Find an Honest Mechanic

NARPRO Chosen "Best of the Valley"

Wow!  Phoenix Magazine has chosen NARPRO as "The Best Way To Find A Good Mechanic" in it's annual Best of the Valley Issue.  This award is not only a tribute to our website, NARPRO.com, but also to the 20 recommended shops that meet our tough 26 point standards. (See Phoenix Magazine, Sept 2008, p. 137)

What Do Those Dash Lights Mean?

Here's the bottom line when it comes to what to do when the dash light comes on when driving.

      If it's Yellow in color, it's warning you that you need to have the car looked at by a professional mechanic within a week or so.  The car is telling you that it needs to be checked.  Don't put it off because it could turn into a red light and you do not want to see one of those!

      Yellow means something's not right, like a tire or fluid level is low, or even a check engine/service soon message.  Professional Mechanics have a special computer they can connect to your car and it will give them detailed information on what is happening to your car and can then give you options on what to do.

      If the message or symbol is RED pull over immediately and turn off the engine as quickly and safely as you can.  The car is telling you that something is really wrong and if you don't turn do something right now, you or your car (interchange car with wallet) is in danger!

RED could be Stop Engine, Low oil, Braking system.  All things that could be very dangerous or very expensive if you ignore it and keep driving.  A $100 tow may be the least of your problems if you blow up an engine just because you didn't want to stop right then. 

      By the way, when you start your car, get familiar with all of those lights that do light up for a second or two on the dashboard.  Some symbols are a little confusing, so pull out your vehicle manual or if you have questions contact a NARPRO.com recommended mechanic for help.

NARPRO Members Sweep 2009 BBB Ethics Awards

 Two NARPRO-recommended shops, Community Tire (4 locatiuons) and Airpark Auto Service (Scottsdale) are the recipcient of the Better Business Bureau's 2009 Ethics Award.  This award is based on integrity, customer service, and community involvement.

Howard Fleischmann's Community Tire won in the category of 21-50 employees and Nadine Grobmeier's Airpark Auto Service was named the winner in the 11-20 employee category.

All our NARPRO shops are rated A or better by the BBB.  Congratulations to Nadine and Howard for a job well done.

Knudsen's, Pat's Precision, and Buddy's Qualify For NARPRO membership

Three great auto repair shops in three different parts of the Valley have passed NARPRO's 26 point Quality Test and are now members of the NARPRO network and, as such, worthy of your trust.  

Lyle Knudsen, Jr and his son Lyle III are third generation auto repair specialists in Phoenix.  Their shop is on 19th Ave just North of Cactus.  Amy and Jeff Hudelson welcome you to Pat's Precision at Bell Road and 63rd Ave.  Janet and Nolan "Buddy" France run Buddy's Auto and Alignment on Raintree Drive, just west of the 101 in Scottsdale.

For those of you who are near these find shops, stop and say hi and look them over.  Remember, if your check engine light is on, all NARPRO-recommended shops will check it out for you at absolutely no charge.

Virginia Auto Service Earns NARPRO Recommendation

   Virginia Auto Service, 7th Street south of Thomas, has now earned a NARPRO 5 Star Recommendation.

      To earn our recommendation, Virginia Auto had to pass 26 tests of excellence including ASE Certification, Superb Customer Satisfaction Rating, exemplary BBB track record, free local shuttle, etc. (See all criteria at www.NARPRO.com).

     Call Matt or Tim at (602) 266-0200 to have a conversation about your car.  We promise you - "these guys (and gals) are good".

NARPRO Recognized For Charitable Works

This past Saturday night Helping Hands recognized NARPRO and Cardinals Charities for their outstanding work in providing auto repair services for the 43 single moms in their program.  Cardinals Charities provides the parts and the 22 recommended shops on the NARPRO network donate all the labor.

Helping Hands for Single Moms, a local organization that helps women achieve financial independence by obtaining a college education.  Volunteers for the program serve as mentors, tutors, or in the Networking group (they recruit community services). HHFSM was a recipient of Channel 8's "Be More" Award for outstanding community service.

To find out more information on Helping Hands for Single Moms please go to http://www.helpsinglemoms.org/.  Chris and Joanne are performing one heck of a service and they deserve all our support.

How Often Do I Really Need To Change My Oil?

      These days just about everyone is trying to save money.  One of the things we are seeing more of is the question "How often do I really need to change my oil?" 

       Well our recommendations are more now than ever is that if you really want to save money is to still change your oil every 3-5,000 miles even if your vehicle manufacturer says you can go longer.  It not only makes your engine run more economical by saving gas but ultimately saves in the long run, reducing major wear and tear on your engine.  And trust me, a $30 oil change is much cheaper in the long run than a $2,500 engine, plus, plus, plus ...

       The other reason to have your oil changed frequently is the benefit of an expert mechanic inspecting your vehicle for detecting other signs of trouble early.  Just like cancer detection, the earlier you can find the problem, the more likely it can be cured or fixed much easier. 

        Using NARPRO recommended shops vs. a "quick lube" means you'll have a qualified expert mechanic inspecting and helping you understand what your car repair needs are now and in the future, allowing you to budget and not be surprised. 

        To find a shop near your home or work go to NARPRO.com

        Happy Driving!

Car Trouble at the Border

My friend and I along with our wives were driving back from Rocky Point to Phoenix .  As soon as we slowed down for the border crossing, his '98 Mercedes stalled and we couldn't get it to keep running.  We had to push it a mile until we were across the border, then we called our NARPRO shop for a tow. 

Kord's towing out of Ajo got there within an hour and brought the car all the way to one of our NARPRO-recommended shops, Sun Valley Imports in Tempe.  They really know their way around German cars. And what great guys!  they stayed late to wait for us, had a rental car waiting, and were just as helpful as they could be.  The car was fixed by the next day and I'm glad to say thanks to Steve, Juergen and John of Sun Valley Imports. 

At least this adventure had a happy ending.

NARPRO On The Air - Sunday 9/21, 6am

The AZ Commerce Department interviewed me today for a broadcast on Phoenix's  KFNN Radio 1510 AM, this coming Sunday at 6 am.  I know it's early - I wouldn't get up for it either, but I can send a copy to anyone who wants it.  Just e-mail me at atarr@NARPRO.com. 

Help St Mary's Food Bank

Today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) NARPRO is helping to raise the food supply at St Mary's Food Bank.  If you take five non-perishable food items (like canned tuna, Mac and Cheese, Cereal) to any NARPRO recommended shop you will get a free Summer Car Check-up (Value $65).  In addition you can enter a drawing to win a full year of oil changes. There will be a winner in each shop.

Help those less fortunate and help keep your car in tip-top shape.  See www.NARPRO.com for the shop nearest you.

Low Price Come Ons

I can't count how many auto repair ads I've seen that hype a really low price.  And even with all we know about "too good to be true", the low price stays in our head.

Have you heard this one?   A chain store that specializes in brakes has advertised $99 brake jobs for years.  But lately something is different.  I wonder if some attorney general or government office has had a talk with them - because now all their ads say this: "Additional services are often recommended at substantial addition cost."  Now we know for sure.

My advice?  Find an honest mechanic who quotes honest prices and stick with him to avoid getting stuck!