One of the hardest things for some of our auto repair customers to understand is why their specific repair or service cost so much. An explanation of the repair may sound simple and straightforward, but the actual work required to accomplish that simple repair can be very complicated. The dilemma is, if we explain something in a way that a layperson can understand, the simple explanation can make a customer think it’s a simple job. Where possible, we like to share with a customer what’s involved in a repair, but that’s not always feasible.
Car Problems & Repairs
It’s Spring: Check Your Car’s Air Filters & Air Conditioning
With the arrival of spring, we can look forward to our first hot days and lots of pollen!
How Much to Replace a Headlight Bulb & Brake Light on a 2010 Mercedes?
It sounds like an easy question to answer doesn’t it? In fact, when people bring their vehicle in for a headlight bulb replacement, they expect to be in and out quickly, but that’s not always the case. With cars built in the last decade, a simple task like changing a headlight or brake light bulb can be much more complicated than before. Gone are the days when an auto mechanic could wander out to a vehicle in the parking lot, lift the hood, change the headlight bulb and be back in the office in five minutes!
Intermittent Auto Warning Lights + Misfires – Not As Easy As 1, 2, 3…
Solving intermittent car problems can be challenging for both the customer and the auto mechanic.
Make Sure You Discuss These 5 Key Items When Your Car Is In for Servicing or Repairs
So, you’ve made an appointment to have your car serviced. What information do you want to make sure you cover with your auto service advisor? And conversely, what do you want to make sure that your auto repair shop communicates to you?
What’s Causing That Loud Screeching Noise that Changes When I Brake
Not long ago, I walked into the reception area at our auto shop and greeted two long-time customers. After chatting for a while, we eventually got around to the reason why they were there. The wife shared with me that she had noticed a constant scraping noise coming from their car that got worse while braking. Then the husband held out his hand and displayed a tiny jagged stone about ¼ inch long.
Too Many Quick Lube Visits Lead to Dangerously Thin Brake Pads
The other day, one of our auto mechanics, Hernando, was working on a Mercedes SUV. The driver had brought it in for preventive maintenance, and when Hernando checked it out, it turns out the brakes were in terrible condition. The brake material was worn so thin; it was as flat as paper. And then, it just came off!
Oil Leak Triggers Check Engine Light
Recently, one of our customers came in with a “check engine light” on. When a “check engine light” comes on, many drivers think it’s due to an electronic issue, but sometimes it can be a mechanical issue.
Tire Pressure Light On, but Tires Properly Inflated?
Recently a customer brought in their 2010 Lexus GX 460 because the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light was on. The customer had checked each tire with a gauge and found that every tire was determined to be at the correct pressure. The BA auto mechanic who worked on this case was Jon.
Ten Annoying Habits That Damage Your Car
Buying a car is a significant investment. Most people want to make sure their car keeps running and functioning smoothly for as long as possible. To some, a shiny vehicle is merely a few thousand pounds of metal used for commuting while others consider their car as a superhuman extension of their personality.
Is a Certified Mechanic Servicing Your Brakes?
Brakes are one of the most critical safety systems in our car. They keep us from plowing into objects and people. Keeping your brakes in working order requires they be checked at least once a year. But just having them checked isn’t enough; who you choose to service your brakes matters.
To Tow or Not to Tow — Which Car Problems Require a Tow?
When you have a car problem, sometimes it is hard to know whether to have the car towed, whether to get the repair done on the spot, or whether it’s safe to drive your car to the shop.












