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What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cover?

What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cover?

When you’re in the market to buy a pre-owned car, there’s nothing more crucial than getting a  pre-purchase inspection before finalizing your decision. This inspection takes about an hour to complete, and it can give you all the information you would want to know about the vehicle’s overall safety and condition. The FTC recommends this step as well, as many people have gotten scammed from buying vehicles before. A pre-purchase inspection should always be done by an unbiased third-party source, not a family member’s garage. When you take the car to a professional auto service shop, like Robbie’s At Your Service, you’ll have peace of mind that the information you get is trusted. Additionally, we will write a detailed evaluation that you can take back with you to negotiate with the seller.  What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection/PPI Cover Our PPI typically covers a bumper-to-bumper analysis. Our technicians can check for cosmetic flaws. More ... read more

How Bad Driving Habits Can Hurt Your Vehicle

How Bad Driving Habits Can Hurt Your Vehicle

Your car's condition is a direct reflection of your driving habits. The better your car's condition, the better your driving habits, and vice-versa. Little things here and there may seem harmless, but their effect over time will affect the vehicle's condition. Many bad driving habits could be damaging your vehicle, including: Hard Starts and Stops Speeding off after the traffic turns green may be fun, but it is a habit that will hurt your car. The blast of speed programs your vehicle at higher fuel consumption rates and will reduce the car's gas mileage over time. On other hand, coming to a sudden stop to test your braking horsepower or to avoid accidents is occasionally necessary. However, too much of it will significantly stress the braking system. It will soon become inefficient, making braking consistency suffers. Racing Over Speed Bumps and Potholes Speed bumps are meant to encourage slower driving, and you should comply. Many people speed over bumps which ar ... read more

4 Signs That Mean You Need Transmission Repairs

4 Signs That Mean You Need Transmission Repairs

Out of the thousands of pieces and parts that make up a car, the transmission is one of its most essential components. Without the transmission, you won’t be able to shift gears or transfer engine power to turn your car’s wheels. That means no accelerating, no reversing, and no driving. That is why transmission repairs are a nightmare for drivers. Here are the top 4 signs to spot that indicate you need transmission repairs: #1: Trouble Switching or Staying in Gears This is a telltale sign that your transmission system is acting up. When your transmission is working and properly lubricated, switching gears should feel natural and smooth. If you can’t go from drive to reverse or vice versa, you need to have your transmission checked out.  #2: Grinding Gears Does your car make a grinding or grating sound during acceleration or when you attempt to switch gears? The metallic friction sounds are never good. We recommend that you tak ... read more

Is Your Vehicle Having Trouble Starting?

Is Your Vehicle Having Trouble Starting?

Usually, multiple things could make your car have trouble starting or not start at all. For example, it could be an issue with the starter, a dying or dead battery, or even loose connection cables. While some are more common than others, we found the following reasons to be the top reasons why your automobile won't start. Pay extra attention to them, and your vehicle will stay in its top shape. Defective Ignition Switch The battery might be in its best condition and working correctly, but still, your vehicle could be having trouble starting, especially on the first few tries. The first suspect is the ignition switch. Try turning on your headlights to be sure you are dealing with an ignition switch issue. If the dashboard and headlights turn on, but your engine doesn't start, the ignition switch could be defective. Clogged Fuel Filter A clogged fuel filter means the fuel will have trouble reaching the engine for combustion. Therefore, your automobile will struggle to burn e ... read more

4 Signs That Indicate You Need Shocks or Struts Replacement

4 Signs That Indicate You Need Shocks or Struts Replacement

Your shocks or struts are an underrated part of the vehicle – they play a major role in supporting your vehicle and absorbing the road’s impacts. Without them, your car rides will not feel so smooth. If your car is properly maintained, you can go up to 100,000 miles before needing it these suspension components replaced. But if you put a lot of stress on your vehicle, you might need to replace them in as little time as 50,000 miles.   Here are 4 signs that indicate you need suspension repairs: Car Dips in the Front or Droops in the Back Does your vehicle dip down every time you brake? If so, that is a sign that your front suspension needs attention. On the other hand, if your car’s rear dips lower than usual, it means your rear shocks could be on their way out.  Greasy Appearance Do you notice any fluid leaking down towards the shock or strut? If they have a shiny or greasy appearance, you should have a professional mechanic take a look at where the le ... read more