Lowell's

Is it worth it? A guide to deciding to repair or replace your car.

"Is it worth it?"

This question comes up pretty frequently in the shop, and we understand why!

Are you saving or losing money keeping your tried and true vehicle as opposed to starting over with a new car? It's not difficult to decide when you break down exactly what factors are going into your decision.

With a little evaluation of your finances and a little math, you can make a sound decision.

How much are you (really) spending on maintenance?

Initially, you have to figure out  how much you're spending on repairs from month to month. Even a couple-hundred-dollar repair bill every few months is significantly less than a new monthly car payment. Assuming that your insurance and fuel costs won't change much, your old car's maintenance probably costs less than purchasing a new car.

If you're still making payments on your current car, you'll also lose the money you've already put into both paying off the car and what you've put into any previous repairs. (This can be especially tricky when you purchase a used car, as it may come with some future repairs!)

Unless you feel as though you're "always bringing it to the shop" and your maintenance costs are exorbitant, you probably won't save money by trading your old car in for another.

How much are you spending on repairs?

Because maintenance is a cost that comes with every vehicle, the real issue is whether or not the repairs are worth it. This all-important decision comes down to a couple questions you should know the answers to before deciding.

Does the repair cost more than half the market worth of the car?

If not, you should go ahead with the repair. Even with a car that is worth $5000, a $1,500 dollar repair would be worth doing in terms of the longevity of your vehicle. (Websites like Edmunds True Market Value Calculator and Kelley Blue Book are useful in this calculation!)

In going ahead with repairs, you can benefit in 2 ways: Not only are you getting your problem fixed, you can also add to the eventual trade-in value of your car.

How much "life" can your car get from going ahead with the repair?

Now imagine your car is worth $2,200, and you're faced with the same $1,500 repair. Think of the cost in comparison to potential costs from purchasing a new car instead.

If this $1,500 repair would keep your car road-worthy for a few more years, then compare to how much it would cost for a down payment, new insurance, and the equivalent amount of time in monthly payments for a new vehicle.

The repair usually comes out on top, especially when you have an honest and knowledgeable mechanic you can trust to tell you whether or not it's going to be worth it. (Like the technicians and service staff we have here at Lowell's!)

Is the repair less than a few months' car payment on a new vehicle? 

If the repair in question costs less than one month of payments, and your vehicle on the other hand is paid off, your decision is pretty well made.

If the cost is less than a few months of payments, and your car would be able to go for more than a few months without additional repairs or maintenance costs, then it makes sense to go ahead with the repairs, in this case, too.

Is it in your budget?

If it is hard to pay for a costly repair, how hard will it be to fit a car payment into your current monthly expenses?

In this post, we've tried to outline some of the key factors to consider when deciding to repair or replace your vehicle.

At Lowell's, we're biased - We usually think repairing your vehicle makes more sense than
replacing it.

But your situation is unique, and may include other considerations.

As always, feel free to talk your decision through with Lowell's. We'll give you our honest assessment of your vehicle while helping you make your decision.

Toyota Tip: What's a Tune-Up?

Old (left) and new spark plugs

One of the most frequently used - but least understood - terms used in our industry is “tune-up”.

A few decades ago, vehicles required frequent mechanical tuning to keep them operating optimally. Over time, “tune-up” became a common way of saying “make my car run better”.

In today’s electronically-controlled vehicles, however, a tune-up is very different. Many of the mechanical adjustments we made in older cars are now made by your vehicle’s onboard computer.

So when we talk about a tune-up at Lowell’s, we mean changing your vehicle’s spark plugs and, when appropriate, your fuel filter and engine air filter.

A spark plug converts an incoming electrical charge into a spark which ignites the mixture of air and fuel that  powers your car’s engine. The spark jumps between two electrodes at the end of the plug, creating the controlled explosion that drives an internal combustion engine.

Close-up view of old and new spark plugs

Spark plugs can wear out. Each spark burns off tiny bits of metal on the electrodes, and after hundreds of millions of sparks, the spark plug doesn’t fire as efficiently. Spark plugs can also become coated with residue (‘fouled’) if your fuel doesn’t burn cleanly.

Fouled or worn-out spark plugs can reduce your fuel mileage or cause your engine to run roughly. When the gap between the electrodes becomes too large, your ignition coils strain to generate sufficient current, and coil damage can result. (Note how the center electrode for the old plug on the left has tapered into a cone-like shape, requiring significantly more current to spark.)

The electrodes for Toyota plugs (made by Denso) are plated with different highly conductive metals: nickel, platinum, or iridium. The type of metal used determines how long the spark plug lasts: Nickel-plated spark plugs typically last for 30,000 miles; Platinum for 60,000; and Iridium for 120,000 miles.

When we do a tune-up at Lowell's, we remove and inspect your old spark plugs to see whether there are any issues other than normal wear. We replace them with new spark plugs, adjusting the gap between electrodes when necessary. If needed, we’ll also replace the fuel filter and engine air filter.

Feel free to call the shop with any questions, and - if it is time for a tune-up or other service for your vehicle - to make an appointment for service.

Noises and your car

Finding and fixing vehicle noises are one of the most difficult tasks for our technicians.

ASE Master Technician Keith Shelburne listening for engine sounds. Yes, we sometimes use stethiscopes to find noises.

Sometimes, we can't make the noise occur in the shop or on a test drive. Other times, we might hear a noise, but it isn't the same one that our customer heard. Often, the customer who brings the vehicle into the shop to fix the noise isn't the car's primary driver, and hasn't really heard the sound and can't adequately describe it.

So we've put together this simple guide to help you describe the noises your car makes. Following the tips we share below will save you time and money, and help us diagnose the issue faster.

1) Describe the kind of noise.

Because your car makes so many sounds, describing the particular kind of noise it is making will usually help us locate the issue faster. 

Would you call it a rattle or a squeal? A thump or a hiss? A clank, a ping, a buzz, a scrape, a click, or a pop? Or something else entirely?

Using specific terms like these to describe sounds will help us zero in on the noise and what might be causing it.

2) Notice when and how the noise occurs.

If you can tell us when the noise happens, that will also help us re-create it here in the shop. And if we can hear it in the shop, our chances of finding and fixing the problem go way up. 

Here are a few examples of helpful details around noises:

• It usually happens once, and then doesn't happen again for a while. 
• It happens over and over.
• It happens when starting the car; just after starting the car; when the car is cold; first thing in the morning.
• It happens when the car has warmed up; when it is hot outside.
• It happens when turning; turning left; turning right; turning sharply; going around curves.
• It happens when going over bumps or potholes.
• It happens when using the brakes.
• It happens when sitting at the light.
• It happens when cruising down the highway.
• The noise gets faster or slower (or louder or softer) as the car moves faster or slower.
• The noise is accompanied by a physical sensation - a vibration or bump that you can feel in the steering wheel or in your seat, for example.

In addition to helping us replicate the noise, these details can give us important clues about what parts of the car might be causing the noise.

3) Make the noise for us.

It sounds kind of funny, but it really helps if you can mimic the exact sound your car is making. It might seem embarrassing to make an "EE-er-EE-er" sound for us in the lobby, but we truly appreciate how much it helps us find the right sound faster. (Besides, people make sounds for us all the time. We're used to it!)

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The more that you can tell us about the noises your car makes - what kind of noise, when it occurs, and what it sounds like - the faster that our team here at Lowell's will be able to help. And we're here to help!

How we make recommendations at Lowell's

We look over your vehicle every time you come into Lowell's to identify service items which might need your attention. We put our recommendations (if any) at the bottom of your invoice, and we prioritize and color-code them for you.

What do these mean?

But what do those color codes mean, exactly? What's the difference between "Needed" and "Needed Soon"? What is "Due by Mileage"?

We have five classifications we use here at Lowell's based on your future costs and your safety. Here are the guidelines we use when we prioritize your recommendations, from low to high severity:

1. DUE BY MILEAGE - For these service items, we can't  tell whether the service is needed through a visual inspection alone, but your vehicle's mileage indicates that the service is due. 
   
   In other words, the service may have been done elsewhere, but we can't tell. This is why DUE BY MILEAGE often comes up with newer Lowell's customers. If you've recently had the service done, then it probably isn't necessary. (And be sure to let us know so that we stop bugging you about it.)
   
   
2. NEEDED - These items are likely to create long-term damage to your vehicle if left untreated. They are not safety risks, and we haven't seen any damage occuring on your vehicle yet.
   
   If you choose not to address this item today, monitor that part of the vehicle and consider scheduling this service or repair with your next regular visit with Lowell's (i.e., the next time you change your oil).
   
   
3. NEEDED SOON - These items are likely to create moderate vehicle damage (less than $750) in the next six months if left untreated. They are not safety risks, but they could be currently damaging your vehicle.
   
   If you don't address this item today, consider scheduling an appointment with us in the next one to two months.
   
   
4. URGENT - These items represent a near-term safety risk or are likely to create significant near-term vehicle damage (over $750) if left untreated. In other words, something could easily go wrong in the near future.
   
   If you don't address this item today, schedule an appointment with us in the next three weeks to repair your vehicle.
   
   
5. CRITICAL - These items are immediate safety risks or are currently creating significant vehicle damage. Vehicles with a CRITICAL classification shouldn't be driven.
   
   If you don't address this item today, please consider towing the vehicle from the shop.
   
   

Based on our experiences with vehicles like yours, we assess how severe the service item could become. Most of our recommendations fall into the DUE BY MILEAGE or NEEDED categories. We only rarely use the URGENT or CRITICAL classifications on a vehicle. 

You and your car are unique. You may be able to drive with a problem we've identified for quite some time, or you may experience problems sooner than we predicted.

We hope that these categories help give you a general idea of the importance of each item as you review your recommendations. And, as always, you should feel free to contact us whenever you have questions about your invoice or your vehicle.

No Stupid Charges

Reason #54 from our Why Should I Choose Lowell's? series.

Since the economy slowed a few years ago, it seems that a lot of businesses have found some 'creative' ways to inflate their prices with unexplained (and inexplicable) charges.

These silly fees have found their way into the auto repair industry, too. Some places tack on up to 15% more to your invoice with them.

Here's a screwball example from a local dealer:

This invoice describes a fairly standard brake job for $252.88.  But then the dealer goes on to add $18.89 in "miscellaneous" charges:

In this case, the miscellaneous charges magically add another 7.5% to the bill!

Document Retention Fees. Shop Supplies Charges. Environmental Disposal Fees. Fuel Surcharges. What the heck are these things, anyway?

This dealer is basically making customers pay its bills.  Next thing you know, they'll just forward their electrical bill to you.  Or tack on a "staff training charge" or a "we-just-bought-new-equipment fee".  Just kidding.  Hopefully.

We think the whole idea is just silly.  

We don't like it when our suppliers apply stupid fees to us. And we bet you don't like it either.

So we don't do it at Lowell's.

Instead, we figure out a fair price for our service, and quote that to you.  Then - and this is the key - we deliver our work for that price.

That's it.  Pretty simple, huh?

At Lowell's, the price we quote is the price you pay. No silly games. No hidden fees. No unpleasant surprises when you pick up your car.

We think that's a smarter way to run a business. We hope you do, too.

When your car still isn't right

Hi everyone!  Keith here and today's topic is a difficult - but important - one.  

What do you do when there is a problem with your car soon after you pick it up from Lowell's? Do you bring it back or do you take it somewhere else?   

While you may be tempted to take your vehicle elsewhere, we hope that you will bring it back to us so we may address your concern.  If we ever let you down, we ask for the chance to make things right.  

I can honestly say everyone here is dedicated to doing the job right the first time. Sometimes, though, we might miss something or may not communicate something that you need to know.  

As such, we'd like to correct any discrepancy there may be.  We try to resolve any issues with customers -- however large or small.   

If you bring your vehicle back to Lowell's, I can promise we will do our best to make it right.  If we made mistakes during your service, we can usually resolve the problem at no extra cost to you.  If for some reason you still are not satisfied, please contact Rob personally.  

We appreciate the trust you place in Lowell's, and will always work hard to keep it.

Lowell's Black Friday Specials

If you'd rather not fight the crowds in search of a good deal on Black Friday, why not get great deals at Lowell's this year instead?

This Friday, November 25th, we're offering the best prices all year on some of your most important services!

Here's what we're offering:

• FREE brake inspection! (A $43 savings).
• A $5 oil change! (A savings of $15 to $25).
• Save 50% on a transmission flush! (A savings of $83).
• 50% off of a brake flush! (A savings of $69).

That's a potential savings of over $200 on the award-winning service you expect from Lowell's!

Be sure to reserve your slot for this Friday by calling Lowell's at 233-1173 or by making your appointment online today.  We can't wait to see you!

UPDATE: Because so many customers are traveling this weekend, we're extending our Black Friday deals to "Cyber Monday" - Monday, November 28th - as well. 

Share the Knowlege

Hello everyone!  My name is Keith Shelburne. I have been working for Lowells for just over 6 years now, and have been asked by Rob to be a  contributor to the blog. 

I have been turning wrenches (as they say) for over 26 years and am an ASE Master Certified Technician.  

My objective will be to share my knowlege with everyone on the blog.  Things from the write up to service to what we do when we technicians get your car, as well as any specifics on the cars.

I will try to be as informative as possible without being too technical.  I would like to hear any questions about appointments, personnel, write-ups, training,  service work or technical topics.  

Do you have a topic already? Just let me know what you would like to see covered.  Check back soon to see what the first topic may be.

Thanks,  Keith S

"Do You Always Use Genuine Toyota Parts?"

Customers often ask us, "Do you always use genuine Toyota parts?"

No, not always.

Throughout our history, we've consistently used a mixture of genuine Toyota parts and high-quality aftermarket (in other words, "non-Toyota") parts.  

We choose parts based on part quality, availability, and price.  If a Toyota part costs too much or takes too long to get in, and we can offer a high-quality alternative, we will.

On critical categories of parts - such as brake pads, oil filters, antifreeze, and ignition coils - we use only Toyota materials because we think Toyota offers superior quality.

When we do use aftermarket parts, we try to ensure that they are equivalent in quality to Toyota parts - usually by choosing a supplier who also supplies Toyota (such as NGK or Denso). 

We know that our parts quality is key to our customers' satisfaction - and to the future of Lowell's. Without great parts, we wouldn't be able to stand behind our exceptional three-year / 36,000-mile warranty on most repairs (where other shops and dealers usually offer 1-year or 90-day warranties).

If you ever have questions about your parts, please feel free to ask.  We're always happy to explain how we work on your car.

Toyota Tip: "What's a cabin air filter?"

We recommend changing your car's cabin air filter about once a year.  Many customers know about their car's engine air filter, but they aren't as familiar with the filter for their cabin.  

So when we recommend changing the cabin air filter, we're often asked "What - exactly - is a cabin air filter?"

Good question.

Put simply, a cabin air filter helps purify the air inside your car's cabin.  The cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and road particles from getting into your car's heating and air conditioning system, which then helps keep that stuff out of your lungs and out of your car's interior.

Clean, Dirty, and Filthy Cabin Air Filters

Changing your cabin air filter will ensure that your heating and air conditioning system has maximum air flow while keeping the nasty stuff out of your cabin.

The once-a-year guideline is a general one; We really recommend you change the cabin air filter when it gets dirty.  And that depends on your driving conditions.  

If you often drive on dusty roads or over leaf-covered streets in the fall, you may need your cabin filter changed more often.  If you drive in cleaner conditions, you can probably wait longer than a year between changes.

Feel free to call the shop with any questions, and - if it is time for a filter change or other service for your vehicle - to make an appointment for service.

 

Toyota Tip: "What's a flush?"

Every 30,000 miles, Lowell's recommends flushing your car's fluids - including coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering systems.

But when we tell customers that their fluid flushes are due, we often get a quizzical look and a question or two: "What's a flush?" and "Why do I need one?"

Those are good questions.  We'll try to answer them, starting with why you need flushes...

"Why do I need one?"
Your car's fluids tend to break down and get contaminated over time.  How this happens depends on the fluid system.

• The rust inhibitors in your vehicle's coolant (also called antifreeze) break down, causing your radiator and engine block to corrode from the inside out.  These rust particles can clog the very small channels within your cooling system, interfering with its ability to cool your engine.  Ultimately, your engine can overheat.  
• Automatic transmission fluid loses its lubricating and cooling properties as it breaks down, leaving varnish and sludge deposits which can shorten your transmission's life. Plus, transmission fluid gets contaminated with tiny metal shavings, further degrading its ability to lubricate your transmission.

• Brake fluid and power-steering fluid are hydraulic fluids which get contaminated as the systems' seals and internal components break down. As they get contaminated, they lose their hydraulic properties, making it hard to brake or steer.  Also, hydraulic fluids attract moisture, which can introduce unwanted air into your brake and power-steering components.

Changing these fluids every 30,000 miles - or whenever the fluids become dirty - can prevent expensive and inconvenient damage to your vehicle, and can help extend your vehicle's life.

"What's a flush?"
So now you might understand why you need to regularly change the fluids on your car.  But that doesn't explain what a flush is (or why Lowell's recommends flushes instead of other alternatives).

Some repair shops - including some dealers - offer simple "drain-and-refill" fluid changes.  This is faster (and seemingly cheaper) than a flush.  They basically drain the old fluid, and top off the system with new fluid.

In the process, much of the old fluid, contamination, and debris is "stranded" inside the system: old coolant and rust is left in the engine block and radiator, or degraded transmission fluid and varnish are left in the transmission.

These faster and "cheaper" options will degrade the long-term performance of your vehicle and will likely create costly repair issues down the road.

With few rare exceptions, Lowell's doesn't offer these drain-and-refill fluid changes.  

Instead, we perform fluid system flushes designed to remove almost all of the old fluid, contamination, and debris from the system.

While the technical details differ, the elements of a typical flush are pretty similar: 

• We hook up a flushing machine to your system;
• We add a solution which gently loosens debris, corrosion, and other contaminants;
• We let your system run to give the solution time to work;
• Then, we let the flushing machine apply a small amount of pressure to slowly push all of the old fluid and contamination out of your vehicle;
• At the same time, the machine fills the system with fresh fluid, while adding conditioners which will help preserve the components of the system.
• We monitor the process until we see that all of the old fluid is flushed from your vehicle.

That's what a flush is.  

We recommend flushes because we believe that they are the best option for changing your vehicle's fluids.  

Feel free to call the shop with any questions, and - if it is time for a fluid change or other service for your vehicle - to make an appointment for service.