Over the years customers have all been “trained” to ask for quotes over the phone before bringing their car into a shop. It makes sense to know what you're paying for beforehand right? From decades of experience, we know that without a vehicle inspection or diagnostic testing, accurately assess your concern and giving a price over the phone is just inaccurate.   We know that price is important to you, as it should be. But we’re also willing to bet that you’ll want to be sure you're not paying for something you don't need either. Shopping around may be a great way to find the cheapest price, but that doesn’t mean you are getting the best deal or best quality. We are experts at determining through diagnostics, the root of a problem of you are experiencing. Don't automatically assume this will cost more. When we dig deeper into an issue, we may discover components that do not need to be repl ... read more

No matter the issue you're experiencing with your vehicle, at Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, CA, we always start by verifying the issue and the cause with our own diagnostic testing. Past experiences have proven that doing our own diagnostics is definitely a benefit to you. Recently we had a customer come in and said a parts store had scanned his car and he needed his alternator replaced. After deliberation he did agree to let us do our own diagnostic testing. Come to find out he only needed a fuse! Our test saved him hundreds of dollars compared to what he would have spent if we just replaced his alternator per his request. Whether it be a code scan from a parts store or a diagnostic report from another shop, we can only speak for our own technicians’ knowledge and experience. Having our own technicians inspect your vehicle will ensure we are moving forward with the correct repair and ensure you are not paying for something you don't need

  The “quick lube” 20 minute oil change has been a long term standard in the automotive industry. Providing a fast oil change sounds great, but ultimately is a disservice to the customer and the vehicle. Here at Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, CA, that used to be our standard too. We charged a minimal “quick lube” price for a quick oil change that did not include any kind of inspection. However, the day came when we provided that service to a customer, and as she left our parking lot her serpentine belt broke. She asked how we could have missed such a thing! Explaining she would have rather had us taken the time to inspect her car since it was already in the shop, and avoided such an awful breakdown. That is why we created the ServicePlus Oil Service.  We know importance of a vehicle inspection at every service, no matter how new or old the vehicle is. Your safety, and the safety of your passengers, is as important to us as i ... read more

      It’s no secret that independent shops and dealerships have a margin on parts installed on your vehicle. Part margin is an essential part of a profitable business model. As a full-service shop, realizing a profit on parts allows Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, CA to continue to offer a premium level of service that we call ServicePlus.       There is a misperception that shops are making a lot on part margin.   Most shops use a pricing matrix to determine margin on parts.  This matrix will determine the “installed price” of the part calculating a markup of between 30% and 60%. This is a matrix, so there will be different margins depending the price of the part.  This  doesn’t mean that the shop sees this margin as profit.  After expenses, the shop aims to realize about a 10% profit and after taxes, just 5%.   Here’s an example of how it might l ... read more

      Sprinter adventure vans are popping up like wildflowers in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. If you’re considering purchasing a new high-profile Sprinter adventure van; Mercedes, Ram or Ford, here are some things to consider when it comes to maintenance.     Looking for a pre-owned model?  Use this valuable information, along with a Pre-Purchase Inspection to help you be confident that your purchase is a well-cared for adventure van and not a bundle of problems.        Mercedes Sprinter:  By far the top of the line is Mercedes. With upgrades and amenities not found on other brands, the Mercedes price reflects it's luxury and performance. The Mercedes Sprinter also has the highest “cost of ownership”.  You will need to be prepared to spend more for your general services (Mercedes A & B service), as well as repairs ... read more