W Market St · (423) 913-3111 Hopper Rd · (423) 328-7036
Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Closed Weekends
Real questions, real answers

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we actually hear, cost, timing, warranty, financing, and what to expect. For anything specific to your make or a particular service, we've linked to the page that covers it in depth rather than repeating it here.

What people ask first

Pricing, Cost & Estimates

How much does a typical repair cost?

It depends entirely on the vehicle and the actual problem, so we don't publish flat prices. What we do is diagnose first, then give you a real, written estimate before any repair beyond the diagnostic begins, so you know the cost before you commit.

Do you charge for a diagnostic scan?

Diagnostic fees vary by the issue and the time involved. We'll tell you upfront what the diagnostic will cost before we start, and that fee is often applied toward the repair if you move forward with us.

Will you call me before doing any work beyond what I asked for?

Yes. Nothing gets added to your ticket without a conversation first. If we find something else during the inspection, we call and explain it, we don't just fix it and bill you.

Why is your estimate different from a quote I got somewhere else?

We can't speak to another shop's process, but ours is based on an actual inspection of your vehicle, not a phone estimate. That's often why our number looks different, it's grounded in what's really wrong, not a guess.

Do you price-match another shop's estimate?

We don't formally price-match, but we're happy to explain exactly what's included in our estimate so you can compare it apples-to-apples against anyone else's.

Is a written estimate really free?

Yes, an estimate itself doesn't cost you anything. Where a diagnostic fee applies is for the technician time spent identifying the actual cause, which is different from simply writing up a quote.

What happens if I decide not to approve the repair?

Nothing beyond the diagnostic happens without your approval. We'll walk you through what we found, what it costs, and what happens if it's left unaddressed, and the decision is always yours.

What actually happens

Scheduling & What to Expect

What's the fastest way to get an appointment?

Book online through our schedule page, or call either location directly. If it's urgent, call, we'll tell you honestly how quickly we can get you in.

Can I get a ride while my car is being repaired?

In many cases, yes. It's not unusual for our staff to arrange a ride home or to work, or a loaner car for bigger jobs, call ahead to ask what's available.

Can you fit me in without an appointment for an emergency?

We'll do our best. We regularly work customers in the same day for unexpected issues like a blown hose or a flat tire while traveling, call ahead and we'll tell you honestly how quickly we can help.

Will I get photos of what's actually wrong with my car?

Yes. Our inspections are documented with photos so you can see the actual issue, not just take our word for it, before deciding what to approve.

How long will my repair take?

A basic service like an oil change or tire rotation usually takes under an hour. Bigger repairs, like transmission or engine work, can take a day or more. We'll give you a real time estimate once we've looked at your vehicle.

What should I bring with me to my appointment?

Just your vehicle and any paperwork related to an active warranty or service contract if you have one. If you know the specific symptom or noise, a quick description or video helps us diagnose faster.

Coverage that means something

Warranty & Guarantees

Is my repair backed by a real warranty?

Yes. Every qualified repair is backed by a 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor, backed by the NAPA Auto Care Peace of Mind warranty, in writing, not a verbal promise.

What does the warranty not cover?

Normal wear and tear items like tires, batteries, wiper blades, and fluid changes aren't covered by the nationwide warranty, along with a few other exclusions. See our full warranty page for the complete list.

Do you offer a warranty on transmission replacements?

Yes. As a Certified Transmission authorized installer, replacement units carry their own 3 year, 100,000 mile nationwide warranty on top of our standard coverage.

What if I move or I'm traveling and need warranty service elsewhere?

If you're within 25 miles, bring the vehicle back to us. If you're farther away, call the nationwide warranty administrator, the number is on your invoice and on our warranty page.

Do I need to keep my receipt for warranty coverage?

Yes. Keep a copy of your repair order, it's what identifies you as the original purchaser and shows exactly what was covered.

Does the warranty cover roadside assistance too?

Yes, for 12 months from the date of a qualified repair. See our roadside assistance page for what's covered and how to file a claim.

When cost is the concern

Financing

Do you offer financing if a repair costs more than I expected?

Yes. We work with CFNA and Synchrony Car Care, so you can spread the cost of a repair out over time instead of paying it all at once. See our financing page for details.

Is there a minimum repair amount to use financing?

Financing terms are set by our partners, CFNA and Synchrony, not by us. Check their application details on our financing page for current terms.

Does applying for financing affect my credit?

That depends on the specific financing partner and their application process. Review the details on our financing page before applying if that's a concern.

Can I use financing for routine maintenance, not just big repairs?

Financing is generally intended for larger, unexpected repair costs, but you're welcome to check with our financing partners directly about what qualifies.

What we actually do

Services We Offer

What services do you offer?

Everything from oil changes and brake work to engine and transmission repair, diagnostics, AC service, and more. See our full list of services for the complete range.

Do you do preventive maintenance, or just repairs?

Both. Preventive maintenance, oil changes, fluid services, and inspections, is a core part of what we do, not an afterthought. See our preventive maintenance page.

Can you diagnose a check engine light?

Yes, with real diagnostic equipment that reads the actual fault data. See our engine repair page for more on how we approach it.

Do you work on diesel trucks?

Yes, including coordinating with service contract providers on diesel-specific repairs. See our diesel engine repair page.

Do you handle pre-purchase inspections?

Yes. If you're considering a used vehicle, we can inspect it before you buy so you know what you're actually getting. See our pre-purchase inspection page.

Do you do alignments and suspension work?

Yes, both are common services here. See our alignment and steering & suspension pages for specifics.

Every make, every category

Vehicles We Service

Do you work on both domestic and import vehicles?

Yes. Our ASE certified mechanics service all makes and models, including specialty imports many shops turn away. See our full list of vehicles we service.

Do you work on European vehicles like BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche?

Yes, regularly. See the specific make pages, like our BMW or Porsche pages, for known issues and what we check.

Will you work on an older or discontinued vehicle?

Yes, if it's mechanically sound enough to bring in. We've repaired vehicles that dealers themselves declined to work on because of their age.

Do you work on light trucks and SUVs?

Yes, including diesel and 4x4 drivetrain service. See our Ram truck page as an example of the depth we go into per model.

I don't see my exact model listed on your site. Can you still work on it?

Almost certainly. Each make page covers the major models for that brand, but our technicians work on the full range. Call either shop with your year, make, and model and we'll tell you honestly.

Do you offer fleet maintenance for a small business?

Yes. See our fleet maintenance page for how we handle scheduled maintenance across multiple vehicles.

What brought you here today

Common Car Problems

Why is my check engine light on?

It can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a real engine problem. A steady light usually means it's safe to schedule a scan soon; a flashing light means stop driving and get it looked at right away.

Why are my brakes squealing or grinding?

Squealing is often the pad's built-in wear indicator doing its job. Grinding usually means the pads are already gone and metal is contacting the rotor, a bigger repair the longer it's ignored.

Why does my steering wheel shake?

At highway speed, often an out-of-balance tire or a warped rotor. At low speed or while braking, it can point to worn suspension components or an alignment issue.

Why is my AC blowing warm air?

Most often a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system, since AC systems are sealed and shouldn't need regular topping off. Could also be a failing compressor or electrical fault.

Why is my car overheating?

Usually a coolant leak, a failing water pump, a stuck thermostat, or a fan that isn't kicking on. If the gauge climbs into the red, pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe.

Why does my transmission hesitate or slip?

Could be as simple as a fluid level or condition issue, or a sign of something more serious developing internally. Worth diagnosing early since transmission repairs get significantly more expensive the longer they're ignored.

Why is there a puddle under my car?

Color matters here. Clear puddles are usually just AC condensation and harmless. Green, orange, or pink points to coolant. Dark brown or black points to oil or transmission fluid, either worth a look.

Why does my car smell like something burning?

Could be an oil or coolant leak dripping onto a hot surface, worn brakes, or an electrical issue. Any burning smell is worth having checked promptly rather than waiting.

Why is my battery dying repeatedly?

Could be the battery itself reaching end of life, a failing alternator not recharging it properly, or a parasitic draw pulling power while the car is off. We test the whole circuit, not just swap the battery.

Why does my car pull to one side while driving?

Commonly an alignment issue, uneven tire pressure or wear, or a sticking brake caliper. Worth addressing since it affects both handling and tire life the longer it continues.

Verified, not just claimed

Certifications & Trust

Are you a NAPA AutoCare Center?

Yes. NAPA AutoCare Centers are required to staff ASE certified technicians with at least two years of provable experience, and repairs are backed by NAPA's own nationwide warranty.

Are you AAA Approved?

Yes. AAA Approved facilities undergo a rigorous inspection process and are required to staff ASE certified or factory-trained technicians. Only around 7,000 shops nationwide carry this certification.

What is CarFax Top Rated?

Recognition based on verified customer feedback tied to VIN-linked service records, not anonymous reviews. We've earned it every year since 2020 at both locations.

Are your technicians actually certified, or is that just marketing?

ASE certification requires passing standardized testing on the specific systems a technician works on. It's a real, verifiable credential, not a badge we picked ourselves. See our full certifications page.

Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts?

We use quality parts from reputable manufacturers, generally OEM-equivalent or better, not the cheapest generic option available.

Ways to save

Specials & Coupons

Do you offer any current specials or coupons?

Yes. We regularly run current offers, including a tiered savings special on larger repairs. See our specials page for what's active right now.

Can I combine multiple coupons on one repair?

Generally no, most offers can't be combined. Check the specific terms listed on each coupon on our specials page.

Do specials apply to tires and batteries?

Typically not, most of our current offers exclude tires and batteries. Check the disclaimer on the specific coupon for exact terms.

Do I need to bring in a printed coupon?

Mentioning the offer when you schedule or check in is usually enough, but having it pulled up or printed never hurts.

Two shops in Johnson City

Locations & Contact

What are your hours?

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, at both our West Market Street and Hopper Road locations. We're closed Saturday and Sunday.

Do both locations offer the same services?

Yes. Both locations are staffed by ASE certified technicians and offer the same services, backed by the same nationwide warranty. Choose whichever is closer to you.

Which location should I choose?

Whichever is more convenient. Neither is "the good one," both are held to the same standard.

Can I text instead of calling?

Yes, we're reachable by text as well as phone. Call or text (423) 390-8549 with questions.

Do you have a waiting area?

Yes, with free WiFi, coffee, and refreshments at both locations, so you have a comfortable place to wait if you'd rather not arrange a ride.

Business vehicles & service contracts

Fleet & Extended Warranty Claims

Do you offer fleet maintenance for a small business?

Yes. We handle scheduled fleet maintenance for local businesses, so your vehicles stay on the road and small problems get caught before they turn into expensive downtime. See our fleet maintenance page.

Can you invoice a business directly for fleet work?

Ask about business account and invoicing options when you set up fleet service, this is handled case by case depending on your company's needs.

Do you work with extended warranty or vehicle service contracts?

Yes. We regularly coordinate directly with extended warranty and service contract providers, including MaxCare, to get approved repairs covered without leaving you to manage the claim yourself.

What if my extended warranty company denies a claim?

We'll give you an honest, documented explanation of what we found so you can pursue it further with your provider if you believe it should be covered.

Will using an independent shop like yours void my service contract?

Generally no, most service contracts allow repairs at a qualified independent shop, but terms vary by provider. Check your specific contract, or ask us and we'll help you figure it out.

Didn't find your answer?

Just call, it's faster

Real people, real answers, at either Johnson City location.

Schedule Appointment Call W Market St Call Hopper Rd
W Market St · (423) 913-3111 Hopper Rd · (423) 328-7036