Richmond Auto Repair

  Deciding to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle is a serious decision. With 'fresh-off-the-lot' cars, you don't have to do the research or expect anything less than perfect quality because they're brand new. But with pre-owned vehicles, making an informed decision is crucial to have a reliable mode of transportation. Obtaining a pre-purchase inspection is the most significant way to avoid any headaches. In Virginia, to sell a car, it only needs to have passed the state inspection; but that doesn't mean that there are no issues with the vehicle.   A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed assessment performed by a certified technician who can check all mechanical and cosmetic aspects. During this process, the safety and condition of the vehicle are established and used to inform any future buyer of what may be needed.   Things that are checked during a Pre-Purchase Inspection:   Dashboard - All of the gauges should work prope ... read more

  Every 10,000 miles, your Mercedes service light is going to come on. Your vehicle will indicate if it requires a Service A or Service B scheduled maintenance. Even though the work your car needs may feel cut and dry, it's a little more complicated than that. While both A & B come with an oil change, Service B is considered a 'major' service. And keep in mind that the mileage on your car will also profoundly impact what parts may need to be checked or changed.   Although Mercedes offers guidance for what needs to be replaced for each service type, it doesn’t mean those parts need replacement in your specific vehicle. Bringing your Mercedes to The Shop guarantees a personalized approach to your scheduled service. You should be only getting the service done that your vehicle requires—that way you’re only paying for what you need.   A Unique Approach to Service   Dealerships often work from a list of action items for eac ... read more

We’ve all had the misfortune of meeting a pushy automotive service advisor. Someone who’s not looking out for your best interest, but instead trying to sell you an expensive part that you don’t need. It can feel like a challenge to find a shop that will do quality work, but also offer transparent advice. In the process of finding this balance, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with when it comes to your Automotive Technician and Service Advisor.   Who's behind the hood? By definition, Automotive Technicians are similar to Auto Mechanics. The main thing that sets the two apart is that technicians use the technology in your car to perform diagnostic analysis and then fix the issue. A mechanic’s expertise tends to revolve around the mechanical aspects of your vehicle. These days, vehicles tend to be closer to a computer on wheels, so the technical expertise of a technician can be vit ... read more

For many German luxury car drivers, the first time you might think about your vehicle's tire pressure is on that first cold day of Autumn. Why? That's usually the day when BMW and Mercedes-Benz Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) systems alert you to lower than average tire pressure. As the air temperatures drop in the Fall, cold air causes an unusually large drop in tire pressure and triggers your vehicle's diagnostic system.    Does this mean your tires' are actually under-inflated, or is this simply a system glitch?     Well, the simple answer is: check your tire pressure anyway. Driving on improperly inflated tires is unsafe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at any given time, about 1/3 of all passenger vehicles on the road are driving on under-inflated tires. In fact, in 2017, it  ... read more

Did you know that U.S. drivers are increasingly becoming distrustful of repair shops? According to AAA’s 2016 survey, 76% of the surveyed individuals cite the recommendation of unnecessary services as a reason they lost confidence in their car care professional; followed by overcharging (73%) and negative past experiences (63%). The good news: this doesn’t have to be you! You treat your performance vehicle as you’d treat any valuable possession, including your own body—with care and diligence. It deserves the best car maintenance and repair to keep it in excellent condition. So how do you find the right performance auto mechanic for the job? Look for these 3 most important characteristics in your performance car care professional. 3. Commitment to Accessibility & Convenience An exceptional auto mechanic truly understands the inconvenience of not being able ... read more