Frequently Asked Questions When Considering or Choosing an Auto Shop
Appointment FAQs
Does the shop take appointments?
Yes, we accept appointments by the day. We do NOT offer exact time appointments. For scheduled maintenance, we ask for 1-3 days’ notice prior to your desired service date. We prefer to schedule appointments in advance via e-mail. Please submit an appointment request via our contact form and one of our office team members will be in touch within 24 hours.
Do you have an afterhours drop to leave a vehicle outside of shop hours?
Yes! This is a great convenience that will help expedite service. The night drop envelopes are in a black box on the wall that says early bird / night owl between the office/awning and first bay door. Please park down on the lower section of the lot and pull as far forward as possible. We have a number of drop-offs overnight most days. Once you fill out the envelope, seal the keys inside and place it into the mail slot. The mail slot is located immediately left of the black box, in the first bay door. You can’t miss it. Thank you!
Will I receive an estimate prior to the work being done?
Absolutely. No repairs/service will be performed on your vehicle without approval by YOU. For much of what we do in the shop, we’re unable to provide an accurate estimate without first having an opportunity to inspect/diagnose the vehicle. Many jobs require a test drive, disassembly, and inspection for diagnosis. There may be a charge for this time. Once evaluations are completed, one of our office team will contact you with an estimate prior to performing any service or repairs.
If the cost of repairs is higher, will I be notified?
In a small number of cases, the magnitude or scope of repairs can change during service. We do everything possible to avoid this and complete services and repairs within our initial estimates. If things change, our office team will contact you during repairs to discuss the matter and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Can I wait at the shop while my vehicle is serviced?
In most cases we tend to discourage waiting on-site for repairs or service. However, we understand there are times when this is necessary. We do have a small waiting area and WiFi. It can be a busy place at times. Please let us know during scheduling if you plan to wait with your vehicle.
What’s the best way to leave you a review?
The shop maintains an active presence on many social network sites. Your satisfaction is incredibly important to us. We value your feedback, and use it to keep our services as modern, efficient, and customer service oriented as possible. We love engaging with our customers on social media and encourage you to give us a like or a follow on your preferred platform. Your review helps us connect with new customers, grow our business, and better serve the community. You’re also welcome to call or e-mail us directly with any feedback. Learn more here.
Service and Repair FAQs
How long will the service on my vehicle take?
It’s very difficult to provide any accurate time estimates for vehicle maintenance and repair. If time is of concern, please let us know this during scheduling. The specific repair or service, type of vehicle, parts availability, or even the time of year/season can all contribute to our ability to turn around service. We are known for our speed and quality and do everything in our power to turn around each service or repair in the timeliest manner possible.
Do you charge for the inspection of the vehicle?
Sometimes we do and sometimes we do not. Inspection charges may range from 0.5 to 1 hour labor charge. If you have a question, please contact us via our online form, and we’ll answer any specific question you may have. We’re happy to retrieve check engine light codes at no charge. However, this does NOT include any diagnosis, evaluation, or clearing of vehicle data. When component disassembly, wheel removal, or electrical/computer test equipment is required for diagnosis/evaluation, and the recommended work is declined by the customer, an inspection charge will be incurred. Inspection charges may be credited towards applicable repairs if we’re allowed to complete them at a later date (some restrictions apply).
Does the shop specialize in certain types of work or vehicles?
Our facility specializes is Asian and domestic makes and models. We also offer select services for VW, Audi, and Volvo brand vehicles. We do NOT service Mercedes, BMW, Fiat, SMART, or other limited production makes or models. If you have a specific question or request, please feel free to submit a query via our contact form, and one of our team will contact you directly.
Are the employees or shop certified?
Yes, our team of dedicated professional technicians are hard at work, learning and developing their craft! We have individuals who are ASE Master Technicians, certified Automotive Service Advisors, parts specialist, and more. Also, the shop has multiple professional affiliations including being a Federated Car Care Center, NAPA Professional Service Center, and TechNet member. More importantly, is the trust, faith, and confidence the community has shared with our family Auto repair center for over 85 years. We’re proud to be multi-time recipients of the Sun Paper’s Best of Baltimore’s reader and critics’ choice awards.
Do you offer any guarantee or warranty for repairs and service?
All labor carries a one year or 12,000-mile guarantee. Often, we’re able to extend longer manufacturer warranty periods for parts sourced from our network of suppliers. We’re also able to offer other benefits in conjunction with our affiliate service networks.
Do you perform any recall repairs?
No. In Maryland, manufacturer recalls must be performed by an affiliated dealership facility.
Maryland Safety Inspection (MSI) FAQs
Do you offer MD safety inspections?
Yes, we offer the MSI service by appointment only. We do NOT offer exact time appointments. We ask for 1-3 days’ notice to schedule MSI appointments. To secure a MSI appointment, please contact us via our website and one of the office team will reply within 24 hours.
What type of vehicles do you inspect?
We are a Class A vehicle inspection station. This includes passenger vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs.
How much do you charge for MD safety inspection?
Our MSI service fee is $100.
What items are included in the MD safety inspection?
For a detailed list of MSI items, please consult the COMAR.