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Approaching an auto repair estimate can be a daunting task when faced with potential issues and high expenses. For our valued customers, here are some essential tips when working with auto repair estimates: At Avid Autocare, you can always expect clear communication. Describing any issues you’re experiencing in detail helps technicians better pinpoint any issues your car may be having and helps provide you with an appropriate repair as well. Don’t be afraid to ask our Service Advisors questions about any unclear points in the estimate. This can include clarification on the scope of work, parts, and labor costs. Quality matters. Remember that the cheapest estimate isn’t always the best. Things to consider are the shop’s reputation, expertise, and customer reviews. Understand the breakdown. Be aware of any additional fees, such as diagnostic fees, that may apply to services. Ask about warranties. Avid Autocare offers a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on repairs, ensuring you have peace of mind down the road. Hidden issues, being prepared for variations. Sometimes, additional problems are discovered during repairs and can be potential adjustments to an estimate. If a technician or service advisor identifies necessary changes, ensure you understand prior to approving. Face-to-face communication is our preferred method in discussing estimates with customers. This allows for better communication and understanding and can allow for additional questions and concerns to be answered. At Avid Autocare we like to keep our customers informed and most importantly, a satisfied customer! We build relationships through honesty and integrity. We hope this takes some of the mystery out of auto repair estimates so you can approach with confidence! 🚗💡
Your car is more than just a vehicle; it’s your partner on the road. Just like any good partnership, it requires care and attention. Regular check-ups can prevent costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some ways you can ensure your car is not only safe but also kind to the environment! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, tire health and pressure are essential for your car’s overall well-being. They’re the only part of your car that touches the road, so their health is paramount. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated reduces fuel consumption and keeps your ride running smooth. The added benefit here is it makes your car eco-friendlier too! Oil is the lifeblood of your engine; coloring should be a golden brown and free flowing. If your car’s oil is dark and sludge-like, it’s time for a change. Regular oil changes can improve engine efficiency and longevity. Fluids keep things flowing, yes really! Your car relies on various fluids to operate smoothly. This can include brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and coolant/antifreeze. While these fluids may not interact with each other, they each have separate but important functions for your vehicle. The silent guardian of your car, the battery. A well-maintained battery is essential. Ensuring your battery is charged and the contacts are clean can help with a longer life span and reduce waste and its environmental impact. So, remember, a little care can go a long way. Regular check-ups keep your car happy, more eco-friendly and keep your budget happy. Drive safely and stay green!
We’ve all heard the old saying “April showers bring May flowers.” Driving in heavy rain can be a challenge, but when taking precautions, you can safely navigate wet roads. Here are some of our essential tips for driving in the rain. Don’t drive if you don’t have to, especially when there is heavy rain or flooding. It can also be best to wait until the worst has passed before hitting the road. Slow down! It’s always a good idea to budget extra travel time as traffic can move slower during rainfall. Slowing down can also reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Avoid using cruise control in wet conditions as it can lead to a loss of control. Drivers may need to adjust the speed manually to prevent any kind of traction loss. Use your defroster to help clear a fogged windshield by activating the front and rear defrosters for better visibility. Always maintain a safe following distance by keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, typically one whole car length. More space allows for a better reaction time! Use your headlights. While most newer cars have daytime running lights or the option to automatically have headlights come on, some older cars may need them turned on manually. By turning on headlights, it can improve visibility which can also help prevent collisions. It is also a good idea to keep headlights on when windshield wipers are active. Avoid hard braking by slowing gradually. Slamming on your brakes can lead to skidding which can also cause collisions. Use gentle movements when steering, braking, and accelerating on wet roads. Sudden movements can increase the risk of skidding. Stay away from areas known to be flood prone. Research ahead of time your route and potential roads that are more likely to flood. Choose alternate routes during heavy rain to reduce time in traffic which can also keep your distance from other drivers. Lastly, if you do see areas of high water or rain, turn around to reduce the chance of potential getting your stuck or the risk of drowning. Driving into flooded areas can be dangerous, making cars float or washed away. In summary, be sure to plan when inclement weather is approaching, and you can raise your chances of staying safe on the roads ahead. And if you have concerns about the car of your car’s tires , brakes or windshield wipers, the team at Avid Autocare is here to help keep you running smoothly!
Independent auto repair shops offer several advantages over dealership service centers, making them a great alternative for many vehicle owners. Cost-effectiveness: Independent auto repair shops often have lower overhead costs compared to dealerships, allowing for more competitive pricing with services and repairs. Personalized Service: Independent auto repair shops typically have smaller teams which allows for a closer relationship with their customers. This can translate to more personalized services, with technicians who take the time to understand the specific needs of each vehicle and its owner. Flexibility and agility: Independent shops are generally more flexible in their scheduling and service offerings compared to dealerships, which may have more rigid procedures and timelines. This can also result in quicker turnaround times for repairs and maintenance, helping to minimize vehicle downtime. Expertise and specialization: Many independent shops are owned and operated by experienced technicians who have extensive knowledge of various makes and models. They may specialize in certain brands or types of vehicles, offering expertise that rivals or even surpasses dealership technicians. Quality of work: Despite common misconceptions, independent shops often provide high-quality service that meets or exceeds dealership standards. Many independent technicians have undergone rigorous training and certification programs, ensuring that they have the skills and expertise to perform even the most complex repairs and maintenance tasks. Honest recommendations: Independent shops rely heavily on their reputation and word-of-mouth referrals to attract new customers. This offers more transparency and honesty in their recommendations for repairs and services, which in turn avoid any unnecessary upselling or overcharging. Focus on customer satisfaction: Independent shops thrive on providing excellent customer service and building long-term relationships with their clients. They are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, whether it’s through warranty guarantees, follow-up support or accommodating special requests. Overall, while dealership service centers offer certain conveniences and advantages, independent auto repair shops provide a compelling alternative for vehicle owners seeking cost-effective, personalized, and reliable maintenance and repair services.
Watch out for slick roads!
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. Whether you’re in need of a routine maintenance check, an unexpected repair, or a major overhaul, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll get around without your vehicle. That’s why at Avid Autocare, we’ve made it our mission to prioritize convenience for our customers at every step of the way. Ride Share Services: We understand that dropping off your car for service can be an inconvenience, especially if you have work, appointments, or other obligations to attend to. That’s why we offer complimentary ride share services to ensure you get where you need to go while your vehicle is being taken care of. Our team works with trusted ride share providers to offer seamless transportation solutions. Simply tell us your destination and we’ll arrange for a ride to get you there. Loaner cars for every visit : Unlike other auto repair shops that reserve loaner cars for major repairs or lengthy appointments, we believe that every customer deserves the convenience of a loaner car, no matter the nature of their visit. Whether you’re in for a quick oil change, tire rotation, or diagnostic check, you can rest assured knowing that we’ll provide you with a loaner car to keep you on the move. Our fleet of well-maintained vehicles ensures that you can continue your day without skipping a beat. Peace of mind and customer satisfaction: We aim to minimize disruptions to your daily routine and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve, this is why we offer ride share services and loaner cars for every visit. Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond quality repairs and exceptional service. We prioritize your convenience and strive to make every aspect of your experience with us as hassle-free as possible. At Avid Autocare, we believe that convenience shouldn’t be a luxury – it should be a standard. That’s why we go above and beyond to offer ride share services and loaner cars for every visit, ensuring you can get back on the road with ease. Experience the difference convenience by choosing Avid Autocare for all your automotive needs.
Spring is in the air and it’s a great time to give your car some extra attention after the harsh conditions of winter. Here are some spring car care tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for the warmer months ahead: Wash and Wax: Show your car some love by giving it a good wash to remove salt, grime, and road debris that’s been accumulated during winter. Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from the sun’s UV rays and maintain its shine. Inspect the exterior: Check for any signs of potential damage, such as dents, scratches, or rust spots. Addressing these issues early can help prevent further deterioration. Check tire pressure and tread: Fluctuating temperatures can affect tire pressure. Make sure tires are inflated to the recommended PSI and inspect tread depth. Consider rotating tires if necessary to ensure even wear. Inspect brakes: Have your brakes inspected for wear and tear. Listen for any unusual noises while braking and ensure that the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels are in all good condition. Replace wiper blades: Winter weather can wear down wiper blades which can lead to streaking and reduced visibility. Replace them if they show signs of damage or they’re not clearing the windshield effectively. Check fluid levels: Top up essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Inspect for any leaks under the car and address them promptly. Test the battery: The cold temperatures from winter can strain your car battery. Test its voltage and clean any corrosion from the terminals. If the battery is old or struggling to hold a charge, consider replacing it. Inspect belts and hoses: Check for any signs of wear or cracking on the belts and hoses. Replace them if necessary to prevent breakdowns due to belt or hose failure. Service the Air Conditioning System: Ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the warmer weather by having it inspected and service if needed. This includes checking refrigerant levels and cleaning or replacing air filters. Check alignment and suspension: Winter potholes and rough roads can affect your car’s alignment and suspension. Have them inspected to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. When you bring your car to Avid Autocare, our trained technicians perform a courtesy inspection , so you always have an up-to-date record of your vehicle’s health. This can help you maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring it’s ready to take on the challenges of the season ahead!
One of the most frequent conversations we have with customers is weighing the costs of repairs relative to the value of their vehicle. When you break it down, your vehicle is an asset and an investment made to get to work, transport your family safely, take road trips, etc. It is typically less expensive to maintain the vehicle you own rather than buy a new car and add a car payment. Let’s discuss why repairing your car can be worth it in comparison to taking on a new car payment: Cost Savings: Repairing your current car can often be more cost-effective than purchasing a new one and taking on monthly payments, which can include monthly payments, interest, and higher insurance costs. Avoid depreciation: New cars depreciate rapidly in value, often losing a significant portion of their worth in the first few years. Repairing your current car allows you to avoid this depreciation hit in the long run. Familiarity: If you’ve owned a car for quite some time, you’re already familiar with the car’s quirks and maintenance history which can make it easier and more convenient to keep it running smoothly and reliably with repairs rather than starting from scratch with a new vehicle. Financial flexibility: Avoiding a new car payment frees up your monthly budget for other expenses or savings goals, providing more financial flexibility in the long run. Make the math work in your favor by setting a time/mileage goal for your vehicle and compare the cost of repair to that timeline. Ultimately, the decision depends on factors such as the extent of repairs needed, the value of your current vehicle and your financial situation and priorities. We offer a complete vehicle inspection that looks over the entire health of your vehicle and as always, our courtesy digital vehicle inspection every time we see your vehicle to ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision for you and your vehicle.
When your car starts to experience issues, a diagnostic test becomes crucial. This involves connecting a scanning device to your car’s engine control unit (ECU), often referred to as the “computer.” The scanning device communicates with the ECU and pulls reports on any anomalies during operation. Like virus-scanning software, diagnostic tests scan for bugs in various systems that make your car run. What does a diagnostic fee cover? A diagnostic fee compensates the automotive technician for their expertise and the time spent decoding the ECU reports. Think of it like paying a lawyer or personal trainer an hourly rate. These fees represent not only the time spent but also the specialized knowledge required to pinpoint complex problems. Diagnostic tests cover various components of your vehicle, which can include: Powertrain- engine, transmission, and related systems. Throttle – checking the throttle body and its functionality. Brakes – Ensuring brake systems operate correctly. Sensors – Verifying the performance of sensors like oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, etc. Exhaust systems – Assessing emissions and exhaust components. Fuel system – Diagnosing fuel delivery issues. Advanced safety systems – Testing features like ABS, traction control and airbags. Catching issues early typically occurs when the dashboard warning lights illuminate, helping to detect problems early through diagnostics saving you significant costs. Detecting a minor issue early may prevent the need for expensive repairs like a new engine or transmission. So, is it worth paying diagnostic fees? While diagnostic fees add to your expenses, they are an investment in identifying and addressing issues promptly, while helping pinpoint true issues with your vehicle. Consider it a proactive step to prevent more significant problems down the road. And as a bonus, catching a problem early can save you money in the long run. In summary, diagnostic fees are essential because they provide valuable insights into your car’s health. They go beyond mere error codes, helping technicians pinpoint complex issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly. So, the next time you pay a diagnostic fee, consider it an investment in your car’s well-being.
Maintaining a vehicle is much like caring for one’s health. Just as regular exercise and check-ups keep our bodies in top condition, routine maintenance and timely repairs are essential for the longevity and performance of our automobiles. However, despite our best efforts, there are instances where major auto repairs become unavoidable. Let’s delve into the realm of major auto repairs and explore what they entail and steps to tale when faced with such situations. Major auto repairs encompass a broad spectrum of complex fixes that can go beyond routine maintenance tasks. These repairs can often involve significant components of the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, or electrical systems. This can include transmission replacement, brake system overhauls and major electrical repairs. Due to the complexity of these systems and specialized knowledge that may be required, major repairs typically demand professional intervention. Recognizing the signs of impending major repairs can save you from potential breakdowns and costly repairs down the road. Some common indicators include: Unusual sounds – grinding, knocking or whining noises from engine area, transmission of suspension could signal underlying issues. Fluid leaks – leaking fluids, such as oil, coolant, or transmission fluids, can indicate of potential system failures. Warning lights – Dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine light or ABS warning, often point to underlying mechanical or electrical issues. Performance issues – Decreased engine power, rough idling, or erratic shifting are symptoms of mechanical problems that may require major repairs. So how do you navigate the process? When faced with major auto repairs, it’s crucial to approach the situation with a clear plan of action. Diagnostic assessment can be crucial in identifying the root cause of the issue and determining the extent of the repairs needed. Once a clear diagnosis if complete, evaluating the repair options with your auto technician can provide you with a breakdown of the recommended repairs, including costs, timeframes, and potential alternatives. Major auto repairs can be a financial burden if budgeting and planning is not considered. Before deciding, things to consider include your budget and exploring financing options if necessary. Opt for high-quality replacement parts and reputable service providers, such as Avid Autocare, to ensure the longevity and reliability of the repairs. Here we offer a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. Following any major repairs, adhere to a regular maintenance schedule to prevent future issues and to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. While major auto repairs may seem daunting, they’re a natural part of vehicle ownership. By staying ahead and knowing the potential warning signs for trouble, seek professional assistance promptly and approach repairs with a clear plan so you can navigate these challenges with confidence. Remember, investing in the maintenance and repair of your vehicle today will pay off in reliability and performance tomorrow. Drive safely, stay informed and keep your automobile running smoothly for miles to come.
$49.99 FULL SYNTHETIC OIL SERVICE
Includes: oil change and digital vehicle inspection. Shop supplies & taxes extra. Most vehicles. Excludes motorhomes, classic cars and exotics. Oil change includes up to 8 qts of full synthetic motor oil & new oil filter, except diesel. Oil filter disposal charge extra. Cannot combine with any other offer.
FREE WARNING LIGHT SCAN
We will report your trouble code for free and recommend next steps. *Additional charges may apply should further diagnostics be needed to determine cause. Limited time only.
