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Factors to Consider When Picking the Right Auto Repair Shop

June 29, 2020

In today’s world, automobiles are a necessity. The same applies to its repairs. Regular checks and repairs are very much needed to ensure your car is running for long.

While having said that, finding a reliable repair shop is not always that simple. It is easy to get confused with so many shops offering various services. In this article, we will help you pick the best auto repair shop that provides all services to your satisfaction.

Ask Around for Recommendations

Picking the right auto repair shop is not as confusing if you have the right recommendations. Ask your family, friends, and associates who have come across their share of repair shops. You can also do a quick research on the company they refer you to.

In this competitive world with various up and coming repair businesses, word of reference from the people you trust is most beneficial. You might not be aware of some details if you are a first-timer, so construct your research on auto detailing.

For instance, a Pasadena auto repair shop could offer high-quality services and a 2-year warranty – if this is something you’re looking for.

Check The Reviews

Sometimes you don’t receive accurate information from people you know. What you can do then is always check the reviews from other clients online. It is quite helpful as you can refer to all kinds of feedback from different clients.

Checking the feedback is one of the best ways you can pick an auto repair shop. They help you know more about a company’s reputation as well. Additionally, keep in mind to look into both positive and negative feedback before you make a decision.

Regular Maintenance

By regularly maintaining your car, you do not have to repair it constantly, resulting in reduced unnecessary expenditures. Keep servicing your automobiles by changing your car oil frequently, checking the fluid, and inspecting the brake, hose, belt, and tire.

In addition, inspect the tire inflation every month. Ensure it is correct as it is essential for safety, fuel-saving, and tire life.

Ensure to do these services at a regular time by a professional technician. It will cost you less to nothing. Moreover, along with being cost-effective, servicing is an easy task, so it does not consume much time.

Auto Repair Shops Near You

Generally, people prefer shops near their area as it is easy to take the vehicles nearby for repair. Not only that, but it is also convenient for you to check on the repairing progress without having to worry about the distance.

If you choose a shop that’s quite far from your location, you will have to pay for your car’s pick-up and drop.

Therefore, prior to picking a shop, you can simply Google search ‘auto repair near me.’ You will get a list of results for shops around you, resulting in your money saved.

Insurance is a Necessity

Nowadays, various auto repair shops are offering many additional factors that may lure you in. However, before making any decision, you need to make sure that the shop or the dealer you are working with has an insurance policy.

Insured auto repair shops ensure safety, and you do not need to pay any unnecessary or extra expenses.

A shop with an insurance policy that covers their workers too is always a good sign. It shows the owner’s concern about the worker’s well-being.

Cost Estimate

Discuss the problem of your automobile with the dealer and ask for the estimate. This step is crucial as you are ensuring that you do not buy any extra spare parts unnecessarily. The repairing cost should be reasonable. However, do not compromise the quality for a low price.

Make sure your car gets the care and repair it needs. There are many auto repair shops that provide services at different costs. So, pick a shop that offers a genuine cost estimate.

Before starting any services on your automobile, make sure the shop provides a written cost estimate you can sign and attest to. You do this to ensure there are no additional charges you have not agreed to.

Experience and Certification

While choosing a repair shop, look for one with significant experience as it plays a crucial role. Shops that have the expertise of repairing different vehicles imply the knowledge and skills they have to handle any problem.

Also, make sure you pick a shop that employs certified workers. Specialists and technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ensure excellent services and professionalism.

Look for other signs of experiences in a company’s customer servicing area. The certifications also include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), community, Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), American Automobile Association (AAA) approved status, etc.

Warranty and Guarantee

A company that honors your warranty is essential when it comes to car repairing. Before you make your decision, ensure if the shop you chose values your vehicle warranty. An added bonus is if they provide their own warranty options.

Repairs are expensive. So if a shop does not guarantee their services, it is a sure sign that you need to reconsider your choice. Any reputable company would understand your problems and straight away ensure their maintenance works.

Do a Follow Up

Once you are done with choosing the right auto repair shop and repairing your car, make sure to keep all the records and paperwork for further reference properly. If you are satisfied with the company you did business with, you could support them by being a loyal customer.

Next time, you can be the one giving the word of reference to your family and colleagues.

Now, if the service does not satisfy you, talk it out with the business owner. Without jumping to a different shop, discuss your issues with them.

Trust Your Intuition

Finally, never disregard your intuition. If you feel that something is wrong, trust your gut feeling. They are usually never wrong.

After you have listed down the shops you consider best, let your intuition do the choosing. Do not hesitate to pick the repair shop you feel is trustworthy and right for you.

The Bottom Line

Considering there are numbers of repair companies, it is not an easy task to choose a good shop. Therefore, you can refer to the tips provided above to find the right shop for you.

If needed, visit the shop and ask your queries. That way, you can ensure their experience and also the additional services the shop offers.

A reputable company will always consider your worries and provide you with what you need.

And if you’re around the Pasadena area, Crown City Tire Auto Care never fails to treat all their customers like family.

You can call them at (626) 461-9165 to get your car serviced.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.