Showing posts with label MECHANIC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MECHANIC. Show all posts

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Gustoff & Son Inc at 923 E Milwaukee, Spencer, IA 51301

Gustoff & Son Inc at 923 E Milwaukee, Spencer, IA 51301 is an automotive parts store that has been serving the Spencer area for generations. Our family-owned and operated business offers a wide range of car parts, junkyard services, salvage yard options, scrap metal dealing, and used auto parts. We carry quality new and used auto parts to meet all your automotive needs. Our junkyard services are comprehensive and can accommodate large projects. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to answer any questions you might have about our products or services. Our salvage yard has a wide selection of cars from different makes and models to choose from with competitive prices. In addition to providing excellent customer service, we are also one of the largest scrap metal dealers in the region. We accept cars, trucks, vans and other metals in as little as 24 hours after being dropped off at our facility. At Gustoff & Son Inc., we take pride in providing customers with quality products at great prices throughout Iowa and the Midwest region. With over three decades of experience in the automotive industry, our team of experts is trusted by local drivers for reliable service that meets their expectations every time they visit us. [sc name="in-article-ads" ][/sc]

Real customer testimonials

Kevin Carrillo

Kevin Carrillo

Rated this company 5/5
When it comes to haveing your tire changed I wouldn't go anywhere else . unfortunately that's the only run in I have with them .wouldn't go to Chris at all
Robin Keyser

Robin Keyser

Rated this company 5/5
They did a great job and found something we never would have expected
Gene Hall

Gene Hall

Rated this company 4/5
I got all my work done there the people there are great people
karen budz

karen budz

Rated this company 5/5
Excellent service ty
Stephen Blackford

Stephen Blackford

Rated this company 1/5
https://www.u-pull-it.com/junkyards-directory/gustoff-son-inc-at-923-e-milwaukee-spencer-ia-51301/?feed_id=18858&_unique_id=659b42afcb2bf

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

A+ Auto LLC at 4803 Robinson Park Rd, Moscow, ID 83843

A+ Auto LLC at 4803 Robinson Park Rd in Moscow, ID 83843 is your one-stop shop for all of your automotive needs. We offer a wide variety of car parts, from brand new to used and junkyard pieces. Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to browse, we have what you need. Our salvage yard has a large selection of scrap metal and other materials for any auto repair project. In addition to our used auto parts, we also offer professional services such as engine checks, oil changes, and brake repairs. We pride ourselves on offering quality service and experienced technicians who are knowledgeable about the industry. Our customers come first and we strive to meet each customer's unique needs. We also have an online store where you can find the parts you need and order them quickly and easily. At A+ Auto LLC, we understand that cars can be expensive to maintain and that's why we always offer great deals on our services so that everyone can afford them. Visit us today and see why A+ Auto LLC is the best choice for all your automotive needs! [sc name="in-article-ads" ][/sc]

Real customer testimonials

brian kraus

brian kraus

Rated this company 5/5
These guys dropped what they was doing to get my truck in the shop within hours to get me back on the road again. I was 7 hours from home dropping kids off for college and my starter went out. I avoided paying extra nights at a hotel and additional days of a uhaul trailer rental bill. The job was reasonably priced, fast and done right. If you have a kid in college that has car issues you can absolutely trust these guys. Thanks again
Ryan Foss

Ryan Foss

Rated this company 5/5
I went to A+ auto to replace an alternator and Karl got me in the next morning, offering me a fair reasonable price. The service took ~2 hours and got a call back really quickly! No hassle, no extra fees, just straight to the point. Will refer other people and highly recommend considering this shop!
Morgan Brockman

Morgan Brockman

Rated this company 5/5
Carl was amazingly helpful! My car broke down while visiting Moscow and I needed an emergency repair ASAP. Everywhere I called in town was booked through the month, but Carl squeezed me in to his schedule by working late and managed to get my car fixed in just a day! And for less than anywhere else in town would quote! Definitely go here if you want honest mechanic work you can trust.
Douglas Ackley

Douglas Ackley

Rated this company 5/5
Friendly, honest and knowledgeable. Took my truck there and Karl spent the time to properly diagnose the problem and offer reasonable solutions at a fair price.
Dane S. Claussen

Dane S. Claussen

Rated this company 5/5
Carl is super. I got right in at the scheduled time, he and his associate were finished in about an hour and 15 minutes, excellent job in every way, very reasonable cost. They had all of the work finished in much less time than it took just to get an ESTIMATE at the Nissan dealer in Lewiston.
https://www.u-pull-it.com/junkyards-directory/a-auto-llc-at-4803-robinson-park-rd-moscow-id-83843/?feed_id=4606&_unique_id=64478e9b0ec29

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Best Way SMART PEOPLE Save Money Fixing Their CAR at the Junkyard, BUT HOW?



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Average Car Repair


Did you know that the average car repair cost between $500 - $600? According to AAA travel services people even go into debt because they are unable to pay upfront for any unexpected car repair.
Following recommendation from money gorus like Dave Ramsey, you should have a car emergency fund. Saving just $50 per week can save you headaches or even getting into deeper debt. So that when your car breaks down, you have some money set aside to get the repairs done.






Car part prices.


Car Part prices have skyrocketed in the past decade, now a simple repair or even replacing one tire from your vehicle can cost you between $65 and $500 depending on diameter, brand and location.


According to an article from forbes it's cheaper for auto insurance companies to total your car before doing any repairs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for motor vehicle repairs were 61.07% higher in 2017 than they were in 2000. The problem mainly has to do with markup, where you the consumer gets basically screwed by everyone who ever handled the shipping or distribute the part. Some parts can cost just a few cents to make, even pennies but you at the end will be paying over 20x or even 87x more the original price.






increase on car part prices


 


Mechanic per hour cost


how much does a mechanic charges
One of the most untrusted and sometimes overpaid labour is one of a mechanic, unless you know them personally or if they really are professionals that will only look into your interest, they will be trying to take advantage of you, offering services or repairs that may not be necessary  at that time. Beside the high part prices you will be paying a freelance mechanic between $70 - $90 per hour and if you take your vehicle to the dealership spect to pay between $110 - $130 per hour. 


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Back in 2015 you were expected to pay $20 less per hour than in 2019, according to Channel 10 News in Miami the prices are set by several national labor guides that are published annually, most mechanics get paid either salary or per hour, but they will not receive even a half of what you are paying the shop, the whole thing is not fare for either you or the mechanic doing the labor.






Cost of doing business


overhead of a mechanic shop
Most small mechanic shops have to pay rent, cover insurance, pay employee benefits, vacations, salaries, unemployment, licenses ETC.  So you are paying them for having a building to do the repairs and having their phone lines, security cameras and everything that involves the business being there waiting for anyone to drop in with a car problem. Wouldn't it be better to have a mechanic come to you instead?






Having car repaired at your house. 






This sounds really good, but it could be a very bad idea if something were to happen to someone getting hurt while in your driveway, other than that yes, it makes sense to have a car mechanic come to your house and do the repairs there. 


You wouldn't have to pay for towing your vehicle to a shop (if it doesn't drive) or having to pay marked up auto part prices, the mechanic will be a lot more relaxed not having a boss breathing over their neck asking them to upsale or to finish fast to get them to another car quickly.  I found that almost every junkyard has mechanics that work there pulling parts for customers and even installing them for a fraction of what they would pay at a mechanic shop.


THE SECRET SAUCE






Inexpensive way to fix your car
Large junkyards have programs that allow mechanics to come in and buy parts at a discounted price, this mechanics usually linger in the yard, waiting for customers to approach them asking if they can pull some heavy of hard to reach part. 

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They will charge you for the job regardless of how long it takes them to get the part, also they know more or less what parts look good and which ones are just junk, it's good to have some help at the junk yard if you are not sure what parts in a car could work. Also this guys know what vehicles in the yard may have the part you need and how long they've been in the yard. 


Once they pull a part for you, then you can ask them if they can install it and how much they will charge you. You can even bundle a deal if they pull the part and install it for you. Installing an alternator could cost you over $300 at a local mechanic shop, but the person at the salvage yard could charge you under $100 to pull it and install it for you.


 




 



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Saturday, February 18, 2023

7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Auto Repair Shop



When your car breaks down, it's important to find a reputable auto repair shop as soon as possible. There are many different shops near you, and it can be hard to know which one to choose. You want to find a shop that will do quality work and won't charge you an arm and a leg.

How do I know if a repair shop is reputable?

One of the best ways to determine if a repair shop is reputable is to read reviews online. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. It's important to choose a shop that has a good reputation, because you don't want to risk having your car repaired by someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

What should I look for in a good auto repair shop near me?

When looking for a good auto repair shop, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, you should ask the shop if they are licensed and insured. You also want to make sure that the technicians at the shop are qualified to work on your car.

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Another important thing to consider is the cost of the repairs. You don't want to choose a shop that charges too much, but you also don't want to choose one that charges too little. It's important to find a shop that offers good value for your money.

Finally, you should consider the location of the shop. You want to choose one that is close to your home or office, so it's easy for you to get there when your auto repair shop is done with the repairs to your car.

What are the signs of a bad auto repair shop?

There are a few signs that can indicate that a repair shop is bad. One of the biggest signs is if the shop tries to charge you too much for repairs. You should also be wary of shops that offer cheap repairs, because it's likely that they will do a poor job.

You should also be careful of repair shops that don't have a good reputation. It's important to do your research before choosing a shop, so you can be sure that you're making the right decision.

How much should I expect to pay for repairs?

This depends on the type of repairs that need to be done. Generally, you can expect to pay more for repairs if the shop has to order parts for your car. It's important to get an estimate from the repair shop before they begin working on your car.

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You should also be prepared to pay a diagnostic fee, which is the fee charged for determining what is wrong with your car. This fee can vary from shop to shop, so it's important to ask before you have the car towed in.

How do I know if I'm getting ripped off by a mechanic?

If you're not sure whether you're being ripped off by a mechanic, here are some tips to help you figure it out:

  • Ask the mechanic to show you the part that needs to be replaced, and ask how much it will cost.
  • Get a written estimate before the work is done.
  • You should also make sure that the shop is licensed and insured, in case something goes wrong with the installation.
  • Make sure the mechanic is familiar with your car's make and model.
  • Compare prices at different auto repair shops near me.

Is it ok for a car repair shop to install used car parts in my car?

There are pros and cons to using used auto parts in a car repair. on one hand, using recycled parts can save you money. However, there is always the risk that these parts may not be as reliable as new ones. It's important to ask the auto repair shop about the quality of their used parts before you agree to have them installed in your car.

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My mechanic want to use rebuilt parts in my car, are those parts good?

Rebuilt auto parts are automotive parts that have been salvaged from wrecked or damaged vehicles and restored to working condition. They are a cost-effective alternative to buying new auto parts, and they can be just as reliable as new parts if they are properly rebuilt.

Conclusion

If you are looking for auto repair shops near me, it's important to do your research before choosing one. This way, you can be sure that the right auto repair shop will work on your car and not charge too much. Here is what to look for in a reputable auto repair shop: is they licensed and insured? Do the technicians have experience with cars from my make or model? How does their cost compare to other shops nearby? It's also good practice to ask about diagnostic fees upfront so you don't get surprised by hidden costs when picking up your repaired car. Ask them if the parts they will use are new or rebuilt ones. You should never choose an auto repair without doing at least some preliminary research first!



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Thursday, February 16, 2023

Car Repairs Done Right!



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If you are in need of car repairs, most likely you are afraid of the cost. The best way to avoid being ripped-off is to be prepared. Knowing how your vehicle works, basic knowledge on how to identify common problems a car can have is a great start. I would suggest asking someone who has the knows and hows to fix a car for some input on what could be wrong with your car. At my church we have some folks that either are mechanics or have very good knowledge on how to fix your car.

Choosing a good mechanic is key, make sure you ask them up front what they think the problem can be, what they will do to fix the car, and how much it will cost before you agree to start the work. Bring this information to another mechanic and ask how much they will charge you to do the same work and if they think it's the right way to fix your car problem.

How to Choose a Mechanic Repair Shop

How to start the search for a good repair shop?

  • Ask around, ask your friends, family members, church, facebook groups and people you trust for a good morals, not expensive car repair shop before you are in need of one, last minute decisions can cost you a lot.
  • Call around, look online for customer reviews, ask for their hourly prices and cost to do the repairs you will be needing.
  • Preferably look for those shop that are license by the state and are currently registered, looking at their complaint records help pinpointing the good ones from the bad ones. Look at the local consumer protection agency for records.
  • Also ask them if they work with your vehicle's warranty, some shops are authorize to do warranty repairs that are authorized by the car manufacture.

How to Pick the Right Car Technician

Newsflash: Not every car technician know the best way to fix your car

  • Prefer shop that display their technician's certifications, accredited by Automotive Service Excellence lets you know that one or more technicians in the shop have met basic standards of knowledge and competence on certain car technical areas. Make sure this certificates are current.
  • Ask the shop if their technicians have experience working on your make and model, some vehicles require knowledge beyond just mechanical work, newer and more expensive vehicles work with fiber optics and wireless devices that a non certified technician should not touch.

Certifications alone, don't mean good or honest work will be done, check their complaints and reviews.

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Car Repair Charges: What you Should Know Before Starting the Work.

Before agreeing to get the work done, ask the shop how they price their work. Some shop charge a flat rate based on independent or by the manufacturer estimates on how long it should take for the repair to complete. While other auto repair shops charge you hourly rates, and on how long the technician took to repair the vehicle. This could be a good thing or a bad thing.

If the technician work slow of is not competent or know his stuff, the labor cost can be much greater, but if he know how to fix the issue in less than the estimated time, your could save hundreds.

If your repairs are complicated and will require your vehicle to stay at the shop for more than 24 hours, then you should consider a second opinion, ask for prices on both places and also look at their reviews

Ask them if they charge for the diagnostic, if you decide to go to the other shop, they may charge you for the time they took to diagnose the vehicle.

Some shops only do diagnostics, they done do the repairs nor sell parts, this can be a better option if you want to know what repairs are necessary on your vehicle. This shops do charge for the diagnostics.

If you decided to get the work done, ask them for a written estimate, detailing the work to be done, this estimate should have the problem to be fixed, the parts that are going to be repaired, the cost of the repair and needs to be signed.

You need to know about the parts being repaired or replaced on your vehicle.

When a repair shop replaces a part on your vehicle, you need to know the quality or condition of that part. Don't think that every shop will install brand new auto parts on your vehicle, you need to know where the part came from before it gets installed on your car.

  • NEW - This are parts that are either made by the original car manufacture (mostly called dealer parts or OEM parts) or by a separate company at the specifications of the manufacture. Most States require car repair shops to tell you if non OEM parts will be used on the repair of your car. Quality and prices of these part will vary.
  • Remanufactured, reconditioned or rebuilt - This terms usually mean the same, the parts have been restored to a working condition. Lots of manufactures offer warranty on their parts, but not the labor to install them, meaning.. if the part stops working after the installation, you will need to pay again for the labor to replace it.
  • Salvage Parts - This are usually used OEM parts, taken out other vehicles at either a junkyard or bought online as second hand. This parts can be a lot cheaper and work great, but they don't carry any warranty, except for that from the salvage yard which is usually 30 days.

Once the work is done, you should ask for a complete repair order, listing the parts that were replaced, each repair done to the vehicle. some shop charge you disposal charges, sometimes is best if you ask for the parts back and you take them to a scrap yard.

Car Scheduled Maintenance

What happens if you keep ignoring your vehicle maintenance?

A vehicle consist of many parts that work together. Ignoring or postponing the maintenance of your vehicle could lead to the failure of one part or a complete system, this can be catastrophic and your vehicle can become unresponsive, not drivable and can cost you lots of money to fix. Routinary maintenance like changing the oil, checking coolant levels can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle and prevent costly breakdowns due to neglect on your part. Also some dealerships and car manufactures can void your warranty if you don't follow up with schedule maintenance to your car or truck.

It is highly recommended that you follow the manufacturer scheduled maintenance guide in your owners manual, this maintenance consist of your driving habits, the type of terrain and load on the vehicle. Some repair shops follow a more frequent maintenance schedule than the one recommended by your car manufacture manual. Some of these recommendations are ok, but sometimes they try to take advantage of unnecessary suggestions to get your money.

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Take Your Car In If You Hear Something Wrong.

If your vehicle starts to squeak, rumble, rattle, squeal, this could indicate that something is wrong and you need to address the issue before it gets worst.

Meaning of some common noises people hear coming from their vehicles:

  • Squakes or Squeals: This are related to engines, if you hear a shar noise or shrill, you could have a loose or worn out air conditioning, fan or steering belt.
  • Clicking Sounds: Usually is a sharp noise, this happens when the vehicle is in motion, could indicate a loosen wheel cover, a fan blade that got loose or bent, low engine oil (maybe a leak).
  • Rumbles: If your vehicle starts to sound like a beatbox, having a ritm of it own, you could have a damaged exhaust pipe, a universal joint, muffler or converter.

When taking your vehicle to a shop for regular maintenance, make sure you know what you are going in for, they will probably try to upsell you everything your vehicle probably doesn't need. CBC did a investigation on well known companies that were scamming people for services their vehicles didn't need, to the point of lying and telling people they did the work and not even touching the vehicle. See below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-avpx8UTakI

No all mechanics are crooked, but they have a bad reputation because of a few bad apples. Bring your car in, ask them how much for the repair, get it in writing and the agree to it.

 



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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Autotech Services and Repairs - Why is it Important to find a Certified Technician



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What is Autotech? Why is a Certified Auto Technician so Important and why you should avoid one?


The Autotech or simply called, a mechanic.

Many people when they are looking for a mechanic, they try to find the most qualified person to fix their vehicle. But, unless your vehicle is over $25,000 dollars that can also be a big mistake.

A certified car technician can be very expensive, all authorized car dealers have certified autotechs. Every year this technicians go to class to learn the latest innovations and the how to repair, disassemble and put together the latest vehicles in stock.

So why wouldn’t you want to have one of these auto tech persons look at your car? well that comes all down to the money. Because of all those certifications they will charge you a premium for looking and fixing your car. They are also required to buy  autotech parts or dealer parts to assure the repair is done right or dealer guided OEM parts.

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When should you hire an AutoTech?

If you own a very expensive car or that vehicle has wirings and sensors that are not commun. Like some Mercedes Benz and BMWs have fiber optics running through them from sensor to sensor, those will require that a certified technician with the right computer equipment looks into them.

If you own one of those vehicles most likely you won’t be paying too much attention hourly rates and autotech parts cost.

Vehicles from manufactures like Tesla will not allow their vehicle owners to service their cars anywhere else but through their certified auto techs.

When NOT to hire an AutoTech and just go to the local mechanic shop?

You should go to a regular mechanic when looking at the current value of our vehicle and realizing that paying more for a piece of paper is not that important.

When my 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan broke down because of a leak in the radiator, I asked around for quotes, trying to find the lowest prices to get it fixed.

The dealer wanted almost $1200 to fix it, then I was recommended this “Amazing Autotech” place close to home Griffin Brothers and their prices where almost as high as the dealer, they said that their auto technicians are Volkswagen certified and that they also offered volkswagen performance parts. Bottom line I ended up taking my vehicle to a small shop where with parts and labor I paid $298 a huge saving the original dealer quote of $1200.

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Another great thing about non-autotechs is that you can buy your own parts, bring it to them and have them install them. Most mechanics will give you a warranty on their work and if they sell you the parts also. Some places like Autozone can even check your car battery to see if its defective or if your alternator is the problem, all for free and you don’t even have to buy the parts there.

For sure there is a lot of value hiring a certified technician when you can afford one; but most of us want to save money and not have to pay so much for the same service, when you can have the part replaced in your vehicle for a fraction of the cost.

Some mechanics will even go to the junkyard for you, looking for the part you need to fix your vehicle, just ask around and be ready to be amazed.



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