Every vehicle - whether new or old - must receive regular maintenance to keep running at peak performance. Check to see if your vehicle may be over-due for a 3,500-mile, 7,500-mile, 15,000-mile, 30,000-mile, 60,000-mile or 90,000-mile service. Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa would like to share with you the following suggested guidleines for routine maintenance. If you have any questions, or would like us to give you a hand, call or come by Mercie J Auto Care today.

A light on the dash that doesn't say - washer fluid is low immediately panics you right?  It can happen when you don't keep up with standard maintenance and with older vehicles you see it due to the age of the vehicle, however here at Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa we like to keep you driving happy and listening to your favorite songs or talking to friends and family worry-free!  Here are some quick tips and hard lines in the sand that you do not need to ignore.

FIRST TIP:  Do not ignore a warning light.  However, first line of defense is to stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe and then turn the engine off - wait a few minutes then turn it back on.  If the light is still there - get your manual out to see what the light means (or Google it).

We are pleased to announce that our shop is able to provide re manufactured engines for the Toyota 1GR-FE gas engine line through our JASPER Engine partnership!   This 4.0L, Dual OHC, Single VVT, V6 engine, is available for the following Toyota applications: 2003-2015 (4Runner | Tacoma | FJ Cruiser | Tundra). 

There seems to be a common misconception among many that if you have an aftermarket/extended warranty, that your car, truck, SUV or Jeep must be taken to a dealership. This is not true. Non-dealership / Independent Automotive repair shops can service and repair your new or UNDER WARRANTY/EXTENDED WARRANTY. As a positive, at our shop you can get fast service and work with highly trained technicians!  We'd love to take care of your vehicle for you and can do so right here at our automotive shop. Repairs by highly rated and trained automotive technicians with dealer rated diagnostic tools, at BETTER PRICING by a shop that knows you!

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your car or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

Have you checked your brakes lately?   I know you expect them to stop your car or truck when you step on that brake pedal, but when they don't work as expected it's too late and then you have an accident with damage to your vehicle but more importantly to the people inside your car and those on the road who may be in your path. 

Let's avoid that issue!  Test your brakes by lightly tapping them in different situations when the roads are both wet and dry.   If your vehicle is pulling to one side, your brake pedal pulses up and down or the steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied, you are very much overdue for a brake check.  Getting in early will save you money as it is always easier to fix a problem before it becomes a huge issue and your brakes are gone requiring new brakes, pads, rotars, and drums. 

When in doubt stop by our shop and have one of our professional automotive repair technicians take a look.    Don't wait until it's too late to solve these problems and let us help you stay safe on the road!  After all, that is the reason we raise these garage doors every day and open these tool boxes.  We love what we do and want to ensure our drivers can stay on the roads longer with their vehicles safer and more cost efficiently.