Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for auto repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Dublin Car Tek, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is building personal, long-term relationships with its clientele, which it accomplishes by always putting their needs first and promoting open communication in every aspect of its operations. “Our shop has an open floor plan, so customers can talk directly to the technicians who are working on their cars,” explains owner Tim Johnson. “That lets them know their repairs are being done correctly, which makes them more comfortable with the entire process.”

Dublin Car Tek has been repairing all types of foreign and domestic vehicles at its Dublin facility since 1999, handling everything from oil changes and engine/transmission repairs to tune-ups, smog inspections, and brake and tire replacements. The company also provides repair and maintenance services for heavy duty truck fleets and RVs.

Unlike less experienced auto repair companies that take a hands-off approach to quality control, Dublin Car Tek performs a comprehensive series of procedures that are designed to ensure each car’s repairs are of the highest possible quality before it leaves the shop. “We road test every vehicle before we work on it so we can hear and feel the problem, and we road test it again after the repairs are done so we can confirm the problem has been solved,” explains Mr. Johnson. “Our customers really benefit from this type of hands-on experience.”

Another distinguishing feature of Dublin Car Tek is its use of specialty tire equipment, including a spin balancer and state-of-the-art tire changer that enable its technicians to provide tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) repairs. “Most people don’t realize that each tire has a sensor that’s hooked up to the valve stem to alert them if their tire pressure is low,” says Mr. Johnson. “Shops need certified equipment and sensors in order to repair these problems, and that’s where we set ourselves apart.”

Save money and extend your vehicle’s life through factory-scheduled maintenance. Factory-recommended maintenance is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to maintain your vehicle. Routine maintenance checks not only enable your mechanic to find small problems and repair them before they become major problems, they also provide a baseline so you’ll know what to look for to prevent future issues.
Most auto repair shops will provide you with a list of factory-recommended services that are specific to your vehicle’s make, model and year. These preventative maintenance services usually include oil changes; engine, transmission, brake and steering checks; and heating, cooling and starting system tests. In between factory maintenance checks provided by your auto repair shop, you can perform routine checks of your own to ensure your car is running to its full potential:
Engine oil. Use the dipstick to check your car’s oil every week or whenever you stop for gas. Visit your mechanic right away if the oil seems to be burning off between checks or if your vehicle seems to be rapidly losing oil.
Engine coolant. Check the coolant every week or whenever you stop for gas. Be sure to monitor the level from the reserve tank and not from the radiator cap, as hot oil may spill from the radiator if the car has been running.
Brake fluid. Check monthly. Low brake fluid poses a danger to your car and can be indicative of an underlying problem. Immediately take your vehicle to a service center if you notice low brake fluid.
Tires. Test your tire pressure every month and refill to the recommended pressure whenever it’s low. While testing, look for uneven or excessive wear and foreign objects. Take your car to an auto repair shop if you notice uneven wear or if tire pressure is consistently low.
Battery. Check your battery every month (more often in harsh weather or driving conditions). Look for corrosion and test the level of fluid or color indicator.
Lights. Test all the lights on your car once a month (you may need a friend to help you). These include headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights, back-up lights, turn signals and the license plate light.

Q: Do my repairs come with a warranty?

A: Almost all our repairs come with some sort of warranty. Before we start working, we’ll explain the specific warranty coverage for every repair and part we offer.

Q: Can you explain all my options when it comes to repairs?

A: Absolutely. We’ll use our expertise to determine what’s wrong with your car, clearly explain your options and lay out a comprehensive plan to follow. Once we’ve come up with the initial plan, we can repair any safety issues that need to be immediately addressed and present a maintenance plan to return the car to normal.

Q: Can you repair any type of vehicle?

A: Pretty much, but we’re always upfront with customers if we don’t have the necessary equipment to fix their cars. Most new cars have computers that control their ignitions, lights, electric windows and other functions, and we have the diagnostic and repair tools to handle all of that.

Q: Do I have to go to the dealership for my repairs?

A: Not for normal services. If it’s a repair that’s covered for free under the original warranty, then you have to take it to the dealer, but you can go to any shop for oil changes and other out-of-pocket repairs.

Q: Should I follow my vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service schedule?

A: The manufacturer’s service schedule can help you decide when to get your car serviced, but a reputable auto repair shop will be able to guide you, too. Some manufacturers seem to use low maintenance requirements as selling points, but that can put cars at risk for damage. If you don’t want to blindly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, we can look at your car and suggest a maintenance schedule.