Frequently Asked Questions & Additional Resources

Questions about Available Services

  • Do you sell tires?

    Yes, we can recommend tires for your vehicle, and we will supply, balance and install them with the latest tire equipment. And we do it at competitive prices.

  • Do you sell parts?

    No.

  • Will you install parts I supply?

    No, we only install parts we supply. This way, we can give a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty on all our quality repairs.

  • Can you give me an estimate?

    Yes, we will always give you an auto service estimate before we complete any work on your car. However, we will not give estimates over the phone without seeing your vehicle.

  • Do you do auto body repair work?

    No, but we can make recommendations for an auto body repair shop. If this is related to an auto accident, your insurance may require you to take your car to a collision center they chose.

  • Do you give warranties on your repairs?

    Yes, we give the area’s best warranty of 3-years, 36,000-miles on all our quality repairs.

  • Do you do warranty work?

    We will perform all of your factory-recommended services and keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid. However, if you have a problem that is still covered under your warranty, you have to take your vehicle back to the dealership for warranty repairs.

Questions about Service Completion

  • How do I use the shuttle service?

    When you drop off your vehicle, we will arrange to take you home or work in the Columbia area. If you need a ride to pick up your vehicle, we will schedule a time to pick you up. More about the shuttle.

  • Can I bring my car in today?

    You may bring in your car any day. However, there may be a delay in servicing your vehicle depending upon our workload. We are normally booked up 2-3 days in advance. If you have an emergency, or a small repair (replace light bulbs, etc.), we will attempt to help you out immediately.

  • Can you tow my car into your shop?

    We do not have our own tow truck, but can recommend Al’s Towing Service (410) 740-8822. For your convenience, the towing bill can be added to your BA Auto Care repair bill.

  • Can I wait for the service?

    Yes, we have a clean, comfortable waiting room where you may wait for certain services. When you make your appointment, we will tell you if you should wait while we complete the repair/service.

  • Can I get an oil change while I wait?

    Yes, we will perform oil changes and lubrication by appointment, while you wait.

  • Do I have to pay diagnostic charges even if I know what the problem is?

    Yes, we always need to run diagnostic tests to ensure that we are making the correct repair. Then we can give you our 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty. If we just replace parts that you tell us, and the problem isn’t fixed, you are faced with bigger repair costs.

Questions about our Service Center

  • Do you have weekend hours?

    No, we are open M-F 7:30am – 6:00 pm. However, you can drop-off and pick up your vehicle 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • Can I pick my car up after you are closed?

    Yes, we can accept your credit card over the phone to cover your bill. We will then lock your keys in secure coded key lock boxes, and you can use a second set to collect your vehicle after hours.

  • Do you have other locations?

    No, our large, state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located at 9577 Berger Road, Columbia. Close to Rt. 32, Rt. 29, Rt. 175.

  • What form of payment is accepted?

    Cash, Check, Visa, Amex, MasterCard and Discover.

  • How many technicians do you have?

    5 technicians, and 18 service bays.

  • Are your technicians factory trained?

    All our technicians are factory trained or ASE-certified – the industry standard for all auto technicians.

  • How long have you been in business?

    We first opened in July 1978 under the name British & American Auto Care. We recently shortened our name to BA Auto Care. Over the past 40 years, we have been recognized as Howard County’s Best Auto Repair Shop for over 25 years.

Extra Resources & Links

There are numerous auto service industry resources and associations in place to help ensure that car owners have the information they need to receive excellent auto service.

BA Auto Care strives to ensure that every time we service your automobile, it is handled with the utmost care, concern, and attention necessary to deliver the best in automotive service and repairs. To that end, we pursue the appropriate industry certifications and memberships, and follow auto service best practices. We also utilize high-quality automotive parts and equipment when we service your vehicle.

Key industry resources:

Howard County Automotive Businesses