Memphis Auto Repair

We're going to be talking about the ethics of automotive repair. It seems like news outlets really like hit-and-run reporting; they hit everyone from groceries stores to retail to physicians. And the Memphis automotive service and repair industry hasn't been given a pass either.Unfortunately, every profession in Memphis has some bad actors that hurt the reputation of everyone else. On the automotive side, industry associations and professional licensing organizations are very committed to high ethical standards.Yet some people remain uncomfortable with Memphis automotive service and repair. It may start with the fact that our vehicles are a big investment and we rely on them for so much in our lives. That alone guarantees our attention. And how well we understand the recommendations really impacts our comfort level.If we understand what's recommended and the benefits of taking care of the work – and the pitfalls of putting it off ... read more

About 80% of the vehicles on Memphis roads today are behind on their preventive maintenance schedules. That translates to about 160 million vehicles in the United States that aren't performing as well as they could be - thousands right here in Tennessee. Some of the maintenance issues are minor. Others represent serious safety concerns. There are many reasons Memphis drivers neglect their routine car care. Some of the more common ones are complacency, lack of confidence, lack of trust and budget issues. Modern vehicles are amazingly reliable compared to their older counterparts. They can run for years without any repairs, and we sometimes translate that to mean they don't need any maintenance. The trouble is that without maintenance, parts in the vehicle are gradually wearing out, fluids are getting dirty, oil is developing sludge — a lot of stuff is happening that we can't see, and it is destroying the vehicle. The first time we learn there is a ... read more

A big part of the service we provide at Allen's Automotive Center for our Memphis customers is education. We want you to feel confident with your service decisions. And we're always open to questions from our valued Memphis area customers. Even though we try to be proactive in our Allen's Automotive Center automotive education, we sometimes get busy fixing vehicles and need a reminder. Please, just ask. We've found our Memphis customers like the service reminders. They've grown to trust that our recommendations are based on the vehicle manufactures’ published maintenance schedules and that Allen's Automotive Center is not just pulling them out of the air. We know that people in Memphis live a busy life with a lot more to think about than wondering if it's time to replace the PCV valve on their vehicle. Part of our Allen's Automotive Center service process is checking the vehicle manufacture's schedule to make sure we don't overlook service. We ... read more

When you drop your vehicle off at Allen's Automotive Center in Memphis, they don't just poke around under your hood looking for stuff to do. Allen's Automotive Center professionals have lists and procedures they follow for different types of service. First of all, your Memphis service center will note the mileage on your vehicle. They'll then check to see what inspections and services the vehicle manufacturer recommends for a vehicle of your make, model and mileage. If you are a regular customer, they will also check your vehicle's history.If the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations go beyond the services you've ordered, they'll let you know. They'll also indicate whether those services are urgent or if you can wait a while to take care of them. The Allen's Automotive Center pros won't do work that you don't agree to.They will, however, perform inspections while they're servicing your vehicle. They'll check belts, filters and fluids. They'll check your windshiel ... read more

Today we're going to talk about on-board diagnostics and the questions we hear from folks around Memphis, Tennessee, who need answers about diagnostic services. They want to know what diagnostics are, what's involved and what the benefits are. They really want to understand the value of diagnostic scans by a trained technician in Memphis.These are valid concerns. If you don't understand something it's really hard to know its value. Let's start with some history.Since 1996, all cars and light trucks in Memphis, Tennessee, have been required to use a standardized diagnostic system to help repair technicians determine what's wrong with your vehicle. The diagnostic system works with the vehicle's Engine Control Module – the computer that controls many engine functions.The computer monitors dozens of components and processes. Depending on what the sensors read, the computer will make adjustments to compensate for conditions and minor problems. When there is a condition that it can't a ... read more

Memphis drivers may feel intimidated when they take their vehicles to a service center. They have questions but aren't sure how to ask. They don't want to feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge. They don't want to make the service technician feel that they don't trust him.If your service advisor at Allen's Automotive Center uses a term you don't understand, just ask him to explain. Remember, they are the auto service experts. If they came to your place of work, they probably wouldn't understand the jargon, either. When you take your vehicle in to be serviced, make sure you understand the financial issues up front. Ask about payment policies, warranties and, of course, the cost of the work being done.It helps to understand basic services your vehicle needs. Know the difference between a quick check-up and a thorough inspection, which you are getting and which you are asking for. Understand that diagnosing a problem takes time, and time isn't free. If you have concerns abou ... read more

All Tennessee pilots have checklists for every aspect of flying. They always use their checklists even if they only have two steps on them. They do this simply because a checklist is a great way to not forget steps. It is also how they can assure a predictable outcome. That is why Memphis automotive service centers including Allen's Automotive Center have procedural standards for each service they perform. Allen's Automotive Center technicians are trained step by step. And they perform the procedures step by step, the same way each time. By training to procedural standards, Tennessee service centers can assure a quality outcome. The job is done right every time and Memphis customers leave happy with how their vehicle performs. Each company trains its technicians to standards. The Tennessee automotive industry as a whole is very committed to standards of excellence and encourages individual Tennessee service center operators to apply them to every vehicle t ... read more

One might say the most challenging part of being an automotive service technician at Allen's Automotive Center is diagnosing a problem before it can be fixed.Cars are made up of a bunch of complex systems. There usually could be a number of reasons for any given symptom. So, it's challenging to track down the actual cause of the problem. And it can be frustrating for the vehicle owner because it can take time and money to get to the bottom of a problem. If it's not something obvious, it's easy for the customer to focus on the fixing and not the diagnosing.Let us at Allen's Automotive Center introduce you to something we'll call 'Customer Detective Work' –  helping your technician find clues to what's wrong.We start with the detective basics: What, Where and When. Play along with me; You come in to Allen's Automotive Center and your car is making a funny sound... Q: Where's the sound? A: Around the right front wheel. Q: What kind of sound? A: Kind of a c ... read more

We've all seen drivers do crazy things while driving to or from Memphis. A guy shaving in the rear-view mirror, a woman applying makeup, people talking on their phones, texting or drinking from an enormous coffee mug. It's a wonder we even dare drive on Tennessee roads.The truth is that all of us are distracted when we drive. Unfortunately, traffic, road construction and other external factors are beyond our control. The distractions inside our car, however, are things we can often control.Here's some things that'll give you more control in your car, and help keep your attention on the roads around Memphis. Memphis drivers who are 16 to 20 years old tend to be more distracted by the radio, CD or MP3 player. Memphis drivers who are 20 to 29 are more distracted by passengers in the car, including small children. Those over age 65 tend to be more distracted by objects or events that are outside of the vehicle. Other factors like fatigue, stress and lack of sleep make it harder to pay a ... read more

There are some things drivers should know about Memphis car service and repair. First and foremost, Allen's Automotive Center cares about you and your family's safety. And we really appreciate your business. Allen's Automotive Center in Memphis wants to build a trusting relationship that becomes the foundation for a mutually beneficial experience for years to come.Building on that foundation, there are some things that would help you understand the auto service and repair business better. First, it can be really hard to fix vehicles. The days of shade tree mechanics are long gone. The majority of automotive systems are computerized. It takes a lot of training and very expensive equipment to diagnose and repair modern vehicles. The pros who work for Allen's Automotive Center need extensive computer training – not just how to run the diagnostic systems, but also searching for the right parts, networking with other technicians to help them with a dif ... read more