Archive | Automotive Maintenance

Mid Winter Break

Mid winter break will be here in just a few days.  Are you planing a road trip?  If  you are we would love to check out your vehicle before you leave.  The inspection is free, and we check all of the components on your vehicle, including: Brakes, belts, hoses, fluid levels, exhaust, tires, suspension, lights, etc.  We want to make sure that your trip is fun, and not sidelined by a pesky break down.  So give us a call, and will make sure that your road trip is fun and safe!

 

road trip Long's car care center 98072

Check Engine Light

When  your car’s “Check Engine Light” comes on it can be a little scary. The Check Engine Light indicates that something is not operating properly or as designed in your vehicle. This could be something as simple as a “Loose Gas Cap”, an “Oxygen Sensor”, or “Spark Plugs”. When your Check Engine Light it is best to have your vehicle checked out at a certified auto repair facility, as soon as possible, to avoid any costly repairs down the road.  We can scan you computer for free, just to see what the codes are, that way we will know if it is something that needs to be diagnosed right a way, or if it can wait.  Diagnosing the issue can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on what the issue is.  Our technicians are very good at tracking down the issues so that you can be on your way and have peace of mind.
check engine light Long's car care center 98072

Brake Inspection

When was the last time you had your brakes inspected?  Here at Long’s we inspect your brakes every time your vehicle is in the shop, whether it’s for an oil change, maintenance or a repair.  Your brakes are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle, and we want to make sure they are in good working order.  If you have never been to our shop and are concerned about your brakes…no problem, just make an appointment and we will be happy to perform a free brake inspection.  This inspection gives us the ability to give you an accurate quote as to how much any repair that you may need will be.  Without an inspection, any quote is just a guess, as there are many components to the brakes, and the only way to know what you really need is to look at the whole system.   So give us a call, the inspection only takes about 20 minutes, and then you will know, and have peace of mind.

 

badbrakes Long's car car center 98072

 

 

Exhaust Leaks

When was the last time you had your vehicle checked for exhaust leaks?  This is really important to have done, especially in the winter time, when we drive with our windows rolled up all of the time.  These leaks can start out being very minor, and hard for you to detect.  Our trained technicians are very good at detecting even the smallest of leaks.  So if you haven’t had your exhaust checked in the last year, call us for an appointment and we’ll make sure that everything is safe and sound for you and your family.

 

exhaustleaks Longs Car Care Center 98072

Warranty

Customers that have purchased new cars always ask if they have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?

The answer is NO!  An independent mechanic or a retail shop can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. But you must keep receipts and records that all services have been done and in the time required.  At Long’s we keep all of your records, so if you ever misplace something we will have it for you.

The other plus to this is that independent shops are usually less expensive than the dealer.

When it’s time to get that service done to keep your warranty intact give us a call!!!

mossmagnusonact Long's Car Care Center 98072

Heater

When you turn your heater on does it blow out warm air?  Or does it just make a funny sound, and no air comes out or warm air only come out one side?   This could happen for a couple of reasons.  It could be that your blower motor is not working,  your blend air doors are stuck in one position or maybe a varmint has taken up residency in you blower motor.    Depending on where these items are located this can be an easy or a rather difficult repair.  If you are having heater issues, which is no fun in the winter, give us a call and we will be happy to diagnose the issue, and have your vehicle keeping you warm in no time.

 

pluggedblowermotor Longs car care center 98072

Road Trip

Are you planning a short road trip for the long weekend coming up?  If so, we would be happy to do a free courtesy inspection before you leave.  We will check all of your fluids, brakes, belts, hoses, exhaust and tires.  Takes us about 20 minutes while you wait.  If there is anything that needs attention, we will give you a quote and a time frame, so that you know exactly what is going on, how much and how long it will take.  It’s always nice to know that everything is in good shape before heading out on your road trip, no matter how long or short.  Breaking down is just no fun at all.

road trip Long's car care center 98072

Fleet Service

We offer outstanding Fleet Service to our commercial accounts.  We understand how important it is to keep your vehicles running and your employees working, so that your company can be profitable.  Nothing is worse that having a important job get delayed because your truck broke down on the side of the road.  We keep all of you maintenance and repair records up to date.  We make sure that you understand what needs to be done and when, so that you can plan for it.  Twice a year we review and give you an update of what has been done and what is coming up.  So if you have a fleet of vehicles that you want to be in tip top shape all of the time…give us a call!!

fleetvehicles Long's Car Care Center 98072

Coolant

When was the last time you had your Coolant flushed and your cooling system serviced and checked?  It’s important to keep the coolant clean in your system.  It can get dirty and even get thick if left to long, this can hinder your cooling system from doing it job.  It can also damage parts of the cooling system like the radiator, and hoses.  If you can’t remember the last time this was serviced, we will check it for you and let you know if it needs to be flushed or not.  We want to help you with maintenance that will prevent you with costly repairs.

.dirtycoolant Long's car care center 98072