Frequently Asked Questions
1 Will your services meet dealer specifications for factory warranty purposes?
Yes all of our services will meet these guidelines and not void factory warranty’s.
2 My check engine light came on today, should have it checked by a mechanic?
Yes if your check engine light is on you should have it checked by a mechanic.
3 What is your shops parts warranty?
All parts have a minimum of 2 year warranty (depends on application may qualify for lifetime warranty)
4 Are brake inspections free?
Yes, with the purchase of a brake repair on the day of the inspection.
5 How long will an oil change take with an appointment?
Oil change should not take more than 30 minutes on average.
Can't you just hook the vehicle's computer up to that machine that tells you what's wrong with it?
Modern vehicles are complex and have dozens of components and sensors to detect various problems your vehicle might have. These sensors discover that there is something amiss. When our technicians hook up a scan tool to your vehicle's computer, they are given a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). While these codes simplify diagnosis, they often do not pinpoint exactly what is wrong but rather give the technician a general 'area' in which the trouble code came from and a place to start. The technician must then physically and visually examine the area to detect the problem and determine the source of failure.
What does the "Check Engine" Light mean?
Your "Check Engine Light" comes on when a sensor in your vehicle alerts the computer that there is a problem somewhere with the vehicle. Most people panic when they see this light and think their vehicle is going to have a major break down when realistically, the light can come on for any number of reasons and does not necessarily mean your vehicle will break down. When this light comes on, it's a good idea to take the vehicle to a reputable repair shop to have the problem diagnosed. If your vehicle seems to be running fine, it probably isn't an emergency to take in right away, but do have the problem diagnosed in a timely manner to avoid complications or more costly repairs due to ignoring the light.
Why are my brakes squealing / making noise?
Simple answer? I don't know. Sounds funny doesn't it? The truth is, until we take a look we can't tell you. What we can tell you is that there are many reasons brakes will make noises and not always do you even need any repairs to your brakes because they make noise.
First, understand that a high-pitched scraping or squealing noise that goes away when you step on the brake may be telling you that the brake pads are worn - but only with brake pads that have wear sensors attached. Note that a grinding, metal-against-metal sound when braking indicates that it's too late: Your brake pads or shoes are completely worn away, and you are now ruining the rotors or drums. You should have had the brakes inspected earlier! Now, Feel the brake pedal. If it is soft or mushy or gets harder and higher when you pump it, you might need to have the brakes bled (which gets air bubbles out of the brake system).
Note that if the brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when you step on it, you might be in need of a new brake master cylinder.
Drive the car at low speed, braking as needed. If the brakes squeal, you might need new brake pads, or the brake rotors might need to be resurfaced or machined. Understand that if the car pulls to one side when braking, you might have insufficient hydraulic pressure in one part of the brake system, or one brake might be sticking. Front-end problems can also cause this symptom. Consider your rotors if you feel a pulsation when stepping on the brake pedal, particularly when braking at higher speeds. This symptom may indicate warped brake rotors. The rotors will need to be either machined or replaced. Remember that smoking brakes, usually accompanied by a very bad smell, indicate a stuck brake caliper or wheel cylinder. This symptom may also be caused by driving with the hand brake on or by a stuck hand-brake cable.
Another scenario is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your brakes and they simply make noise.
How important is wheel alignment?
Think of it this way - research indicates that the average car is driven about 12 to 15,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just .34 degrees (just 0.17 inches in layman's terms) out of specifications has dragged its tires sideways for at least 68 miles by the end of the year (at 12,000 miles of driving).
What are the symptoms of a vehicle that is out of alignment?
- Excessive or uneven tire wear.
- Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
- Feeling of looseness or wandering.
- Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
- Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead.
How often should you have your vehicle aligned?
Follow your vehicle's manufacturers recommendation as noted in your owner's manual. As a general rule, HAVE YOUR TIRES CHECKED EVERY 10,000 MILES OR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
Why use ASE-certified auto technicians?
Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program since it takes much of the guesswork out of finding a competent technician. Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were simpler, less complex. But with today's high-tech vehicles, the margin for error is less. Mistakes can be costly. It makes good financial sense to protect your automotive investment through regular, periodic maintenance and service performed by certified professionals. Because ASE's program is voluntary, technicians who have taken the time and expense to earn ASE certification can be counted on to have a strong sense of pride in accomplishment, which should be good news for consumers. Moreover, prior to taking ASE exams, many technicians attend training classes or study after work. The time they spend sharpening their skills should be advantageous to consumers as well.