GUARANTY AUTO Info and FAQ

Guaranty Auto Sales & Service

Always free coffee for our customers in our waiting area for your enjoyment.

Please NOTE that Guaranty Auto will always drive a customer to work or back home, depending on where you are geographically located, if your vehicle is dropped off for repairs at our shop. We will also pick you up and bring you back to our facility to pick up your vehicle once done.

We can also arrange for a rental vehicle for you if necessary.

GUARANTY AUTO'S EVERY DAY PRICE FOR A COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH IS $69.95 (plus antifreeze - whatever type your vehicle takes)!

Guaranty Auto sells Cooper Tires at our cost - that means you pay what we paid! Don't believe it? Ask us and WE'LL SHOW YOU OUR INVOICE!

CONSIDER PURCHASING A GUARANTY AUTO ROAD HAZARD COVERAGE PLAN

Even if you don't have a "road hazard", this plan covers TWO FREE tire rotations per year and keeps your tires wearing evenly. Also during a tire rotation your inflation is checked further ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Appointments are necessary for any scheduled, non-emergency service.

Click here for more details.

115 Chestnut Street * Clinton, MA 01510 Ph: 978 365-4787

Honest, Reliable and Informed Auto Repair Since 1979.

Have a specific question or concern that is not addressed here? ASK ERIC!

How to Communicate for Better Automotive Service. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)

Protect your Automotive Investment: Choose and ASE-Certified Technician. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)

Choosing a Repair Shop: A Checklist for Consumers. (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)

Don't Get Stuck Out In The Cold! (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)

Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment - Did you know... (Reproduced from Tech-Net Professional Auto Service Brochure.)

What Everyone Should Know about Wheel Alignment. (Reproduced from Hunter Engineering Company Brochure.)

In order to better serve our customers, we've developed this list of Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Can't you just hook the vehicle's computer up to that machine that tells you what's wrong with it?

2. Why is my bill more/less than my estimate?

3. What does the "Check Engine" Light mean?

4. Why are my brakes squealing / making noise?

5. Why is the repair taking so long?

6. What do you give for a warranty?

7. How long should my tires last?

8. What's included in a Tune Up?

CLICK A TOPIC OR FAQ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CLICK HERE for Fall and Winter Vehicle Maintenace Schedules, Safety Tips
and what you should have in your Winter Emergency Kit

How to Communicate for Better Automotive Service. Back To Top

Today's cars, light trucks and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction and more. They run better, longer and more efficiently than models of years past.

When it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of repair facility you patronize - dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise - good communication between the customer and the shop is vital. The following tips should help you along the way:

1. Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

2. Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.

3. Follow the recommended service schedules.

4. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.

Use all your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

* Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights and gauge readings.
* Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage and fluid levels.
* Worn tires, belts and hoses.
* Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.

Note when the problem occurs:

* Is it constant or periodic?
* When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
* At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During Braking? When Shifting?
* When did the problem first start?

Professional repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs. Once you are at the repair establishment, communicate your findings. Be prepared to describe the symptoms. Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician. RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO SUGGEST A SPECIFIC COURSE OF REPAIR. Just as you would your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but LET THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSE and recommend a remedy.

Lastly, STAY INVOLVED AND ASK QUESTIONS. Ask as many questions as you need. Don't be embarrassed to request explanations in layman's terms. PLEASE - Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to take a look and perhaps a test drive or may need to remove other parts to make a proper diagnosis. DIAGNOSIS CAN TAKE TIME. Ask to be called and appraised of the problem, course of action and costs before work begins. Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates; guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.

And always leave a phone number where you can be reached!

Protect Your Auto Investment: Choose an ASE-Certified Technician. Back To Top

HOW CONSUMERS BENEFIT FROM ASE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION:

Finding a competent auto repair technician should not be difficult...and with that guiding principal, the non-profit, independent national Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972. The mission was clear: develop a mechanism b which working auto technicians could prove their competency to themselves, their employers and to consumers. The solution: a series of national certification exams covering all the major automotive repair and service specialties. The result: an elite group of automotive service professionals at work in repair establishments throughout the nation.

WHY USE ASE-CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIANS?

Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program since it takes much of the guesswork out of finding a competent technician. Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were simpler, less complex. But with today's high-tech vehicles, the margin for error is less. Mistakes can be costlier. It makes good financial sense to protect your automotive investment through regular, periodic maintenance and service performed by certified professionals. Because ASE's program is voluntary, technicians who have taken the time and expense to earn ASE certification can be counted on to have a strong sense of pride in accomplishment, which should be good news for consumers. Moreover, prior to taking ASE exams, many technicians attend training classes or study after work. The time they spend sharpening their skills should be advantageous to consumers as well.

Choosing a Repair Shop: A Checklist for Consumers. Back To Top

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON FINDING A GOOD REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT:

* Start shopping for a repair facility BEFORE you need one.
* Ask friends and associates for recommendations. Consider consulting local consumer organizations.
* Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
* Look for a courteous staff, with technicians and office staff who are willing to patiently answer all of your questions.
* Look to see if policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment are posted and visible
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community or customer service awards.
* Look for evidence of qualified repair technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course and certification by ASE.

Don't Get Stuck Out In The Cold! Back To Top

GETTING YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR A NEW ENGLAND WINTER:

Engine Performance - Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, diminished power, etc.) corrected as soon as they are noticed. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters - air, fuel, PVC, cabin, etc...

Fuel - Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a gas take once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a gas tank that is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming.

Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. The rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles or 3 months whichever comes first.

Cooling Systems - The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If overheating occurs, NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS THOROUGHLY COOLED! This could lead to serious injury!

Belts, Clamps and Hoses - Should be checked by a professional.

Windshield Wipers - Replace old blades. New England winters can be harsh. Purchasing rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build up is advisable. Stock upon windshield water solvent and keep a bottle in your vehicle. You'd be surprised at how much you use at times. Carrying an ice scraper in your vehicle is also smart during winter months.

Heater/Defroster - The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Battery - the only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care of a batter: scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid as they can cause serious injury. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned-out bulbs and periodically clean road grime from all lenses to keep headlights and taillights shining brightly. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag to do this.

Exhaust System - Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes - especially in older vehicles. Exhaust fumes can be deadly. Cold weather will only make existing exhaust problems much worse. A breakdown - never pleasant - can be deadly in winter.

Tires - Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life or have a professional examine them. Check for uneven wearing and cupping, sidewalls for cuts and nicks and tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked once a month and tires should "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Also, don't forget your spare tire and be sure your jack is in good working condition and that you know where it is.

Carry emergency gear - Gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, a bag of sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck, a flashlight and cellular phone. Put a few "high energy" snacks in your glove box.

Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment - Did you know... Back To Top

DID YOU KNOW... that a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%? Follow service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

DID YOU KNOW... under-inflation of your tires wastes fuel. Your engine has to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out of line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear of vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Properly maintained tires will last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed. DID YOU ALSO KNOW... Every ten days, motorists who drive with under-inflated tires and poorly maintained engines waste 70 million gallons of gasoline. (Fact courtesy of Car Care Council)

DID YOU KNOW... gas mileage decreases sharply above 65mph. Also, removing excess items from the vehicle improves mileage. Store luggage and cargo in the trunk (or truck bed) rather than on the roof to reduce air drag. Truck bed covers also reduce air drag and improve mileage.

DID YOU KNOW... Each year, twenty times the amount of oil spilled by the tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska is improperly dumped into America's environment by do-it-yourselfers. (Fact courtesy of the Automotive Information Council) ATTENTION DO-IT-YOURSELFERS: Dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant, tires and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items if you are a regular customer. You can also call your local municipal or county government for recycling sites. NEVER dump used oil or antifreeze on the ground or in open streams as it pollutes the environment!

IT'S UP TO YOU - Car care and preventative maintenance (i.e.: oil changes, tune-ups) is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer and will last longer - UP TO 50% LONGER ACCORDING TO A SURVEY OF ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIANS.

What Everyone Should Know About Wheel Alignment. Back To Top

Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life. Gas mileage increases as rolling resistence decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.

IMPROVED HANDLING - Does your vehicle pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by a total wheel alignment. With all the systems components aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.

SAFER DRIVING - A suspension system inspection is part of an alignment procedure. This allows the technician to spot worn parts BEFORE they can cause costly problems.

HOW IMPORTANT IS WHEEL ALIGNMENT? Think of it this way - research indicates that the average car is driven about 12 to 15,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just .34 degrees (just 0.17 inches in laymans terms) out of specifications has dragged its tires sideways for at least 68 miles by the end of the year (at 12,000 miles of driving).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A VEHICLE THAT IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT?

*Excessive or uneven tire wear.
* Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
* Feeling of looseness or wandering.
* Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
* Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR VEHICLE ALIGNED? - Follow your vehicle's manufacturers recommendation as noted in your owner's manual. As a general rule, HAVE YOUR TIRES CHECKED EVERY 10,000 MILES OR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

Can't you just hook the vehicle's computer up to that machine that tells you what's wrong with it? Back To Top

Modern vehicles are complex and have dozens of components and sensors to detect various problems your vehicle might have. These sensors discovers that there is something amiss. When our technicians hook up the Solar sensor to your vehicle's computer, we are given a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). While these codes simplify diagnosis, they often do not pinpoint exactly what is wrong but rather give the technician a general 'area' in which the trouble code came from and a place to start. The technician must then physically and visually examine the area to detect the problem.

Why is my bill more than my estimate? Back To Top

Often technicians run into situations when repairing a vehicle that can add a dollars to our estimate. Consider that during a repair a clamp, bolt or other miscellaneous part(S) may be necessary. When filling fluids, we can not estimate the exact amount of fluids that a particular vehicle will take. All sorts of small 'incidentals' can arise when replacing parts. You should know that under Massachusetts Law, the actual repair bill may vary up to $50.00 from the estimate received.

What does the "Check Engine" Light mean? Back To Top

Your "Check Engine Light" comes on when a sensor in your vehicle alerts the computer that there is a problem somewhere with the vehicle. Most people panic when they see this light and think their vehicle is going to have a major break down when realistically, the light can come on for any number of reasons and does not necessarily mean your vehicle will break down. When this light comes on, it's a good idea to take the vehicle to a reputable repair shop to have the Diagnostic Trouble Code read. If your vehicle seems to be running fine, it probably is and isn't an emergency to take it right away but do have the DTC read in a timely manner to avoid complications or more costly repairs due to ignoring the light.

Why are my brakes squealing / making noise? Back To Top

Simple answer? I don't know. Sounds funny doesn't it? The truth is, until we take a look we can't tell you. What we can tell you is that there are many reasons brakes will make noises and not always do you even need any repairs to your brakes because they make noise.

First, understand that a high-pitched scraping or squealing noise that goes away when you step on the brake may be telling you that the brake pads are worn - but only with brake pads that have wear sensors attached. Note that a grinding, metal-against-metal sound when braking indicates that it's too late: Your brake pads or shoes are completely worn away, and you are now ruining the rotors or drums. You should have gotten the brakes checked earlier! Now, Feel the brake pedal. If it is soft or mushy or gets harder and higher when you pump it, you might need to bleed the brakes (which gets air bubbles out of the brake lines). Note that if the brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when you step on it (or intermittently), you might be in need of a new brake master cylinder. Drive the car at low speed, braking as needed. If the brakes squeal, you might need new brake pads, or the brake rotors might need to be resurfaced or machined. Understand that if the car pulls to one side when braking, you might have insufficient hydraulic pressure in one part of the brake system, or one brake might be sticking. Front-end problems can also cause this symptom. Consider your rotors if you feel a pulsation when stepping on the brake pedal, particularly when braking at higher speeds. This symptom may indicate warped brake rotors. The rotors will need to be either machined or replaced. Remember that smoking brakes, usually accompanied by a very bad smell, indicate a stuck brake caliper or wheel cylinder. This symptom may also be caused by driving with the hand brake on or by a stuck hand-brake cable.

Another scenario is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your brakes and they simply make noise. Read this article http://www.trustmymechanic.com/brakenoise.html to understand why.