FAQ
My check engine light is on, but my vehicle seems to run fine. Do I need to do anything about it?
YES, The check engine light can come on for various reasons. It can be as simple as a loose gas cap, to as much as a catastrophic engine failure. The trouble with leaving it on for a “small” problem is that it can mask a much larger problem. With the SES (Service Engine Soon) light on already, what would have normally turned on the SES light on can’t let you know there is another issue that needs to be addressed. This could lead to more damage and a much more expensive auto repair then if it was caught earlier.
Why do I have to pay a separate diagnosis charge from my repair?
Most of the time, It takes extensive testing to find out what may be wrong with your car. All the test equipment and technician training that is needed cost money. We have invested in these things so that we can accurately diagnose your vehicle and then repair it correctly. When you go to a “parts store” they can scan your codes and tell you what system is having a problem. Often they can tell you a list of possible components to replace, but cannot tell you with certainty what is needed to fix your vehicle. Many codes can be misleading. The codes are often starting points, not necessarily an auto repair point.
I was quoted for a repair, but I was called and told there are additional items that are needed. Why wasn’t I told of these at the beginning?
This could be for several reasons. The most common is that when removing items to fix the concern we find that additional components need to be removed so there are more gaskets and/or seals that are needed. The second most common reason is that once one item is repaired, we find additional items that also need repaired (see also question about check engine light). While we try to be as thorough as possible, quite often many items can’t be determined bad until disassembly is started.
I heard you rebuild or repair GM clusters and repair some Dodge and Ford clusters. Can I have you upgrade some components also?
We do full cluster rebuilds with a lifetime warranty on some GM models and can do common repairs on several other GM, DODGE, and FORD models. On the full rebuilds we do not do any cosmetic upgrades (LED bulbs or face plates) as we cannot guarantee these items. On a repair we can install a faceplate if you provide it, but there will be no warranty on it and if you decide you don’t like it, we will have to charge for the removal. We do not suggest these items due to problems we have seen with them.
What “maintenance” does my vehicle need?
This can be a difficult question to answer due to each car manufacture requirements. Some of the most common items are (while not all vehicles have these items) oil filter and oil, air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter, pcv valve, cabin filter, battery, and timing belt. Other items that are commonly overlooked but could need attention are the coolant system, transmission fluid, fuel system, brake fluid, power steering fluid, differentials, battery terminals, transfer case fluid, and the a/c system. We have flushes for all of these items available.
Can I see the parts that you replaced off my vehicle?
Yes, we usually keep the old parts until the vehicle is picked up. We do dispose of them after the customer picks up the vehicle. If you would like to see them, just let us know as you are picking up the vehicle and we would be happy to show them to you.
Do you guarantee the work you do on my vehicle?
Yes we do! When we install any part on your car we will guarantee our work and the part for 12 months from date of installation.
