Auto Services & Repair

The dirty little secret is there’s no such thing as an “engine tuneup.” Back in the day, you needed an engine tuneup to replace parts for the ignition and fuel systems to work at peak performance efficiency. Today’s vehicles and parts are built to last longer. Just follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and tuneups become so yesterday, unless you have excess money to blow.

But, the major service comes closest to what old school tuneups used to be. It’s generally required every two years or 30,000 miles and should not be ignored.

When your vehicle needs engine service or you’re not sure what your vehicle needs, bring it to TIPS and let’s talk about it. We’ll do an engine inspection, evaluate vehicle performance, and make adjustments as needed.

So you’re not in the dark when we’re under the hood of your vehicle, the TIPS standard engine service audit includes:

1. A visual inspection of the engine’s fuel-system components. We focus on assuring the fuel filter is not clogged and free of debris. If the filter is clogged, we’ll replace it and make sure it didn’t cause damage to the fuel pump.
2. We check the engine’s fuel injectors for debris and deposit build up. We want to make sure the injectors are not restricting the flow of fuel to the engine, or affecting how the spark plugs fire.
3. A visual inspection of the spark plugs for age and wear to determine the internal health of your engine. Then, we make sure the spark plugs are igniting the fuel properly and replace worn out spark plugs as needed. Then, we check the spark plug wires to make sure they are not defective.
4. We check to see if any engine, electrical, or vehicle computer performance issues exist.
5. We check and adjust the ignition timing and idle. If you have an older vehicle with a non-computerized ignition system, we’ll replace the points and condenser as needed.

6. The sensors and brake system are inspected to determine if a reset or adjustment is necessary.

7. We check the engine’s PCV valve – positive crankcase ventilation valve – to make sure the PCV system is not gunked up, which can produce problems in the engine crankcase.
8. Both the engine air filter and cabin air filter are checked, and replacements are made if required.
9. Finally, we check oil and coolant levels.

Car notes are a major hassle. Why continue paying car notes when you can do other stuff with your money to enrich the quality of your life? Extend the life of the vehicle you have. Simply keep it operating at peak efficiency by having TIPS regularly service your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

TIPS offers complete vehicle tune up solutions for customers that come mainly from the West Atlanta and Riverside communities.

Your vehicle has its ways of talking to you when things go bad. That dreaded check engine light can flash; the vehicle can sputter or even stall. The problem can run the gamut from a simple loose connection to complex internal engine issues.

Regardless of what the situation might be, TIPS has solutions. We start with a computer diagnostic assessment of your engine and its components. We want to find out what and where the problem is and determine the best repairs to get you rolling again.

The TIPS Engine Diagnostic Service includes:

• We perform a road test to confirm any vehicle issues (if the vehicle is operable).

• Next, a visual inspection of the engine is done to identify any obvious electrical or engine-related issues.
• We use the latest diagnostic tools to scan your vehicle's on-board computer for any potential problems.
• An electrical system analysis.
• Fuel pressure, spark, compression tests as needed.
• Download and documentation of manufacturer’s diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and code descriptions.
• An online search for technical bulletins from the manufacturer that may pertain to the DTCs.
• A solution to your vehicle’s problems.
• A no-surprises estimate for the cost of repair.

TIPS offers complete vehicle diagnostic services for customers that come mainly from the West Atlanta and Riverside communities.

Excessive tailpipe smoke and oil consumption low oil pressure, weird engine sounds, water mixing in oil, and oil leaking into the air cleaner or radiator are sure signs your vehicle has major engine repair issues.

The first response for many people is to get another vehicle when their engine is on its deathbed. But, a bad engine does not mean your vehicle is likewise on its deathbed. After going through the obligatory grieving when your engine dies, review all your options. If your vehicle’s overall condition is in good shape, except for the engine, you may get superior economic benefits with a rebuilt engine instead of saddling yourself with the hidden costs in a new or used vehicle. A re-manufactured engine costs a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle.

Bring your vehicle to TIPS for a complete engine diagnosis as the first step in your decision process. Not all engine issues call for engine replacement. Many problems are not serious; they may only require minor engine repair or maintenance. We’ll give you practical advice on the cost/benefits of repair vs. replace. A $900 repair job on an engine that’s beyond repair may only prolong the inevitable.

But, if you choose to re-power your vehicle with a rebuilt engine, you’re in good hands at TIPS.

We believe in keeping it simple to spare everybody grief. That’s why we install factory rebuilt engines only. This ensures you get the best quality and workmanship at the most economical cost, and years of dependable service from the engine.

TIPS offers complete rebuilt engine replacement services for customers that come mainly from the West Atlanta and Riverside communities.

Changing your oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is the most important maintenance task you can perform to keep your engine working properly. It’s also the best way to avoid expensive repairs over the life of your vehicle. Routine oil and filter changes will keep your engine running newer, stronger and longer.

Stick with the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle and get your oil and filter changed at TIPS.

Here’s what we do:

• TIPS Conventional oil change service, including filter change, gives your engine protection against wear, deposit build up and viscosity breakdown. A conventional oil change may work for your purposes, depending on your driving habits. Ask a TIPS technician if a conventional oil change is right for your vehicle.
• TIPS High Mileage oil change service, including filter change, is for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. High mileage motor oil contains anti-wear and friction-reducing additives that help extend your engine’s life. Other additives condition your seals to prevent leaks, which are common in older vehicles.
• TIPS Synthetic oil change service including filter change, is for newer vehicles that require synthetic oil and for vehicles that operate under less than ideal driving conditions. Synthetic oil may also be right for your vehicle if you constantly drive in stop and go traffic, take frequent short trips or in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Synthetic oil is thinner, so it flows easier in colder weather. It’s highly resistant to breaking down at high temperatures. And, it lasts up to three times longer than conventional oil so you don’t have to get your oil changed as often. Check your owner’s manual to see if synthetic oil is required for your vehicle.

TIPS offers oil change services for customers that come mainly from the West Atlanta and Riverside communities.