FAQ
How much is an oil change?
We use full synthetic oil for our oil changes because it meets the requirements of most modern vehicles and allows us to provide the correct oil specification and viscosity for your specific vehicle. At current oil prices, a 5-quart full synthetic oil change is about $77. That includes the oil, a premium oil filter, labor, tax, and all applicable fees. Since oil capacity and filter requirements vary by vehicle, we'll always give you the exact price for your vehicle before we start. No surprises, no guessing.
Do you work on my car? (Toyota, Ford, Honda, etc.)
Yes — we service all makes and models except European imports. Whether it's a Ford, Toyota, Chevy, Honda, or anything else in the driveway, our ASE-certified techs can handle it.
How do I know if I need new brakes?
Squealing, grinding, or a pedal that feels soft or shaky are the classic warning signs — but the safest answer is to have us take a quick look. We'll show you exactly what we see (worn pad, healthy rotor, etc.) before recommending anything, so you're never guessing whether it's real.
Why is my check engine light on?
It could be something as small as a loose gas cap or something that needs real attention — the only way to know for sure is a diagnostic scan, which we can usually get to same-day. We'll explain what the code means in plain English before recommending any repair.
Do I really need to change my oil every 3,000 miles?
No! For most modern vehicles using full synthetic oil, we recommend an oil change about every 5,000 miles. We're big believers in regular oil changes because oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Over time, engine oil becomes contaminated and its protective properties deteriorate. Changing it regularly is one of the simplest and least expensive things you can do to help protect your engine and keep it running well for many years and miles. Today's full synthetic oils provide better protection and last longer than the conventional and synthetic-blend oils traditionally associated with the old 3,000-mile oil change interval. We'll always consider your vehicle manufacturer's requirements, your driving habits, and the way your vehicle is used when recommending the right interval for you.
Will you call me before doing extra work or charging me more?"
Always! We will walk you through what we find on your DVI (digital vehicle inspection) with pictures, videos and a full description of our findings along with an estimate of cost before we touch anything beyond what you brought the vehicle in for — that's one of the biggest reasons people keep coming back to us instead of the other facilities or the dealership, transparency!
Do you offer a shuttle or loaner car while my car is in the shop?
We offer a courtesy shuttle so you're not stuck waiting around — just let us know when you drop off and we'll get you where you need to go.
How long will my repair take?
Routine maintenance like oil changes and brakes is often same-day. Bigger repairs depend on the issue, scheduling and parts availability, but we'll do our best to give you a realistic timeframe upfront and keep you posted if anything changes.
Is my car still under warranty if I come to you instead of the dealership?
In most cases, yes — federal law protects your right to use an independent shop like ours for maintenance and repairs without voiding your factory warranty, as long as we use quality parts and keep proper records, which we always do.
Why should I trust you over the dealership or a chain shop?
We've been family-owned in Dunnellon for over 30 years, and our reputation is built on NOT selling people work they don't need. That's the whole idea behind what we call the KARS Way: Knowledge, Accountability, Relationships, Service. Don't just take our word for it—read our reviews. That's not just a slogan to us; it's the way we've done business for over 30 years.