Description of Services
Here is an extensive list of services that I do and do not offer. As a humble mobile mechanic, I have to recognize my comfort level and boundaries when working out on parking lots and in driveways. As much as I want to help you get your vehicle running tip-top again, I also have to draw the line on what I can and cannot undertake as a mobile mechanic. I hope you can understand my perspective.
I DO work on:
- General diagnostics: I will try to narrow down the cause(s) of your vehicle’s issue(s).
- Battery/jump start: I can help with battery issues. Jump starts will incur my $80 trip fee.
- Tune-ups: I replace spark plugs, coils, ignition wires, etc.
- A/C: I cannot work on anything that requires recovering the refrigerant. In order for me to replace parts of the A/C system is has to be 100% known to be empty of refrigerant for some time (you haven’t had A/C in years); but if your A/C worked just days prior, chances are there is still refrigerant in the system and I cannot work on your issues. Although, I can replace the bearing/clutch components of the compressor because these things do not require recovering the refrigerant. We can discuss your A/C issues.
- Sensors: vehicles contain many sensors throughout. If found to be faulty, I can generally replace them. Access issues could add labor hours to the job.
- Heavy engine repair (valves, internals like bearings and rings, cylinder head components, etc): I am not a fan of time-consuming repairs because it locks my availability up for days and maybe weeks. These sorts of repairs will likely be very expensive due to labor hours and parts, but I would be willing to discuss your options with you.
- Timing belt/timing chain: I will advise on feasibility of this sort of repair on a case by case basis. Time-consuming, but I do work on these.
- Head gasket: Head gasket problems vary greatly. There are many factors involved in such a job. I will advise on this repair on a case by case basis.
- Oil changes: I can perform an on-site oil and filter change. Prices vary greatly based on type of vehicle and required oil/filter.
- In-tank fuel pumps: Yes I replace them, but will advise on a case by case basis.
- Fuel filters: Yes, I do replace fuel filters.
- Power steering/rack and pinion issues: I will inspect and advise on what can be done.
- Exhaust manifold/gasket: Rusted bolts could be an issue on some vehicles. I will inspect and advise.
- Exhaust pipes/mufflers: as long as there is no welding and all bolts/bolt holes/nuts are not super rusty and usable, I can help you.
- Hybrids: I work on the engine side of things, but I will advise on a case by case basis. I do not replace/repair high voltage/traction batteries.
- Turbos: I would need to inspect your vehicle in order to advise on the repair. Note: some turbo problems can ruin your catalytic converter.
- Brake repair: I can inspect your brakes for any wear or damage; perform repairs. Note: I will only replace rotors/drums–not resurface them.
- Cooling system: inspection and repair of radiator, hoses, gaskets, water pump, thermostat, heater core, etc.
- Suspension: inspect and repair suspension components such as struts, shocks, tie rods, ball joints, stabilizer/sway bar & end links, etc.
- Driveline: I do replace u-joints, driveshafts, CV axles, etc. I will advise you if a repair seems inappropriate for the mobile mechanic.
- Oil leak repair: inspection of gaskets causing oil leaks. I can replace valve cover gaskets and accessible oil pan gaskets.
- Electrical fuses/relays: inspection and replacement of burnt fuses and faulty relays, etc.
- Lighting: inspection and repair of headlights, tail lights, bulbs, wiring, etc.
- Window motors: inspection and replacement of window motors.
- Key fobs: I have a key fob programmer and can attempt to program one you bought online, but the key must be pre-cut first.
- Wiper blades: yep, I can help with this.
- Wiper motors: Yes, I do replace wiper motors.
- Air and cabin filters: I can replace most filters.
- Stereo sound systems: I can take a look at an issue you may be having with your stereo, but I do not specialize in this as a service.
- Dull headlight reconditioning: I can attempt polishing of certain headlights if I feel it can improve them. I will advise you.
I DO NOT work on:
- Engine replacement/removal: I cannot pull an engine as a mobile mechanic. I need shop equipment to perform this.
- Transmission/drivetrain services: although I have experience with transmissions, without a shop and equipment, I cannot service transmissions.
- Transfer case: Since this is part of the drivetrain, I am not equipped to work on transfer cases.
- Rear differential repair: I generally won’t work on this, but I can advise on a case by case basis. Gaskets/fluid replacements are doable.
- Clutch repair: I have to remove a transmission to access the clutch, so without a shop, I cannot work on clutch repairs, sorry.
- Catalytic converter: I do not work on catalytic converters. Generally, they require welding and exhaust work. Please see a muffler shop.
- Glass replacement: I do not replace auto glass, sorry.
- European vehicle service: due to the complexity and esoteric nature of European imports, I recommend visiting a European car specialist. I will attempt a repair if it is obvious, but hunting down European electrical issues will be hit and miss. I do, however, work on rudimentary components that don’t require special tools or scanners. We can talk about the issues at hand and go from there.
- Electric and hybrid service: I do not work on the electrical/high voltage battery end of a hybrid. I will, however, work on engine issues like any other car.
- Enhanced/chipped/”tuned” cars/trucks: I do not work on the electronics/ECU/ECM on modified cars or trucks. The vehicle must be in original state.
- Diesel engines: I do not work on diesel engines. Although, I do perform repairs on non-engine related items on diesel vehicles.
- Semi trucks: Sorry, I do not work on semis.
- Class A RVs: Sorry, I do not work on Class A RVs. If you have a class B or class C van/truck chassis RV, I can possibly help you; just contact me.
- Alignments: as a mobile mechanic, I cannot perform an effective and accurate alignment without a shop and equipment.
- Roadside repairs: I cannot work on vehicles stranded on a busy roadside. This is simply too dangerous. Please tow it to a safe location first.
- Refrigerant recovered A/C repairs: EPA laws are strict. I do not have a refrigerant recovery unit. Please see a fully equipped shop for A/C repairs that involve recovering refrigerant.
- In-tank fuel pumps (applies to certain vehicles): some in-tank fuel pump repairs are easier than others. I will advise.
- PCM/ECU/ECM: vehicle computers are high value items and the repairs are fraught with potential issues for the mobile mechanic. Please see a shop.
- Body repair or cosmetic repairs: I do not offer any body work or painting services.
- Auto cleaning: I currently only do repairs, but couldn’t hurt to ask.
- Tire repairs: I do not patch or plug tires. Please see a tire shop. BUT… if you are absolutely screwed (I never want to see someone suffer), as in: it’s the weekend and you are stranded in the forest with no spare tire, very little food or water… and you have a nail in your tire tread and I am all that you’ve got because you have exhausted all other means of rescue because everyone else is closed or unreachable by phone… I could possibly throw a plug in there for you with some caveats and “no liability” agreement of some sort. It would have to be a very special situation for me to mess with plugging tires.
- The infamous death wobble: High profile and lifted vehicles can experience this phenomenon. I generally shy away from this repair because of the inherent & obvious danger involved in the event that I do fix this issue for you, but the death wobble comes back later on down the road (which it sometimes does if the replaced part wears out again over time before being swapped out again as a maintenance protocol). Suspension-modified vehicles are already risky; I don’t want to take on any unnecessary liabilities. We can chat about this if you wish, just contact me.
- Removal of mandated equipment: I will not help you remove necessary, mandatory components as dictated by law.
- Unfinished work: I will not work on any complicated job started by the customer or another mechanic. I can work on more basic jobs like a battery replacement or some simpler stuff where someone else left off. There are way too many variables involved with more complicated jobs started by someone else (missing bolts, crossed wires, a hose forgotten about, wrong part, etc); that could mean potential liabilities for me, which I cannot risk.