- Engine RepairBecause of this dedication to learning, the Foreign Service has become known for solving the "unfixable" problems. Diagnostics is one of our specialties -- we will replace only the parts you need. Our services range from routine oil changes to major engine repair.
- Oil ChangeBring your car in for something simple -- such as a "while you wait" oil change -- and check out our large and modern facility. Or just stop by if you have any questions. We're available between 8 a.m. and noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
- Engine Tune-Up
- Exhaust System RepairExhaust Work Few people know that most original equipment manufacturers (OEM) offer a lifetime part warranty on their mufflers. The quality of the OEM mufflers and pipes are also much better than the typical franchise exhaust parts. Best of all, OEM parts are competitively priced on most makes. Call us for an estimate whether you need a muffler, pipe, or catalytic converter.
- Starter Repair
- Alternator Repair
- Engine Diagnostic
- Spark Plug ReplacementPart of the problem here is the use of the expression Œtune-up'. We haven't done Œtune-ups' for many years--it is really an obsolete term. Computerized cars don't need to be tuned-up, since they monitor themselves and make their own adjustments. The problem is that some people regard spark plug replacement as a tune-up. With cars running so cleanly, typical spark plug life is much longer than ever before. So the manufacturers seized upon this to claim that cars don't need tune-ups.
- Emissions InspectionIt has a three year/30,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. This covers anything that goes wrong, from a burnt valve to a headliner that falls down. It has a six year/60,000 mile “power train” warranty. Power train or drive train refers to mechanical components only. So if your headliner falls down at 31,000 miles, you’re out of luck, but the burnt valve would still be covered up to 60,000 miles. It also has a Federal Emissions Warranty of 8 years/80,000 miles. This is an EPA mandated warranty and covers major components of the pollution control equipment on the car (primarily the catalytic converter). Every new car in the US has a federal emissions warranty of 8 years/80,000 miles. If your catalytic converter fails at 79,000 miles and your car is less than 8 years old, you are entitled to a free replacement, courtesy of your local dealer, even though your powertrain warranty expired at 60,000 miles.
- Timing Belt/Chain ReplacementHonda owners: Honda has officially reduced the timing belt replacement interval on their 93 - 97 Civic timing belts from 90K to 70K, in severe conditions. There have been many reports of premature belt breakage on these cars.
- Fuel Injection Service/Repair
- Transmission ServiceWe provide everything from basic transmission maintenance service to complete rebuilding of your transmission. Whether you have noises, poor shifting, or slipping, we will diagnose the problem. If you need major transmission work, we will give you accurate estimates on various options: a dealer rebuilt transmission, a rebuild of your transmission by transmission experts, or a used transmission.
- Transmission Repair
- Transmission Fluid Service
- Clutch Service/Repair
- Suspension Service/RepairTo keep your car safe and reliable, we recommend a thorough steering and suspension check every 30,000 miles even if you haven't noticed any clunks or poor handling. Of course, if you have noticed any change in the sound of your car over bumps or in how it handles on the road, have us check it out right away.
- Steering Service/RepairSteering and suspension components on modern cars last much longer than in the past. Most import cars have sealed ball joints and tie rods, so you don't need to have them greased regularly (some 4WD vehicles are the exception). However, these important parts can still wear out, loosen up, and fail. Winter, with its icy ruts and potholes, is the hardest on aging parts.
- Steering Fluid Service
- Air Conditioning Service/RepairIf this agreemen't had not been reached, the following is a likely repair scenario: your air conditioning system malfunctions and turns the check engine light on. The check engine light is notifying you that a problem has been detected; but, un'til you can get in for repair, you have no way to know what the code is for. Maybe your engine is melting down. Maybe your gas cap is loose.
- Air Filter Replacement
- Wheel AlignmentPasssenger car tire maximum ratings tend to be either 36 or 44 psi. We set most tires at 36psi during servicing here. If you have tires rated for 44, you it is OK to fill them to that higher pressure. The only down side is that the ride may get somewhat harsh. Only very rarely do we see problems with tire wear from overinflation. I run my Prius at 44 psi, and have no tire wear issues. (I also had to do a four wheel alignment as soon as I took delivery of it, but that's a different story.)
- Tire ServiceFollowing my former advice, and having a set of winter tires is a great solution, if you have the storage space for a second set of tires and wheels, the money to buy them, and the time to go in and get them changed every spring and fall. For most people it is too much trouble.
- Brake Service
- Brake Fluid Service
- Body/Collision RepairOur thorough Used Car Inspection will help you from inadvertently purchasing a flood car or one with major mechanical issues. We look for evidence of body repair work, failed or failing parts on any major system, and condition of the maintenance. We compile a list of estimated repairs that will help you bargain with the seller. Most customers report that the price of the inspection was more than paid for by the money saved in the bargaining process. We know how time-critical a purchase can be, so we always try to have our schedule flexible enough for you to make an appointment on short notice. The inspection typically takes about an hour.
- Lighting Services
- Battery ServiceHondas tend to have problems that look like battery problems, but come back soon after a battery replacement. We have found that this usually is the result of poor connections in the power supply circuits. For us, it is not a big deal to find and fix- it's just what we do. A good interview and history of the car lets us know we need to do a simple test for this. And another dead give away is a history of having to replace the battery every two years or so.
- Electrical Service/Repair
- General RepairsAlso, I am pleased to announce the addition of Bill to our staff of technicians. Bill has many years¹ experience and has returned to the auto repair industry after a two year hiatus.
- Towing ServiceContact an authorized AAA towing service to have your car towed. You can call the toll free number on the back of your card to arrange a tow.
- Auto MaintenanceWe believe that by having the same shop doing both the scheduled maintenance and the unscheduled repairs, the cost of owning your car over its lifetime will be significantly less compared to switching from shop to shop. We will help you track maintenance intervals, warranties, and the overall condition of your car.