Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. The following tips should help you along the way:

Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

  • Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
  • Follow the recommended service schedules.
  • Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

  • Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
  • Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
  • Worn tires, belts, hoses.
  • Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
  • Note when the problem occurs.
  • Is it constant or periodic?
  • When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
  • At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
  • When did the problem first start?

Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.

  • Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
  • Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
  • Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved. . . Ask questions.

  • Ask as many questions as needed to fully understand your repair. Ask for laymen terms if needed.
  • Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
  • Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
  • Leave a telephone number where you can be called.


Partners

ACDelco
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
AAA Approved Auto Repair
BBB (Better Business Bureau)
BG Products
Car Care Aware

What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

I have been taking my Cadillac to Tips for years and have had the best service ever. Mark the owner is very professional. I couldn't ask for more of a service center. He also has sold me cars. I would recommend Tips to everyone. He has been in the Southbay since 1976, so he must be doing something right! quotes-image
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Tips is by far the best! I recommend anyone looking for service to go here, amazing customer service, the owner Mark is one of the most honest and trustworthy mechanic's in the business, which is hard to find. If I could give more stars I would. He always takes great care of me and my car!quotes-image
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