from Beykent University, Istanbul. This academic foundation enabled him to build a successful, international career, establishing himself as an authority in Porsche diagnostics and repair.
In 2008, Tarlaci founded 3A Garage in Istanbul, recognized as one of Turkey’s independent Porsche service providers. His vision encompassed not only delivering automotive services but also fostering an environment grounded in technical excellence and precision. Under his direction, the facility developed a strong reputation for quality and dependability, attracting a dedicated clientele of Porsche enthusiasts. He personally oversaw the training of eight specialized technicians, ensuring they attained proficiency in Porsche diagnostics, mechatronics, and advanced repair methods.
In 2023, Tarlaci extended his operations to Costa Mesa, California, launching a new branch of 3A Garage with a specialization in Porsche vehicles. Serving as Owner and Master Mechanic, he leads a team of four highly trained technicians and manages a specialized service facility that caters not only to Porsche but also to luxury marques such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McLaren. His leadership ensures adherence to stringent workmanship and technical standards for all vehicles serviced.
His technical proficiency encompasses a broad spectrum of automotive systems, including high-performance engine and transmission repairs, automotive electronics, and control systems. Tarlaci is recognized for his expertise in Porsche diagnostics and mechatronic systems. He maintains oversight of customer relations, workflow management, and technical operations, guaranteeing personalized attention and service for each client.
The Precision of Factory-Level Diagnostics
Tarlaci emphasizes the use of factory-level tools, most notably the Porsche PIWIS (Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System). “These tools allow me to accurately read fault codes, monitor live data, and perform coding and programming when necessary,” Tarlaci explains.
But he is quick to note that the tools are only as effective as the person operating them. Tarlaci views factory-level training as a pillar of his practice. Because modern Porsche vehicles rely on integrated systems, understanding how these components interact is critical.
“My background in authorized service environments gave me the foundation to diagnose and repair these vehicles correctly,” he said, adding that without such training, navigating the complexity of mechatronic systems, integrated electronic and mechanical components, is nearly impossible.
A Systematic Approach to Mechatronics
Tarlaci’s methodology is rooted in an engineering mindset. When faced with the complex issues common in high-performance vehicles, he follows a systematic protocol: analyzing fault codes, verifying data through physical inspection, and identifying the root cause.
This approach was recently exemplified in a case involving a Porsche with a transmission failure that other shops had deemed irreparable without a total replacement. Rather than replacing the entire transmission or valve body, a costly endeavor for the client, Tarlaci utilized advanced diagnostics to identify a failure in an integrated circuit on the electronic control board. By repairing the board at the component level and recalibrating the valve body system, he restored the vehicle’s function and ensured long-term reliability at a fraction of the standard replacement cost.
Beyond this individual case, Tarlaci’s work reflects an important development in the automotive field: modern high-performance vehicle repair increasingly requires expertise in integrated mechatronic systems rather than mechanical replacement alone. In vehicles such as Porsche, where software, control modules, and mechanical assemblies operate as interconnected systems, accurate root-cause diagnosis can have major consequences for reliability, cost, and repair strategy. Tarlaci’s approach, which combines factory-level diagnostics with engineering-based analysis, illustrates the specialized technical knowledge now required in advanced automotive repair.
Expanding Professional Horizons: The Move to California
In 2023, Tarlaci transitioned his expertise to the United States, opening a new branch of 3A Garage in Costa Mesa, California. While his original Istanbul location remains a Porsche-exclusive facility, the California expansion reflects the diverse needs of the local market. Under the same 3A Garage name, Tarlaci and his team of four specialized technicians now service not only Porsche but also luxury and exotic brands including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McLaren. Tarlaci remains an active member of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), as well.
Despite the broader scope, the 3A Garage core philosophy remains unchanged: Tarlaci continues to prioritize the training of his staff. He teaches his technicians to move beyond rote repair procedures, focusing instead on the “why” behind system failures, and educates his clientele on preventative measures, when they apply.
The Role of Software in Modern Performance
For Tarlaci, the transition from Turkey to Southern California represents more than just a change in geography; it is a continuation of a two-decade mission to uphold technical integrity in an era of rapid technological change. By combining historical mechanical expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, he continues to ensure that some of the world’s most sophisticated machines operate at their optimal level.
As the automotive industry moves toward electric vehicles and increasingly autonomous systems, Tarlaci views software updates and calibration as the new frontier of maintenance. “Many issues are related to software or system communication,” he notes. “Proper updates and calibrations ensure that all components function correctly together.”
