Find an Honest Mechanic

Like Us on Facebook and WIN!

2011-10-10T13:10:30-07:00

We have an awesome promotion to offer you! For the next week only, if you "like" us on Facebook, you are automatically entered into a drawing which qualifies you to win a $100 NARPRO gift card, to be used as a credit at any NARPRO shop for any type of service.

But in order to be included in the drawing you MUST "like" us by October 17th, 2011. Click here to like us or visit www.facebook.com/NARPRO.

And even if you don't win, by liking our Facebook page you will be kept up to date on all of NARPRO's news, as well as informed on the latest consumer information on how to operate your car, in addition to any other future special offers only for our Facebook friends!

So get to liking, and good luck!

How to Find a Reliable Auto Repair Shop

2011-08-25T14:34:24-07:00

We know that finding a trustworthy auto repair shop can be difficult, which is why NARPRO is dedicated to helping consumers find honest mechanics. We asked Bill Coniam, owner of one of our member shops 25^th Street Automotive in Phoenix, for some tips on finding a reliable repair shop. You can also read more from Bill by visiting his blog, CarGuyPhoenix.

Start Shopping for a Repair Facility Before You Need One – Bill says to ask friends for recommendations and to search online for reviews. NARPRO has a Full Circle Review system on every member shop’s page that allows customers to rate and review their experience at the shop. Once you’ve found a shop you like, make sure it offers services like providing transportation to get you to and from work while your car is being worked on. Also look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community or customer service awards.

Check for Certifications and Credentials - Pay close attention to the shop’s business credentials. A good shop will have credentials from organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the National Institute for Automotive Service excellence (ASE). It’s also important to note that shops that have ASE certified technicians on staff are always reliable; NARPRO requires all of our member shops to employ auto mechanics with ASE certifications.

Get it in Writing – According to Bill, a written estimate should be agreed upon prior to letting the shop begin the repair. He says the estimate “better be ‘out the door’, meaning no hidden fees, charges or surprises when you come to pick up your car.” He also says the shop should contact you if the services are coming to more than ten percent over what you originally authorized. Every NARPRO shop offers a free 2^nd Opinion Program, where a technician will take up to 30 minutes of their time and diagnostic equipment, reviewing a written estimate and providing their written estimate, detailing their recommendations.

Be Careful! - A couple things we suggest trying to AVOID: be especially wary of shops that don’t charge for diagnostic time, are not willing to give you a written estimate and detailed description of the work that needs to be done (with itemized costs), or a shop that advertises oil changes for under $30. Reputable shops don't try and draw customers in this way, because eventually they have to make up the costs somewhere else.

5 Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Large Repair Bills Down the Road

2011-08-16T09:00:00-07:00

A recent r eport by AAA stated that one out of four Americans could not afford a $2,000 repair bill if faced with one. Many of us are trying to save money, and regular or preventative auto repair and maintenance might not always be budgeted in.

Master Technician John Riggle, from NARPRO member shop The Auto Shop, provides tips that can help prevent a large repair bill down the road. John says it’s important to note though, that sometimes the $2,000 plus bill is not preventable with maintenance; some repairs are going to be costly no matter how well you take care of your car. Here are some of his suggestions you can do now to (hopefully) prevent a bigger repair bill down the road.

1) Avoid incompetent maintenance – “We see more damages caused by improper maintenance and service procedures than caused by normal wear and tear,” says John. Incorrect fluids, no matter how often they are changed, will cause extensive damage when it comes to incorrect engine oil,transmission fluid and coolant. John often comes across air filter changes from unqualified installers improperly sealing air cleaner housings; even the best filter is harmful if the housing isn’t sealed correctly.

2) Replace the timing belt – John says this is “A relatively inexpensive service when replaced as recommended.” Find out when the manufacturer recommends replacing the belt and follow their recommendations. If your belt unexpectedly breaks while driving, your car will immediately stall, often causing severe engine damage. A repair like this costs over $1,500, not to mention the cost of towing your car.

3) Maintain a clean car, over and under – Have fluid leaks checked right away. “It makes a difference,” says John. “Battery acid from cheap, poorly maintained batteries can tear up a $2,000 wiring harness in a minute.” John says to prevent this, simply rinse the battery with a garden hose. Also rinsing the underside of your vehicle can help with reducing the chance of fluid leaks. Engine mounts, suspension bushings and steering racks will fail as a direct result of irregular cleaning.

4) Address even small failures immediately - Don’t wait or ignore the warning lights, such as the check engine light. According to John, “They’re your warning sign that there is a system malfunction.” He also suggests reading your car’s owner’s manual so you understand the warning lights and recommended services for your vehicle, or ask your service advisor at your reliable NARPRO repair shop.

5) Don’t drive until the gas tank is empty – Your fuel pump won’t tolerate it if you drive until you run out of gas, or get dangerously close to empty. Many fuel pumps can cost around $900 to replace.

But remember, even if you do the tips suggested, John says it’s important to budget your money, because from time to time the $2000 failures are going to occur.

Checking In With Your Car’s Check Engine Light

2011-08-05T14:56:24-07:00

A recent article in the Arizona Republic reported that one in ten vehicles has a check engine light on at any one time, and that once the light appears, sometimes it takes up to three months for the owner to get it checked out at their local auto repair shop. For most of us, when we see the check engine light go on in our car, our first reaction may be to ignore it. But doing so could not only be damaging to your vehicle but damaging to your wallet as well.

A very common reason the check engine light goes on is because your gas cap is either not tightened enough or it’s cracked, causing gas to evaporate into the air and waste fuel. A new gas cap costs around $13. But, if the gas cap isn’t the issue, your check engine light could be on because a part in your car needs to be replaced. Here is a list of parts that might cause your check engine light to go on if they’re damaged.

1) Oxygen Sensor - The oxygen sensor measures oxygen in the car’s exhaust, helping to regulate how much fuel the engine needs to operate. If the oxygen sensor is faulty the car will use more fuel than necessary and raise fuel costs.

2) Spark Plugs and Catalytic Converter – If the spark plugs are not replaced when needed, damaged plugs can cause the engine to misfire and lead to catalytic converter problems. If the catalytic converter does get damaged it can cost up to $2,000.

3) Mass Air Flow Sensor – This measures air coming into the engine. Problems with it can be prevented if the air filter is changed regularly, typically when you get your oil changed; it usually costs around $20. If you don’t change the air filter, dust can build up in it and could cost up to $400 to repair.

Armed for Auto Repair - KJZZ Radio Interview

2011-08-04T15:05:37-07:00

NARPRO General ManagerJay Jennings discussed how to be armed with the right questions with Phoenix radio station KJZZ’s Morning Edition Host Dennis Lambert. Listen to the interview below!

NARPRO, KJZZ, Armed For Auto Repair

Three Tips for Maintaining Your Car During Hot Summer Heat

2011-08-04T14:38:10-07:00

Regular maintenance and repair of your car is necessary, especially in the summer heat. We’ve put together some tips to help you make sure your car is maintained this summer.

1) Have a Good Battery - Often, the most expensive battery isn’t always the best one, especially in a climate like Phoenix. Usually, the all-weather batteries are more expensive and made for colder climates, so try and find a mid-priced battery instead.

2) Maintain Tire Pressure – Howard Fleischman, owner of NARPRO recommended shop Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair, says “the only natural enemy your tire has is the heat. So the most important thing you can do is keep the proper tire pressure.” Howard suggests you check the tire pressure weekly and keep it at what the automobile manufacturer requires (you can find that information on the inside of the driver’s door), not what it says on the side of the tire.

3) Check A/C Flow – Just like humans in extreme heat, your car needs to sweat in order to remain “healthy”. Matt Allen, owner of NARPRO recommended shop Virginia Auto Service, suggests you make sure your cabin air filter doesn’t have any restrictions and has a good flow out the vents. Matt also says if there is some dripping underneath the car when its humid outside, that’s ok; having a little puddle of water under your car means your condensation tube is unrestricted and water is getting out.

Do you have any other tips for summer car maintenance? Leave them in the comments section!

NARPRO in the News

2011-08-02T11:30:08-07:00

NARPRO has been in the news recently! Read a great article from the CBS Phoenix affiliate, KPHO 5, about how NARPRO can take the stress out of finding an honest mechanic.

And make sure to check out the video segment featuring our GM, Jay Jennings, on KNXV ABC 15's show "Smart Family" discussing tips to save gas this summer!

What do you think? Any other tips you'd like to add about saving gas? Leave them in the comments section!

NARPRO expands to Oregon

2011-06-05T14:28:43-07:00

The Network of Neighborhood Professionals is expanding to Oregon and starting to enroll competent, customer service minded auto repair and auto body shops in the metropolitan Portland area.

NARPRO is a unique referral service that helps consumers find reliable auto repair and auto body repair at NARPRO.com. All shops listed on the website have passed NARPRO’s 26 tests of quality, integrity and customer satisfaction ensuring that no matter which shop the consumer selects, they will get experienced, highly competent, honest service.

Dan Dumbauld is the new Affiliate for the state of Oregon. Dumbauld, a shop owner for over 32 years in Phoenix, Ariz., has earned the AAM (Accredited Automotive Manager) designation. Dan has been listed as an honored professional in the Nationwide Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses and is a past appointed member of the National Car Care Center Advisory Council for Parts Plus.

Because his shop has been a NARPRO member since 2006 in Arizona, he has seen first hand the benefits that NARPRO can deliver to the consumer, the shop owner, the industry and the community and is excited to bring this service to the people of Portland Oregon.

“We launched NARPRO because we saw a need for reliable, quality auto repair and knew there were a lot of smaller, independent shops who didn’t have the opportunities to promote themselves like the big chains,” said Jay Jennings, NARPRO’s General Manager. “The auto repair industry can always improve its impression on consumers and we believe that by supporting local shops, keeping money in our communities and offering the value of a trusted mechanic is how we will do it.”

5 Things a GOOD Mechanic Wants You to Know . . . You Just Need to Ask the Right Questions!

2011-05-31T00:00:00-07:00

In today’s economy most people want to avoid additional debt so purchasing a new car is low on their list of priorities. According to MSN.com, most cars can be run until they are close to 200,000 miles IF they are well taken care of. There are several things you can do to keep your current vehicle running longer and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

“With a little knowledge, customers can feel empowered and not intimidated by the auto repair process,” said Jay Jennings, General Manager of NARPRO (Network of Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals). “Consumers should do their research and always remember they have the right get the services they paid for.” NARPRO helps consumers find reliable and trustworthy Phoenix auto repair and body shops http://www.narpro.com/Auto-Repair. Shops listed on this site have passed a stringent 26-point test of quality, integrity and customer service.

Some of these simple guidelines could help your technician diagnose and fix your problem fast and more efficiently - - saving you time and money in the long run.

Here are the top tips from Jennings:

1. Pay attention to what’s going on with your car. If you can provide detailed information about what your car is doing it will help a PRO fine-tune their diagnosis. Providing information on warning signs you experienced before and after your car started acting up is important. For example; when did the problem start? Did you see any warning lights? Hear any unusual sounds? Smell anything funny?

2. Establish a budget and put aside the money to maintain your car each year. Especially if your car is out of warranty, planning for expenses is extremely valuable. If you own a mid size sedan and drive the average 10-15,000 miles a year Jennings estimates the cost to maintain your car is about $1,500 - $2,500 annually, “this figure accounts for regular maintenance, tires and major services needed to keep your car running.” Smaller cars are typically less expensive to maintain than larger cars, with SUVs and luxury vehicles running even higher than these average numbers.

3. Ask questions and keep asking them until you really understand what needs to be done with your car. A good auto mechanic in Phoenix http://narpro.com/Auto-Mechanic will be happy to give you a lesson on how parts work together and may even be able to show you a diagram or video examples. You can also ask for damaged/worn parts back after a service is rendered. Got your timing belt replaced? Ask to have the worn out belt back. You can toss it once you get home but you’ll have piece of mind the repair was done. Plus you will be able to see with your own eyes the belt was cracked, broken or worn and needed to be replaced.

4. Develop a long-term relationship with your auto repair shop. Building trust will save you headaches and money in the long run. A reputable repair shop can provide you with a roadmap for future repairs, will stand behind their work and having a vehicle history will help technicians provide the best service for your car. Plus your car may be considered more valuable when you sell it if you can show all of your repair work history. Use a service like http://www.NARPRO.com to find a reputable repair shop in your area.

5. Be diligent about routine maintenance. Get to know your owners manual and the recommended major service intervals for your vehicle. There are things that need to be serviced or checked every 30,000 miles. It’s more than just having your oil changed and tires rotated. YOU play a big part in making sure your car is properly taken care of. Diligent preventative care will extend the life of your car and in most cases it is cheaper to take care of your car than to buy a new one!

Jennings also added that customers should remember a ‘good value’ is not just about the cheapest price but also includes the quality of the work, customer service and a shop’s willingness to stand by their repairs.

NARPRO Expanding To Tucson

2011-04-16T15:56:05-07:00

NARPRO.com is coming to the Old Pueblo.

It has been NARPRO's mission to help consumers find reputable reliable repair shops and auto body shops. Over the years we've been wanting to be able to serve the Tucson market and now that we have our new and (tremendously) improved website up and running, we can do just that.

Over the next month or two you will be able to locate top shops in the Tucson area. If you happen to know of a shop you'd like us to evaluate, please e-mail me the name and address and we'll go down to check them out. (I'm always looking for an excuse to get back to Tucson). You can reach me at atarr@narpro.com.