Quality Automotive Servicing

Manufacturer requirements and recommendations can be confusing. At Quality Automotive and Smog we know what your vehicle's manufacturer requires, enabling us to provide you with a clear understanding of what is needed to keep your vehicle in warranty condition. It is not necessary to visit the dealership for scheduled maintenance. Depend on Quality Automotive and Smog to know about your 30K / 60K / 90K type inspections & services, timing belt replacement intervals and fluid change recommendations.

Changing the oil at regular intervals is one of the most important maintenance services for your vehicle. For most people, changing it every 3-4 months, or roughly 5,000 miles is the first thing to consider to extend the life of the engine. But sometimes, your vehicle's engine may need extra attention. If you tow a trailer, drive in dusty conditions, or frequently drive in stop and go traffic, you should consider an oil change even sooner. These services come in many forms. We offer a Truckee "oil service" using top shelf, Valvoline Motor Oil and filters. Every oil service comes with an inspection of systems on your vehicle. The quality of oil does make a difference in vehicle performance and longevity. We use high performance Valvoline Oil for most vehicles, along with their High Mileage MaxLife Oil for vehicles that have 75K plus miles, and Valvoline Synthetic for a fully synthetic oil change providing the best power and fuel economy.

For the tune-up you can feel, try a MOTOR-VAC complete fuel system cleaning. MOTOR-VAC is used by our entire staff regularly to optimize power and fuel economy. MOTOR-VAC can increase your fuel economy and performance by as much as 17%. At Quality Automotive and Smog in Truckee we make it our business to know what are the best tune-up parts for your car, including spark plugs, ignition components, fuel filters and air filters.

One of our greatest strengths is knowing how to test your vehicle's malfunctions and performance issues. Check engine light, lack of power while driving, hard to start cars, no starts, or a failed smog test - you can be sure that we will find and repair your Truckee vehicle issues and have you back on the road fast. We have made an extensive investment in diagnostic computer equipment and technical training so that we may provide the best diagnostic service available.

Whether the brake light is on or the brakes are squeaking, it is not a safe feeling. Brake pulsation or fading brakes can be down-right scarry. Whatever the problem we can fix it. Our computerized Pro-Cut on-vehicle brake lathe can turn your braking experience around for the safety and security of you and your Truckee family.

Your vehicle's cooling system is often the most overlooked system. It is responsible for maintaining a consistent temperature in the engine - making sure your motor warms up as quickly as possible, then consistently cooling the motor as you drive. Heating the air inside the passenger compartment is another important job of this system. These components are often never inspected until they start leaking which can cause trouble and worse, major engine damage. The coolant in your vehicle is specifically PH balanced but with wear and tear this PH balanced coolant will become acidic and actually begin dissolving your engine from the inside out. Servicing and repairing your Truckee car's radiator and whole cooling system is imperative, especially in our harsh environment with temperature extremes and high variation.

Our state-of-the-art computerized Truckee vehicle battery test will tell you exactly how much life is left in your battery. This knowledge will give you the confidence to know you will not be left stranded with a dead battery. The test also includes alternator and starter system analysis and voltage verification from the alternator. BATTERY SERVICE & REPAIR Servicing your Truckee auto or truck battery prevents corrosion from inhibiting your vehicle's cold cranking power and keeps corrosion from eating away your terminals and battery cables. NEW BATTERY INSTALLATION INCLUDES Battery test Installation Cleaning battery tray & terminal posts Spraying terminals with protectant Starting & charging system evaluation

Like it or not, one of the responsibilities of owning a vehicle includes keeping it emissions clean and not becoming a contributor to poor Truckee air quality. With 32 million registered vehicles on the road in California, it is no wonder that our state has the strictest vehicle emissions standards in the country. A regularly maintained vehicle that is running efficiently should have no problems passing a smog test. DMV reminds drivers on the annual registration renewal notice. Bring this paperwork with you when you get your smog check. For most vehicles six years or older, this is a mandatory test every two years. Diesel vehicles are now tested every year. A vehicle brought in from out of sate is required to pass a smog test in order to be registered in California. This is a test, as opposed to a service. Our Truckee technician is certified and continually monitored by the Bureau of Automotive Repair to be sure the tests are performed properly and legally. Smog testing equipment is calibrated and instantly downloads all the data to the State of California. There are three tests/inspections: emission test, visual inspection, and functional test. The vehicle must pass all three tests to be smog certified. The Emissions Test - Measures the vehicle's Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxides (CO) and Nitrides of Oxygen Oxides, the three undesired chemicals responsible for smog. Emissions must fall within the allowable limits set by the California Air Resources Board. A properly maintained engine should not have any trouble passing the emissions test. Visual Inspection - The smog technician verifies that all emissions components on the vehicle are present and properly connected. The smog technician is also looking for any defective or disconnected electrical connections, vacuum hoses and/or any modification which would effect engine performance and ultimately increase harmful smog emissions. There is also an inspection for visible black or white smoke from the tailpipe. Functional Inspection - Examines the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. This test includes inspection for any fault codes in the vehicle’s computer. The test also requires that engine timing and idle speed fall within the manufacturer's guidelines. During this inspection if the check engine light is on or comes on, even briefly, the vehicle will fail. Also, it is important to know that if the check engine light has recently been turned off or if the battery has been disconnected, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle a few days before attempting a smog test. When you visit, bring your registration renewal notice with you. The technician will scan your information and test results will be sent to the DMV. Once registration fees are paid, a new sticker will be mailed to the vehicle owner. Failed Truckee California Smog Test If your vehicle has failed the smog check, typically this means that some system on the vehicle is not functioning efficiently and does not meet the requirements set by the State of California Air Resources Board. A failure will have occurred in one or more of the three areas tested: the visual inspection, the functional test or the emissions test. A diagnosis may be needed to determine cause of failure. In some cases of failed smog, a diagnostic service is necessary in order to pinpoint the problem. This diagnosis is not included in the Smog Check fee. Although this can be a frustrating situation, know that the diagnostic service includes more than retrieving the code that caused the failure. The code only indicates the system where the problem is occurring; it takes an experienced Quality Automotive and Smog technician to diagnose where in the system the problem or problems are occurring and how to fix it. If the check engine light is on or was recently on, the computer will fail the vehicle. A diagnostic service will also be needed if your check engine light is on since this is an automatic fail for the California Smog test. Diagnosing and fixing any problem will not only help you pass the smog test, it will keep your vehicle running clean and fuel efficient. It is also important to know that if your Check Engine light, also called the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MLF), was recently on but now cleared, the vehicle will need to be driven in order to allow the vehicle monitor to run the self tests. This also includes if the battery was disconnected or failed. Driving the vehicle allows the computer to collect and store current information from the monitors which the smog technician uses during the test. How far the vehicle needs to be driven will vary, 100 miles is likely sufficient.

WHEN SHOULD MY AUTO AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BE CHECKED? Each year prior to the warm weather months - or - any time it isn't working to your satisfaction, bring it in for an A/C System Check. Car air conditioners not only keep you cool but also remove humidity from the cabin, so it is essential to have a fully functional air conditioner, even in the winter, to counteract a foggy windscreen. Air conditioning units are made up of many components which require care and attention to ensure they do not dry out or crack, which could lead to coolant leaks and more. A regular car service will check for obvious faults which may be associated with the air conditioning system, such as drive belt tension, visible signs of refrigerant leaks and loose or faulty compressor or equipment mounting brackets, but it is good practice to have a comprehensive air conditioning service. When you visit Quality Automotive and Smog, trained technicians will perform a series of checks, balances, repairs and replacements to get your air conditioner in top condition. If your car air conditioner isn’t running efficiently, needs a recharge, or you haven’t had it serviced for a long time, now is your moment. Go ahead, schedule an appointment or call us for car air conditioning service today.

Finding a mechanic, for the first time or as a replacement, can be a tedious task. While you want to find someone, who is knowledgeable, you also want an auto repair shop that doesn't break the bank or take advantage of you. Finding the perfect combination of these facets is no easy feat. But the good news is, we strive to achieve just that. At Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, affordable auto repair, motivated by keeping you and your loved ones safe. We will not allow a vehicle to leave our shop, without giving proper counsel and advice and if we have any concerns about its safety, we will not do work that will result in an unsafe car. We take comfort and pride in the fact that we have a growing customer base, developed through honesty, accuracy and reliability in our work, resulting in loyalty. We are a family-owned and operated business for over 30 years; we are known for our expertise, integrity, honesty and compassion. We use the most innovative equipment and high-quality parts to ensure that our repairs are completed both accurately and efficiently, allowing us to confidently guarantee our work and parts for 3 years/36,000 miles. If you are waiting for your car to be serviced, we want to make your stay as relaxing as home. We offer a comfortable waiting room with amenities including fresh, hot beverages, water, and complimentary Wi-Fi. But, in the event you can't hang out with us, we offer a scheduled shuttle M-F to get you to work or desired destination. If you have any questions about what services we perform or our facilities, please don't hesitate to contact us. One of our knowledgeable and friendly staff members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we not only repair any vehicle that you bring into our shop. We will provide you with service recommendations that will keep your car or truck in good repair making sure that it is both safe and reliable.

Anytime you have service performed on your vehicle here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care we will put it up on a lift to make sure that your chassis is correctly protecting your vehicle's internal components. We know how much you rely on your vehicle which means that it is put through a lot. Normal wear and tear can often lead to exposing internal components that can cause premature failure. Let us perform a courtesy inspection and we can make sure that your vehicle is operating at its peak level of performance.

If you have noticed excessive vibrations when traveling at higher speeds, a potential cause could be that your wheels are currently out of alignment. When your wheels are out of alignment it can cause uneven wear and tear on your tires and wheel assembly. This can significantly shorten the life of your tires which means you will have to replace them sooner than you normally would. Here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care we can easily perform a wheel alignment check on your vehicle and give you a better idea of when you should have your alignment checked going forward based on the current condition of your wheel assembly and tires.

Brakes are one of the most important items to keep maintained on your vehicle. Brakes are not only responsible for your safety, but the overall well-being of your vehicle. If you let your brakes go unchecked for too long, it can lead to costly repairs. The brakes and suspension work hand-in-hand to ensure that you stop quickly and smoothly. If the suspension is off, it can make your ride not only bumpy and unpleasant, but also affect the braking distance in the event of a sudden stop. Having your suspension and brakes checked regularly can make all the difference in the way your vehicle feels and functions. HOW MUCH ARE BRAKES IN COLUMBUS, OHIO? CAN YOU GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR BRAKES? We, at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, take pride in making all our repairs the correct repairs! Therefore, when we receive a call requesting, "How much are brakes?", we have discovered that it would be a disservice to our Customers/Potential Customers as it could result in an inaccurate estimate, often replacing the wrong parts. We always recommend bringing the vehicle in so we can inspect the entire system based on your symptoms. The inspection incorporates a myriad of items: Brake Pads, Brake Rotors, Brake Fluid, and any of the multiple Hydraulic Components. We have found that implementing this approach, not only, allows us to offer an accurate estimate but often saves the customer money and future issues by repairing the right component. For example: Even though you might think you only need brake pads. You might also have a Brake Line that is corroded and may give out while driving, thus losing all braking ability. You might not need Brake Pads; we have found on, countless cars, when there is a squeak, or when Brake Pads have been recommended by another Service Center, no problems were found in that area but a more pressing problem was discovered. Buckeye Complete Auto Care wants to be the place where you feel comfortable and confident in what you are buying!! BRAKE PADS IN COLUMBUS, OH Brakes should be checked at your 5K Service. However, if you hear any unusual noises, such as squeaking or squealing when you press your brakes, this could mean that the brake pads are worn down and the filament is exposed. Immediate replacement is necessary to avoid any more damage to the braking system. If delayed, worn brake pad usage can lead to deterioration of the rotors and costly repairs. It's imperative to have them fixed immediately, as soon as notice anything off or awry. BRAKE FLUID IN COLUMBUS, OH Brake fluid can be easily overlooked but it should be taken just as seriously as brake pads. If neglected, brake fluid can become acidic over time. It should be inspected during the yearly inspection fluid isn't contaminated from exposure and causing any unnecessary damage to your braking system. If you are unsure if your brakes need to be checked, stop on in or give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your vehicle's needs.

The significance of tire maintenance is often overlooked. Tires a vital part of your vehicle as they are responsible for the effectiveness of steering, delivering power to the road while providing a buffer to all the potholes, cracks and bumps offered by the varying terrains; not to mention, channeling away water and cutting through snow and ice thus allowing you to travel safely in inclement weather. These critical roles of a tire can be compromised when not adhering to a regular maintenance plan; if tread has worn, tires will struggle to gain traction on any and all surfaces spelling disaster, if driving on over/under inflated tires, the vehicle will, not only, be unbalanced in how it is effectively able to traverse roadways (ie. pulling to the side, allowing too much or too little tread contact, etc...). Tire maintenance can easily be overlooked by the average car owner. Think about it. How often do we actually take the time to inspect our tire tread or air pressure coming or going? We are often in a hurry and it's not even on our radar. But, it should be. Having low tire pressure or worn tires can be potentially dangerous, as it can not only impair your driving performance and stopping capabilities, but it can also cause a blowout. Uneven tire pressure can cause tires to wear out quicker than they rightfully should. Worn tires could cause easily pop at any time, causing an accident. At Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we want to not only make sure that your car is safe but that you aren't spending money on repairs and replacements before the necessary time. If you are unsure if your tires are low or worn, feel free to stop in. It's always a good idea to have your tires rotated every 6-8,000 miles. When having them rotated at the respective intervals, one of our experienced technicians will examine them and let you know if anything seems awry. TIRE REPLACEMENT IN COLUMBUS, OH Making sure that your use well-known, high-quality tires brands on your vehicle makes all the difference in performance and durability. That's why at Buckeye Complete Auto Care we only use name brand tires. We will inspect your vehicle and choose the tire that fits best, allowing for optimum driving performance as well as longevity. If you have any questions about what tires your vehicle requires, give us a call or stop in and one our friendly technicians can give you their expert opinion.

Your transmission is a great example of thermodynamics and allows you to smoothly shift between gears as you accelerate. This is true for both manual and automatic transmissions. If you think that there might be an issue with your transmission it could be causing your engine to work harder than it should. Let the knowledgeable and friendly technicians at Buckeye Complete Auto Care in Columbus, OH make sure that your transmission and engine are working in harmony. This can help make sure that your car, truck or SUV can stay on the road for miles to come.

Your manufacturer offers a maintenance schedule in your owner's manual that pertains to your engine and overall condition of your vehicles. Parts will wear out over time but Buckeye Complete Auto Care has several suggestions to keep your engine running smoothly. At the top of this list is regular oil changes. The oil in your engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It not only lubricates the moving components in your engine, some drivers don't know that it also cleans the engine. As the oil circulates in your engine it picks up harmful contaminants and deposits them in your oil filter. Anytime you have questions about how to best maintain your engine give Buckeye Complete Auto Care in Columbus, OH a call and we will be happy to help you with all your automotive needs.

Your transmission is arguably one of the most import components your vehicle has to offer in getting you to where you need to go. If you notice a "slipping" or "stuttering" as your vehicle attempts to shift, no matter if you have a manual or automatic transmission, then give us a call here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care. Anytime there is an issue with your transmission we will give you all the options available to get you back on the road. Sometimes the most economical choice can be to replace your transmission. Let us work with you to provide you the with best options when it comes repairing, replacing, or maintaining your transmission. We also offer financing through Car Care One, ask in shop for details.

These are the systems that not only pertain to climate control in your vehicle’s cabin it also makes sure that your engine stays at its optimal operating temperature. If your engine is overheating or your heater is blowing cold air give us a call here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care and we will make sure both you and your engine rides comfortably in your car, truck or SUV.

Do you notice that your clock, radio or alarm is not working as it should in your vehicle, give Buckeye Complete Auto Care a call. It could be an issue with your wiring or alternator. Every electronic component in your vehicle demands a certain amount of energy from your engine and car battery. Your alternator is what helps recharge and subsequently store energy in your battery. If you notice that you have to change your car battery more than you think you should it could be an issue with your alternator which might be affecting the digital displays in most modern vehicles.

Do you use the sockets in your vehicle to charge your phone or power your GPS device? If you notice that you are having trouble powering these auxiliary devices, let us know and we can find the issue for you. We pride ourselves on diagnosing electronic issues with your vehicle as right the first time.

Do you have brake lamp that is out or any other malfunction indicator lights on your dashboard but you don't know what they mean? No problem, give Buckeye Complete Auto Care a call and we can quickly diagnose the issue with your vehicle. BRAKE LAMP OUT IN COLUMBUS, OH A common service we perform on older vehicles, is replacing brake lamp bulbs. This can be an easy service to perform on your own but sometimes specialty tools are required and the bulbs should be handled with gloves as the natural oil from your fingertips can cause your bulb to overheat and short out sooner than it would normally. Anytime you have questions about a window button or headlight that is out, come by Buckeye Complete Auto Care and we will take care of all your automotive needs.

Some drivers in the Columbus, OH area take great pride in their domestic cars or trucks and we commit our passion for Auto Repair and Maintenance to your vehicle no matter the make or model. Give us a call to get your Dodge, Chrysler, GM, Ford or Lincoln vehicle running at its optimal level of performance. Through proper repair and maintenance we can help ensure that your vehicle remains both safe and reliable for as long as you choose to drive it. This will also translate to maintaining its resale value. Let Buckeye Complete Auto Care in Columbus, OH take care of all your automotive related needs.

Do you drive an Acura, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz vehicle? Then bring your car, truck or SUV to Buckeye Complete Auto Repair. We pride ourselves on helping our customers getting the most out of their import vehicles. Proper repairs and maintenance on your vehicle will not only help with performance and reliability it will also help retain the sales value of your import. Anytime you have issues with your import vehicle, come to Buckeye Complete Auto Care where our friendly and knowledgeable staff will walk you through any repair or maintenance services your vehicle needs based on its current condition. We can also provide you with a recommended maintenance schedule which might differ from your manufacturer based on what you require from your import.

Most drivers in the Columbus, OH area know that they should change their oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Be sure to check your owner's manual as you might be surprised to find out that your vehicle can go longer between necessary service intervals. It is important to keep in mind that your factory maintenance recommendations are based on ideal driving conditions and even a long stop and go commute can be considered severe driving conditions. There are also several other fluids in your vehicle such as brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid that we can and will quickly inspect every time you bring your car, truck or SUV to at Buckeye Complete Auto Care.

We use an oil treatment to extend the time of effective viscosity allowing for maximum mileage between 5K services. At Buckeye, we offer and recommend a 5k service which includes an oil change, tire rotation and engine treatment. These are all areas in which the life of the respective components can be extended through scheduled maintenance steps. Oil changes are one of the most common services to have performed on your vehicle. The oil change component of our 5k service is critical for lubricating all the internal moving parts of the engine Because of their short servicing time, people sometimes think the oil change optional and unimportant. However, don't be fooled by their simplicity. Letting your oil changes fall to the wayside can make a huge difference in the life span of your vehicle. You should always get that oil change in the optimal window of time to preserve the seals, coating on internal moving parts and reduce damaging extreme temperatures. At Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we will perform your oil change efficiently and with high quality service by our expert technicians. Keeping up with routine maintenance, like an oil change, tire rotation and engine treatment, not only, increases the performance and lifespan of your vehicle, but it also increases the resale value. FLUID REPLACEMENT IN COLUMBUS, OH As mentioned with oil, it's the same with fluid replacement. Fluids can become low or contaminated and cause damage to your vehicle. Having regular inspections and replacements of your fluids, will keep your vehicle running smoothly, minimizing chances of more major issues as well as keep your resale value high. A car that is well-maintained can be resold for far more than a car that has missed its scheduled maintenance servicing. If you have any questions about what your vehicle requires or scheduled maintenance timelines, give us a call at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, and one of our knowledgeable technicians will assist you.

Keeping up with factory scheduled maintenance is a must! By following your manufacturer's guidelines for regular servicing, you can ensure you are doing everything within your power to make sure your vehicle is running at optimum levels. These items include: regularly changing the oil, rotating the tires, checking tire pressure, alignment, and fluids are only a few of the items to regularly have inspected to make sure your car is in the best shape possible. Here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we understand that managing life is often more than enough and, as a result, we offer a 2 year "Maintenance Map" of your vehicle, at no cost, to manage your car and not break the bank. We will assess the status of your vehicle based, both on mileage and condition, and from there develop a comprehensive plan to adhere to factory scheduled maintenance divvied up and performed at each 5K service. MINOR FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IN COLUMBUS, OH Minor factory recommended scheduled maintenance consists of items like oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotation, inspection of brakes, emissions, belts and hoses. These items should be inspected consistently and regularly. Oil changes are generally dependent on a variety of factors: the kind of oil required, car make and model, etc., filter changes usually with every other oil change, tire rotation every six months or 6-8,000 miles. However, it's always best to check the owner's manual and follow their suggested maintenance time frame. MAJOR FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IN COLUMBUS, OH More extensive repairs would be items such as: spark plugs, fluids, timing, an inspection of the ignition, emission, and fuel delivery systems, and a timing belt replacement. These usually occur at milestone mileage points. As previously mentioned, you can consult your owner's manual to see when is the best time to have these items assessed or replaced. If you cannot locate your owner's manual or are unsure about any maintenance times, feel free to contact us at Buckeye Complete Auto Care and we will help you find the information you need.

Here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we value the fleet accounts that we service. We understand that downtime for your delivery or service vehicle means downtime for your business. That is why we pride ourselves on quickly and accurately diagnosing any issue regarding your fleet. Let us help you get your drivers back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible in a vehicle that is both safe and reliable, helping reduce your liability concerns.

Your engines are the heart of your fleet and we want to make sure that your fleet stays in proper working order so your business and the engines that drive them can continue working at their optimal level of performance. Once we inspect your fleet and determine its current condition we can put together a maintenance that will help you keep your fleet running with minimal downtime. Give us a call today and speak with our friendly and knowledgeable staff to get started!

Your brakes are your first line of defense when it comes to avoiding accidents, road hazards and you need them to obey the most basic traffic laws. We can quickly perform brake checks on your Fleet vehicles and give you an estimate as to when each vehicle will need to have its brakes serviced or replaced. Here at Buckeye Complete Auto Care, we want to help you make sure that your drivers are in a vehicle that is safe and reliable. Whenever your vehicles have to be in the shop for brake service it means downtime for your vehicle and your business. Whenever we perform service on your vehicle, we do so accurately and efficiently to get your drivers back on the road as quickly as possible.