At Hollenshade’s, we’re always focused on doing the work: taking care of vehicles, building relationships, and making sure our customers can rely on their cars every day. So it’s especially meaningful when that work gets recognized outside of our shop.

We were recently featured in the April 2026 issue of Baltimore Magazine as part of a broader look at how the automotive industry is changing and what drivers need to know right now. The piece highlights something we’ve been seeing firsthand for years:
car ownership is getting more expensive, vehicles are staying on the road longer, and maintenance matters more than ever.

Hear directly from our customers about what it’s like to work with Hollenshade’s.

What’s Changing in the Auto Industry

If you’ve felt like owning a car has gotten more expensive, you’re not imagining it. According to the feature, the average cost of a new vehicle has now climbed past $50,000, and longer loan terms – sometimes up to seven years – are becoming more common.  At the same time, many drivers are choosing not to replace their vehicles as quickly as they used to. We see that every day in our shop. Cars with higher mileage are staying on the road, customers are investing in repairs instead of replacements, and more people are focused on getting the most life out of their vehicle. This shift makes one thing very clear: how you maintain your car matters more now than it ever has.

Our Perspective: Preventative Maintenance Still Matters

In the article, we shared something we say to customers all the time:

“Treat the service schedule like it’s your car’s roadmap to longevity.”

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most important things a driver can understand.

Preventative maintenance isn’t about upselling. It’s about avoiding major repairs, reducing long-term costs, and keeping your vehicle reliable and safe. We’ve seen what happens when maintenance is ignored, and we’ve seen what happens when it’s done right. The difference is significant, not just in performance, but in total cost over time.

Why Modern Cars Need More Attention, Not Less

One of the points highlighted in the feature, and something many drivers don’t realize, is that newer vehicles actually require more intentional maintenance in certain areas. For example, modern engines commonly use direct fuel injection. It improves efficiency, but it also means intake valves don’t get cleaned the way they used to, allowing buildup over time.  That’s why services like intake cleanings have become more important, even though many people aren’t aware of them. It’s a good reminder that as technology evolves, maintenance needs evolve with it. And having a shop that understands those changes makes a real difference.

Building Trust Through Transparency

We also know that trust has always been a concern in the auto repair industry. That’s why we’ve embraced tools like digital vehicle inspections, which allow us to send photos and videos directly to our customers. Instead of wondering what’s going on with your car, you can actually see it. That transparency helps us do what we’ve always aimed to do:
build long-term relationships, not just complete one-time repairs.

What We Tell Customers Every Day

One of the most honest conversations we have with customers is this; if a vehicle has 150,000 miles and hasn’t been consistently maintained, there’s rarely a single fix that solves everything at once. Like anything else, it takes time, consistency, and a plan. Our role is to help guide that process so you’re not reacting to problems, you’re staying ahead of them.

Take a closer look at how we approach service, precision, and customer care at Hollenshade’s.

Family-Owned, Community-Focused, Since 1939

For over 85 years, Hollenshade’s has been proud to serve the Towson and greater Baltimore community as a family-owned business. That history matters to us, not just because of how long we’ve been here, but because of how we’ve operated the entire time: precision workmanship, honest communication, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Being included in Baltimore Magazine is something we’re proud of, but it doesn’t change how we approach our work. We’re still focused on the same thing we’ve always been focused on: taking care of our customers and keeping their vehicles running the way they should.

Schedule Service with Hollenshade’s

If your goal is to get more life out of your vehicle, avoid unnecessary repairs, and work with a team you can trust, we’re here to help.

Contact Hollenshade’s Auto Service today to schedule your next service.