Looking for more information about Auto Service & Repair?
While these FAQs are some of the more popular questions we receive, we’re happy to answer your auto service questions directly.
General Questions
What forms of payment do you accept?
We are happy to accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash and we offer 90 day same as cash financing.
What are your shuttle hours?
Our complimentary shuttle service runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday within a 5 mile radius of our facilities which is free to you. Please let our auto service team know if you will require shuttle services when you make your appointment so we can make sure it is available for you. If you have any other time constraints, our service team will do their best to accommodate them as well.
Can you come to my location?
Perez Auto Repair only performs on-site services as per our insurance policy. We also keep all our tools and special equipment required to repair your vehicle here on site. We are happy to help you set up a tow for your vehicle and even help to supply a Lyft or Uber ride to get you to home or work in the event of a break down.
Can you tow my vehicle?
When your vehicle breaks down and you need to get it to us we can help you find a tow. We work with several towing companies in the Phoenix metro area. They will also bill us directly which we will add to your final bill so that you don’t have to hassle with payment at the time of the tow.
If you require a tow, we suggest you first start with using your AAA membership if you have one or contact your insurance to see if you have tow coverage on your policy. If you have tow coverage each insurance company will have different instructions according to their policy, follow their instructions to make sure your tow is covered. There are many options when towing, feel free to use your preferred towing company as you like or as your insurance recommends. All towing companies in the area know us and can drop and submit your keys just fine!
Service Expectations
Does your auto shop provide hybrid repair services?
Yes, we service hybrid vehicles including hybrid battery diagnosis and replacement.
What vehicles do you work on?
We work on nearly all makes and models of cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, hybrid and fleet vehicles. We do not service carbureted vehicles or large RV/Motorhomes.
Do you perform auto body repair work?
We sure do! Our technicians have an impressive amount of experience with auto body repair, in addition to their I-car training and certification, meaning they’re experts in all types of body repairs. Whether you’ve been in a minor fender bender or a larger accident, you can trust our experts to handle all the bodywork your vehicle needs. We understand being in an accident can be a traumatic experience, so we are dedicated to helping ease some of the stress by making your auto body repair experience go smooth.
Appointments
Can I wait for the service?
You are welcome to wait for most auto service. We have a comfortable waiting room with complimentary beverages and Wi-Fi while you wait. Typically, we recommend dropping off your vehicle instead of waiting at our location to ensure we have adequate time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves.
How long will it take?
Auto service times can range from 15 minutes to days depending on what service/repair is being done and parts availability. Our service team will do their best to inform you of an accurate time estimate so you can plan accordingly. If you have any plans or concerns about the time needed on your vehicle, please inform your service consultant when you schedule and drop off your vehicle, and they will do their best to work around your needs and expectations.
Do I need to schedule an appointment to bring my car in?
You are welcome to stop by anytime during business hours. For service on your vehicle, we will be able to offer you a higher level of service if you let us know in advance what your needs are and when you would like to bring your vehicle to us. We cannot guarantee service without an appointment but usually can accommodate walk in service in a reasonable timeframe. If you have any type of emergency, please do not hesitate to bring your vehicle over right away. If your vehicle is not able to be driven safely, call us directly at 602-269-3576 and we will help arrange getting your vehicle towed to our shop. Click Here to book an online appointment.
Estimates
Do you provide estimates?
Absolutely. On maintenance services, we are happy to provide an estimate without the vehicle present in most cases. On independent repairs and diagnostics however, we will need to see your vehicle in person in order to provide you with the most accurate estimate. Once we see your vehicle, we will properly estimate the work and contact you to get your approval before any work is begun.
Will you contact me first before performing repairs?
We certainly will. No repairs will be performed without a auto service consultant first contacting you directly to relay our findings, advise on the best-recommended course of action and gain approval on the estimated work.
Why can’t you always provide me with an estimate when I call for one?
Do not be fooled by other shops estimating repairs over the phone; it simply isn’t possible to give a 100% accurate repair estimate without it seeing a car in person. We have had many vehicles come in for second opinions with very high estimated repair costs from competitors, only to find the issue was something small. We have also seen other cheap estimates that ended up being something much more expensive. It is always better to have the vehicle inspected by a trained technician so you know your estimate is accurate.
Parts
Can I purchase or provide my own parts for you to install?
We do not install parts provided by our customers. We exclusively buy parts from brands and suppliers we have vetted over the years, further ensuring the quality of our repairs.
Can I request used parts?
To ensure we provide our customers with the best quality auto repairs and services, we do not install used parts. Used parts can be unreliable and we have no way to know the integrity of the materials. We’ve found the money saved on the front end by buying used parts can cost more down the line, and most importantly, we cannot guarantee the safety and integrity of the vehicle with used parts. Providing you with a new part will add much more value with the reliability of the repair performed.
Only in the case where certain parts are no longer manufactured and obsolete, will we consider trying to find and install used parts as a last resort.
Warranty
Do you perform manufacturer warranty or recall work?
Perez Auto Repair cannot perform manufacturer warranty or recall work. For this work, we recommend you contact your vehicle’s local dealership.
My car is still under warranty with the manufacturer/dealer. Can I still bring my vehicle to you?
Yes, we are fully authorized to perform your vehicle’s required maintenance, so you are not required to return to the dealer for this work, and your warranty will remain intact.
Do you warranty your work?
We certainly do. The value you get from our 2 year, or 24,000 mile (whichever comes first) parts & labor warranty is the peace of mind of knowing that if a part OR repair unexpectedly fails, our auto service team will stand behind our commitment to fix the issue with integrity. Should something go wrong you’re covered for any replacement parts, the labor time needed to identify the issue and we perform the repair all FREE OF CHARGE. Plus, you have the benefit of a superior auto service team handling it all for you. We also include a nationwide 2 year, or 24,000 mile (whichever comes first) parts & labor warranty with all of our repairs through the Pronto Car Care Program. Call 1-800-477-6686 for warranty outside 25 miles of our location.
If I have my vehicle maintained at your shop, can that void my factory warranty?
No, having Perez Auto Repair maintain your vehicle will not void your factory warranty. You can take all your vehicles to one location for auto service and your factory warranty will legally remain in effect.
In 1975, the U.S. Congress passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Among other things, Congress wanted to ensure that consumers could get complete and straightforward information about warranty terms and conditions. In short, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act gives you these rights:
By law, your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty will stay in effect when you have regularly scheduled maintenance performed at a qualified facility that uses quality parts and procedures. Generally, your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty cannot require you to return to your auto dealer for vehicle maintenance, or to only use the brand of replacement parts offered by that dealer.
Will taking my car to a non-dealer shop for scheduled maintenance violate or void my warranty?
No. You can take your car to any certified shop to conduct your scheduled maintenance. However, skipping scheduled maintenance might violate your warranty. See your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended scheduled maintenance intervals for more information.
Diagnostics
Do I have to pay diagnostic charges even if I think I know what the problem is?
Yes, we typically require diagnostic testing to identify the cause of a vehicle’s problem(s) prior to performing any repairs. This allows us to save our customers time and money, as we often find the perceived problem wasn’t the only issue (or the issue at all). This happens more often than you might think.
Don’t be fooled by the shops that allow you to do this. Repairing or replacing something without confirming with diagnostic testing isn’t in the best interest of the customer. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have regarding diagnostic testing and evaluation.
Does the diagnostic charge go toward the cost of the repair?
We do not “roll in” the cost of the diagnostic testing with the expense of the repairs. At Perez Auto Repair, we pride ourselves on transparency and honestly with our customers. We want you to know the value you are receiving from our professional technicians with each test, repair or auto service performed.
Many shops utilize the “rolling in” strategy to ensure you get the repair done at their facility, as opposed to taking it elsewhere or doing it yourself. Be careful to investigate these proposals carefully. While it may sound appealing up front, in all actuality you could be paying the same amount or more overall.
How much does it cost to diagnose a problem I having with my vehicle?
At Perez Auto Repair, we do not have a flat diagnostic testing fee. We believe you should only pay for the tests required by our professional technicians. Therefore, our diagnostic testing costs range widely depending on the issues your vehicle may be experiencing. For instance, a fluid leak check could run in the $50 range, whereas an emissions failure test could run in the $200 range. We choose not to charge you a flat rate, unlike many dealerships and shops charge $150+ for all testing and focus instead on catering to your vehicle’s needs.
Diagnostic testing can be unpredictable at times. We want you to be aware that once we begin diagnosing an issue, it could lead to continued testing to identify the root cause. At Perez Auto Repair, we will advise you on the upfront cost of the testing but will also inform you that there could be additional expenses to fully solve the issue. However, we will never perform any work without your authorization. Once the initial testing is conducted, we will stop, contact you to inform you of our findings and next steps, and only proceed with your approval. Nothing will be completed on your vehicle without your consent.
Maintenance
How often should I get a tune-up on my vehicle?
Vehicle “tune-up” is somewhat of a misused term today. Vehicles now have scheduled maintenance intervals laid out by manufacturers at specific mileage markers. Needing a common “tune-up” has been superseded by these maintenance intervals. Maintenance intervals service a wide range of recommended auto services from spark plug changes to fluid services and are recommended at different intervals per each manufacturer and vehicle. For the most accurate answer, refer to your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact us directly.
At Perez Auto Repair, we recommend following your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations to ensure you are properly maintaining your vehicle instead of having to repair it. This can be conducted at any visit throughout the year and we offer a full, multipoint digital vehicle inspection where we will communicate the entire overall health of your vehicle. This will also help you to better plan, budget for and prioritize any upcoming expenses you may be due to incur.
Electrical Auto Service
My “check engine“ light came on. Should I be worried?
The check engine light is a warning that something is wrong with your car, but that doesn’t mean it has to be major. The irony of the check engine light is that it often comes on to save you from a major repair, but people worry too much about what it might mean and don’t take their car in promptly, leading to the very problems it seeks to avoid. We recommend contacting us directly to identify the cause of the light as soon as it turns on to avoid any other issues that could arise without taking action. If the light is blinking, do not drive the vehicle and have it towed to our shop immediately. The blinking light means if the vehicle is driven further, damage is possible to the catalytic converter assembly which is a very expensive repair.
What does it mean if the “check engine“ or “service engine soon“ light comes on?
There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When an onboard system test fails, the “check engine“ light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term (and expensive) problems.
Engine Service
What is the difference between regular/conventional and synthetic oil?
These days almost all oil is at least a synthetic blend. However, there is a difference between a synthetic blend and fully synthetic oil. A synthetic blend oil consists of some synthetic oil mixed with regular/conventional oil and certain additives and detergents to create a targeted blend that meets manufacturer required performance levels. Fully synthetic oil is an artificially created, specially blended formula mixed with many additives and detergents to create a higher level of performance required by some manufacturers.
Should I put synthetic blend or fully synthetic oil in my vehicle?
Always refer to your owner’s manual for proper oil type and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. If your vehicle requires a fully synthetic oil, you must always use it. If your vehicle allows a synthetic blend oil, you may use either type of oil. However, if you decide to use a fully synthetic oil, we recommend continued use of fully synthetic oil for the life of the vehicle (do not go back and forth).
Can I wait while getting an oil change or should I drop my vehicle off?
Yes, you certainly can. However, as we perform more services than oil changes, we recommend you make an appointment first to ensure we are able to get your oil service performed in a timely manner.
Our oil changes are conducted by a Perez Auto Repair ASE-certified technician and include a multipoint vehicle inspection to ensure the overall safety and security of your vehicle. For this reason, our oil services typically take between one to two hours. We prefer the vehicle be dropped off with us in the morning and left for the day to allow for adequate time to complete our process. We will contact you immediately after we are finished and won’t hold it longer than necessary. If you will be waiting for your vehicle, please keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
What is a Motor Oil Additive?
We use a BG Product called BG MOA (motor oil additive). BG MOA® is the number one engine oil supplement! In a recent survey, dealership auto service managers chose BG MOA® 8 to 1 over the next aftermarket supplier. Engines are running at higher temperatures than ever before. This, combined with the increasing regularity of stop-and-go driving, cause rapid depletion of critical oil additives. Without these protective additives, severe engine oil oxidation occurs. Oxidation reduces oil to heavy, black sludge in the crankcase, oil screens, oil passages, rocker arms and other critical areas of the engine. BG MOA® fortifies all qualities of engine oil, providing superior, long-lasting engine protection and maintain peak engine performance. It prevents engine oil oxidation and thickening under even the most intense driving conditions. When installed by a professional, it keeps engine components clean to help extend engine life and reduce cost of operation.
Tires
Do you sell tires?
Yes, we do! We do not stock tires, allowing us to choose tires from multiple vendors to meet your needs and budget. This means you’ll need to leave your car for the day to allow time for tire delivery, but it can typically be completed in one day. We can also pre-order tires to allow for a quicker turnaround time when scheduled in advance.
How often should I rotate my tires?
The rule of thumb has always been every 6,000 miles. This is usually the standard but, in some instances, our professional staff may recommend different intervals on a case by case basis. This service can be synchronized with your oil change interval for convenience.
What is the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?
The correct tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer is usually located on your door jamb sticker
If your sticker is missing or is not readable, the owner’s manual should give you the correct information. On most cars and light trucks, the standard is between 30psi-40psi. This can vary depending on the size and type of tire you have as well as what the car/truck is used for. For further recommendations, you can always call the auto service staff at Perez Auto Repair and we’ll get you the correct information.