How can I save money on auto repairs?

Building Long Lasting Relationships With Quality Service and Trust Since 1980

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At 7120 East Furnace Branch Rd. 1/2 block east of Ritchie Highway

Fast

Most work completed in one day.

Honest

Do only work that is necessary.

Professional

ASE certified Master Technicians.

FREE Financing

0% Financing for 6 months!

Priced Right

Highly competitive pricing for the most respected service in town.

Choice Of Parts

High quality or economy parts saves you money.

Convenient

FREE local shuttle service.

Early drop-off / Late pick-up.

No Surprises

All prices must be approved by you before any work is done.

Incredible Warranty

18 months or 18,000 miles on parts and labor.

Work Done Right

The first time, on time. Serving our clients since 1980.

Customer Rewards Program

Free gas for your referrals.

100% Customer Satisfaction

Our most important goal.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

We Gladly Service Your Asian and Domestic Vehicles

Alpine Auto Service, Inc.

Why Alpine Auto Service?

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We honor extended warranties.

24 Hour Emergency Towing Available (Click Here)

Insurance work accepted.

There are two key elements to saving money on auto service:

1. Find a professional, reputable shop and stick with them.

2. Follow the maintenance schedule that the shop recommends.

Here’s why these points are important. A professional shop will save you money in the long run. Not by performing any given repair for the lowest price, but by doing what is needed and not guessing at repairs by replacing parts, hoping that the right one is replaced.

Alpine Auto Service owner Lou Calka relates the story of a Ford Escort owner who was extremely reluctant to pay for an accurate diagnosis.

Lou says, "This gentleman had a problem during a cold start first thing in the morning. The Escort would run roughly for a minute or so and then clear up. He had been to a franchised tune-up shop many times trying to get it repaired. Each time the shop would not charge him for diagnosis, but instead would replace a different sensor. They had replaced just about every sensor in the car. He had spent over $900 and the car was not fixed."

Lou continues, "I convinced the customer that if he paid the diagnostic charge and the completed repair did not fix the car, he would owe nothing. Well, how could he argue with that? He agreed and left the car overnight so that we could observe the symptom. It turned out that at some point in time, someone had replaced the fuel injector. Whoever had installed the injector did not lubricate the O-ring, and the O-ring had rolled over when the injector was installed. After the car sat for 10 hours, the O-ring would relax and prevent a good seal. When the car was started in the morning, the leaky O-ring would allow extra gasoline to enter the intake manifold, causing the engine to run roughly. After a minute or so of running, the fuel pressure would force the O-ring back into position enough that the leak would stop and the car would run fine for the rest of the day. The total cost for diagnosis and repair was under $100."

Lou states, "This is just one of many stories I could tell where an attempt to save a few dollars cost the customer many times the amount of the repair had it been correctly diagnosed the first time. As cars become increasingly more computerized and complex, a single misdiagnosis can cost the vehicle owner hundreds of wasted dollars."

Sticking with the same shop will ensure that you get the same quality of service each and every time. That shop will know you, your vehicle and its service history. By performing required maintenance on a regular basis, using quality parts, and making accurate diagnoses, a professional shop can literally save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. Yes, their oil change may be a few dollars more. Or their brake job may be higher than the guy down the street. But in the long run, you’ll have fewer problems, you won’t be going back for the same problems, and you’ll save a ton of money.

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