Driving carefully with caution in wet, wintry, inclement weather

 

Getting your car winterized with Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX, Images 17/1/23

 

Preparing for a road trip this winter - Milstead Service Center, Conroe, TX, Images 17/1/23

 

Top Industry Experts: Tips For Identifying The Most Qualified Auto Repair Shops

 

What to Consider When Looking for an Auto Repair Shop

Conroe, United States - December 26, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

Whether it is a car, SUV, truck, or RV, a vehicle is a significant investment that most people work hard to protect. Because of this, it makes sense to find the best professionals to help keep the vehicle in prime working order. But, finding a reputable auto repair shop is not as easy as it seems, explains Conroe, TX industry expert Milstead Service Center. Here they share how to find the best local mechanics.

How to Find a Reliable Auto Repair Shop

Finding a credible and reliable auto repair shop requires far more than an internet search, and it should. No mechanic is equally qualified, equipped, or dedicated, so finding the top professionals takes looking at many facets.

Ask Around for Recommendations

One of the best places to start a search for a qualified auto repair shop is by asking friends, family, and associates for their recommendations. If they have had a consistently good experience with a repair shop, chances are pretty good others will too.

Check Online Reviews

While online reviews never tell the entire story, they can give those looking for a professional mechanic a better idea of the experiences customers have had with a particular service provider.

Look at the Shop’s Certifications

Another important way to identify a quality shop is by looking for industry certifications such as being ASE Certified. ASE, or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is the top independent non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. To become certified, mechanics must pass one or more of ASE’s 52 tests. To remain ASE Certified, the technician must be retested every five years.

Look at the Rating with the Better Business Bureau

Unfortunately, there are many disreputable auto shops. To avoid auto repair shops with a less than stellar reputation and to find highly reputable ones, go to the bureau’s website to check on any repair shops under consideration.

Check Out Warranties

A quality shop will not have a problem standing by their work. One of the ways they would demonstrate this is by offering some type of guarantee of their work. Compare what kind of warranties each shop offers and search online reviews to see how well they honor them with their customers.

Look for Specific Experience

Every type of vehicle has specifics that need special care and consideration. That’s why sometimes the best auto repair shop is the one that offers the most experience related to the type of vehicle or RV. Look for years of experience in the industry and the make and model of the vehicle needing to be serviced.

Do a Test Run

Before choosing an auto repair shop, give the top contender a trial run with a simple repair or tune-up. Take the time to evaluate their services and quality of work. Ask questions about their experience, service offerings, and what they do when encountering difficult issues or ones that they have not seen before. Observe customers and their concerns. Getting into the shop environment can provide much more information than any ad or website.

Auto Repair Shop in Conroe, TX

Milstead Service Center understands that finding the best auto repair shop can be very difficult. Because of this, they welcome customer inquiries and proudly work to provide the highest levels of service daily. The award-winning company proudly holds recognized industry certifications and is an ASE-certified and AAA Approved auto repair shop. Whether a vehicle needs a minor tune-up or a major engine rebuild, the company’s expert technicians are dedicated to prodigy customers with nothing less than the best.

For more information about the company or to schedule an appointment, visit the website. The company can be reached by phone at (936) 441-3500.

Milstead Service Center

2416 N Frazier St

Conroe, TX 77303

United States

How to Minimize Unexpected Costly Auto Repairs

 

Industry Experts Share Top Tips For Minimizing Unexpected Expensive Auto Repairs

Conroe, United States - December 19, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

Nobody plans to have car or engine trouble. Most people just do not spend enough time planning not to have them. Car problems and auto repair expenses can be difficult to navigate, but thankfully, there is a lot that can be done to attenuate them, says Conroe, TX, industry expert Milstead Service Center. Here they share the top ways to minimizeauto repairs.

Find a Reputable Shop for Auto Repair and Maintenance

One of the most crucial ways to attenuate costly repair bills is by having an expert mechanic perform regular tune-ups. Tune-ups help identify issues before they become a problem that interferes with the functionality and safety of the vehicle. Most importantly, routine car maintenance can also help prevent and delay costly auto repairs.

Follow the Maintenance Schedule in the Owners Manual

Another top way to avoid costly auto repairs is by following the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the vehicle manufacturer. This schedule provides a comprehensive guide for when to perform essential maintenance tasks, which helps all of the components work together better and longer.

Do Not Solely Rely On Sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECUs)

Electronic sensors and electronic control units, or ECUs, help signify an issue with the vehicle. They are not necessarily preventative maintenance features and should not be the sole guidance for maintaining the vehicle's optimal condition. Waiting for lights to come on may mean waiting too long. A professional tune-up can even help detect problems that the onboard diagnostics system is not equipped to detect. The best action is to combine a trusted professional's knowledge and handy sensors.

Don’t Delay Auto Repairs

Auto repairs can be inconvenient and disruptive, but some may want to delay them. However, delaying repairs only leads to significantly more problems. Even minor issues worsen over time, and because each system and component are interconnected, neglecting one small thing can progress in needing extensive auto repairs.

Keep Your Fluids at Proper Levels

Another effective way to avoid costly auto repairs is by keeping all of the fluids at the proper levels. The most crucial are the engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Allowing these important fluids to run low or run out could cause the vital systems to break down completely. For example, the brakes could seize up or stop working, the steering may go out, or the engine or transmission could critically malfunction.

Check Hoses and Belts

The hoses under the hood help keep fluids flowing to the vehicle’s systems while the belts drive different engine components. If the belts or hoses wear down, crack, or break, it can cause major damage and costly auto repairs. If a transmission line cracks, the transmission could seize up and need to be replaced.

Use High-Grade Synthetic Oil

Most service centers recommend upgrading to high-grade synthetic oil. It is a simple step that many vehicle owners ignore. Changing to a higher-performing oil can help improve the vehicle's general performance, which ultimately helps avoid eventual repairs.

Auto Repair in Conroe, TX

A vehicle is a significant investment, and protecting that investment requires the expertise of trusted professionals. Milstead Service Center has provided affordable and dependable RV, truck, and auto repair since 1972. The award-winning company proudly holds recognized industry certifications and is an ASE-certified and AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop. Whether a vehicle needs a minor tune-up or a major engine rebuild, the company’s expert technicians are dedicated to prodigy customers with nothing less than the best.

For more information about the company or to schedule an appointment, visit the website. The company can be reached by phone at (936) 441-3500.

Milstead Service Center

2416 N Frazier St

Conroe, TX 77303

United States

Why Your SUV Needs Routine Tune-Ups

 

Industry Experts Discuss the Hidden Value of SUV Tune-Ups

Conroe, United States - December 13, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

Every SUV engine needs regular tune-ups to keep the vehicle running smoothly. It is crucial preventative maintenance that helps SUV owners get ahead of problems and help reduce the cost of owning an SUV, explain the experts at Milstead Service Center.

SUVs Need Regular Tune-Ups

No matter if it is an early or late model SUV, it needs regular tune-ups to minimize later auto repairs. Even though today’s SUVs are loaded with many sensors and electronic control units (ECUs), it is still important to have a professional get under the hood and perform a tune-up. The best reason for this is that sensors sense problems and tune-ups prevent them. A professional tune-up can even help detect problems that the onboard diagnostics system is not equipped to detect.

What is Included in a Tune-Up for an SUV?

Many people wonder what is included in a tune-up. While it varies by shop, a tune-up typically consists of a comprehensive inspection, replacing several important wear-and-tear parts, like the air filter, fuel filter, oxygen sensor, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, and spark-plug wires. A tune-up may also include diagnostics.

Top Reasons To Get Regular SUV Tune-Ups

A tune-up is one of the best ways to safeguard your investment and keep your SUV running smoothly. Here are the top reasons for getting regular tune-ups.

Tune-Ups Help Avoid Expensive Auto Repairs

Routine tune-ups are the best way to identify minor problems before progressing into big ones. Fixing the problems early on helps avoid costly auto repairs later down the road.

The SUV Will Be Safer

An SUV is a serious piece of equipment, and lives depend on its safety. Tune-ups ensure that it is running properly and help avoid problems that could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk or that might lead to becoming stranded on the side of the road.

Tune-Ups Help Avoid Breakdowns

Regular tune-ups help avoid breakdowns and all the problems that go with them, such as auto repair costs, lost work time, car rental costs, missed appointments and opportunities, and more.

It Extends the Life of the SUV

An SUV is more than a vehicle used for work or personal time; it is an investment. Whether an owner intends to keep it for its entire useful life or sell it at some point, keeping it in the best possible shape is vital to protect its value and longevity. The longer the car lasts, the better the return on the investment.

How Often Do SUVS Need Tune-ups?

How often an SUV needs a tuneup depends on several factors. If the SUV is used for light driving and less frequently, it is possible to go up to 30,000 miles between tune-ups. If the SUV receives high usage and is driven hard under harsher conditions, it is best to schedule a tune-up every 10,000 miles.

SUV Tune-ups in Conroe

Milstead Service Center has provided experienced, affordable, dependable RV, truck, and auto repair since 1972. The award-winning company holds top industry certifications and is an ASE-certified and AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop. Whether a vehicle needs a minor tune-up or a major engine rebuild, the company’s expert technicians only use original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts to perform the necessary repairs to keep vehicles in the best operating condition.

For more information about the company or to schedule an appointment, visit the website. The company can be reached by phone at (936) 441-3500.

Milstead Service Center

2416 N Frazier St

Conroe, TX 77303

United States