Author Archive | Michelle Long

Can you see me?

You don’t want to wonder if people can see you!!  We are supposed to get more snow in the next couple of days.  Please make sure to clear the snow from your headlights, taillights, and turn signals.  During this last snow storm, I couldn’t believe all of the vehicles I saw with their lights all covered up.  So please if you have to park outside, make sure to clear all of the snow off of your vehicle before you venture out.  Also if you have time, give us a call and set up an appointment for a FREE winter inspection.  Set-up to give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is ready for this cold winter weather.   BRRRRRR

What is the most important thing I can do to keep my car running for a long time?

The most important thing you can do for any vehicle, is to get the oil changed regularly.  Depending on what type of oil your vehicle requires, that can mean every 3,000 – 10,000 miles, so make sure to find out the type of oil, and your recommended mileage.  If you go to long, your oil is going to get dirty, then thick, and then it will cause damage to your engine, which is never an inexpensive repair.  Here at Long’s Car Care Center, we do a full digital inspection of your vehicle every time it is here for service.  This way we can send you pictures of any issues, and keep you on time for any other needed maintenance issues.  We also send you text and email reminders, of when you are due for service.  Our goal is to keep all of your vehicles running for a very long time!!

 

How well should I maintain my vehicle?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “Do I really have to maintain my car the way the manufacturer  wants me too?”  The answer is yes, this is the very minimum you want to do.  If you plan on keeping your vehicle for a long time,  we recommend  fluid changes more frequently than they do.  We work with you to build a plan for your vehicle depending on what your needs are, how long you plan on keeping it, and also what your financial needs are.  We want you to keep this vehicle in top working order, so that you don’t have to worry about unnecessary repairs and breakdowns.  We provide you with digital inspection everytime we see you vehicle, and provide you with a list of needed maintenance items so that you can decide what you would like to do at this time.  Our goal is to give you peace of mind, and a vehicle that will be in tip top shape.

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Who is open on Martin Luther King Day?

Are you wondering who is open on Martin Luther King Day?  Long’s Car Care Center is!  If you have the day off and would like to have your oil changed, or catch up on some maintenance items, just give us a call, so that we can make sure that we can get you in.  We understand that it is hard to get your vehicles in when you are working 5 days a week, that is why we have decided to stay open, so that you can take advantage of your day off, and catch up on your vehicle’s needs.  We fill up fast, so don’t hesitate to give us a call: 425-481-1739.  Enjoy your weekend, and we hope to see you on Monday!!

Longs Car Care Center

How often should I check the fluids in my car?

It doesn’t hurt to check your fluids every time you’re getting fuel. Does it need wiper fluid? Maybe it’s low on oil??  Hopefully it’s not low on Coolant…or Transmission Fluid.  These are just some of the fluids that we check each and every time a customer comes into our shop.  If you don’t know how to check these fluids just let us know and we will show you how.  We only see your vehicle 2-3 times a year, it’s always good to know how to check them yourself, as leaks can happen, due to a worn gasket, or a hole in a hose.  Things happen over time, and you want to know what is going on with your vehicle when it happens, so that you can avoid more costly repairs.

Looking for a Mechanic you can trust?

“Trust”  is a HUGE in our industry.  We do everything we can to prove to our customers that they can trust us with the repair and maintenance of their vehicles. .  We do this by giving them complete quotes, sending them digital inspections along with pictures, so that they can see any issues that we find. We call or text them with updates, and having clear and open communication.  As in any relationship, “trust” is a very, if not the most important element to a long and lasting one.  We pride ourselves in not having a revolving door…our customers stay with us, because they trust us.  We invite you to visit our shop, meet us and our mechanics, tour the shop, so that you can see if we are a good fit for you and your automotive needs.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

We just wanted to take a moment to Thank each every one of our amazing customers.  Thank-you for trusting us with the service and repair on your vehicles…it really means the world to us.  We appreciate the relationships that we have developed over the years.  Watching your children grow, learning more about you and your family.  We Thank-you for coming back time and time again.  We want to Thank-you for helping us grow our business by referring your friends and family to us..this truly means so much to us and touches our hearts.  Thank-you for helping us help this community by donating to the causes that we post about…this last one for the victims of the fire in Paradise was over the top!!!  You really helped a community that is totally devastated.  Thank you for your kindness and compassion.  We wish you all a Wonderful Thanksgiving.  We will be closed Thursday and Friday to allow our crew to spend some special time with their families.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

This is a picture of the donations that were collected in just 4 days last week.  Thank-you!!!

What do I do when my check engine light is blinking?

If your check engine light comes on and stays on, check all of you fluids, make sure you gas cap is on tight, drop by the shop and we will do a quick scan to see what the codes are.  If it turns out to be an issue we will set an appointment so that we can do some proper diagnostics.  If by chance your check engine light comes on and starts blinking.  Pull over, turn your car off, and call a tow truck.  DO NOT continue driving!!  Continued driving with a blinking check engine light can cause significant damage to your engine.  If you ever have any questions please feel free to give us a call at 425-481-1739.

 

Why is my exhaust so loud?

Is your exhaust getting louder as time passes? It could be that you have gotten a hole in the muffler or there is a loose seal somewhere along the exhaust system. It would be best to have your exhaust system inspected by one of our ASE trained mechanics.  Not only can a leak cause the loud noise you are hearing, it can also allow exhaust fumes to into the inside of your vehicle, causing you to become dizzy and/or ill.   So not only is the noise irritating it, the leak could also be a safety issue.  So please give us a call 425-481-1739, so that we can get you in and get your exhaust system repaired, and your commute back to a quiet, and safe one.

Auto Repair Shop in Woodinville

Are you new to the area? Have you been looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop to take your car? Look no further, our convenient location in Woodinville means that we are never far to take care of all your needs. We also are the only AAA preferred shop in Woodinville and have been for almost 30 years.  We invite you to come by and meet us, see our shop and meet our technicians.  Some of the things that we provide for our customers are:  A Free Loaner, shuttle service, great waiting area, coffee, water, childs play area, plus we are pet friendly.  We also do a digital inspection of your vehicle, including pictures, that we can either text or email to you.  We offer a 36 thousand mile / 3 year Nationwide warranty on all of the work performed here.  Our techs are ASE and Emissions Certified.  So please the next time you are driving by…stop and meet us, we promise not to let you down.

 

Longs Car Care Center