Like so many other things in life, preparation, attention to detail, and good communication go a long way toward getting the best service for your car. How an auto shop handles the car repair estimate and authorization process is a key part of delivering good auto service, and you can help to make this process work even better
Car Problems & Repairs
Your Car Battery Just May Be The Cause of Your Problems
Have you ever said, “Don’t worry about the car battery; I can handle that,” to your auto technician?
12 Step Plan – Uncover What’s Causing Your Car to Shake
Our all-time most popular blog post is all about shaking. It is titled: “Is Your Car Shaking? 3 Common Problems that Cause Cars to Vibrate“, and it’s had almost a quarter of a million page views. Or, to put it in the words of Jerry Lee Lewis, there is “…a whole lot of shakin’ going on.”
Does Your Car Smell Musty or Feel Damp? Is Water Pouring on Your Foot?
As April showers head our way, here are a few things to consider.
Hit a Pothole? Check Tires, Wheel Alignment, Suspension & Steering
Know what season it is? Pothole season.
5 Q&A’s: Intake Valve Carbon Build-up, Direct Injection & Mini Coopers
We see quite a few Mini Coopers with direct injection engines that have carbon build-up on the intake valves. While direct injection engines do offer enhanced fuel performance and cleaner emissions, these engines are more likely to have an issue with carbon build up on the intake valves.
My Nissan has a Fluctuating Idle When Hot. Is this a Problem?
In general a fluctuating idle is not a serious problem; however, if it is accompanied by the check engine light coming on or the engine stalling that is more cause for concern.
My Battery Died Right After a Maryland State Inspection. What Caused This?
Recently a customer’s battery died the day after she picked up her car. She was convinced we had caused her battery to die. She told us her boyfriend knew about cars and told her, “I suspect they cooked [overcharged] the battery.”
My Car Will Not Start Sometimes – How Much Will it Cost to Fix This?
Ever had this happen? You drive your car, park it for a few minutes to run an errand — then when you return your car won’t start.
Avoid Having Your Dream Car Turn into a Nightmare
We’ve all seen the commercials. A guy wakes up Christmas morning, and waiting for him outside is his ultimate dream car — all wrapped up with a bow and a card from Santa.
Yes, Some Auto Services Can Wait
Not long ago I was on the front line, servicing cars for our “while you wait” customers. I was performing a 5000 mile service on a Honda Fit. The car is getting up in miles, but it is in perfect condition. My report to our customer, Robin, is a good one — just a tire rotation and an alignment that can wait until next year.
My Car’s Windshield Washer Fluid Won’t Spray. What Should I Do?
Yes, I know it’s just the end of October, but before you know it winter will be here. In fact, the Farmer’s Almanac says we should expect about three inches more snow than normal this December!