Lower Your Costs for Auto Repair
Auto repair can be overly expensive at many repair shops, but thankfully Hoffman Automotive in Martinsburg, WV makes providing affordable auto repairs a high priority. Sometimes a vehicle has a problem like brakes not working well, a strange noise in the suspension, abnormal steering, etc. Diagnosis of the problem can be fairly quick and easy, or it may require a combination of test driving and visual inspection, or even the use of diagnostic equipment. Hoffman Automotive mechanics have years of experience in diagnosing automotive problems and performing auto repairs of all types.
Many garages avoid doing auto repairs that are less profitable for them. For example a car with rust underneath can take much longer to repair than one without rust. Also some foreign cars can be harder to work on than domestic cars. Often garages will give an outrageous price rather than do a harder, less profitable job. Many garages have young, inexperienced, and lower paid mechanics who are only able to do the simplest, most common auto repair jobs.
Jim Hoffman and his team of experienced mechanics are prepared to do almost any type of auto repair. Hoffman Automotive is equipped to handle a full range auto repairs including engine repairs, suspension, brakes, transmissions, steering, tires, headlights, and many other repair items. Not only are we accustomed to a wide range of auto repairs, we are also not bothered by some jobs being less profitable. We are happy to work on the hard-to-do auto repairs that other shops won’t do. And most importantly, we are able to do auto repairs at lower costs, and pass on the savings to our customers.
Types of Auto Repairs
A car is made up of several systems, each with a unique set of component parts. Auto repair often boils down to determining which parts are worn out, damaged, or otherwise not functioning properly, then replacing them. At Hoffman Automotive your mechanic will first listen to your description the problem. Then he may take the car for a test drive, put it up on a lift for visual inspection, and/or scan the car’s computer for codes indicating problem points. These measures help to pinpoint what type of auto repair is needed. Most auto repairs either involve the engine or one of the five main automotive systems.
Repairs Involving the Engine
You might say that it all starts with the engine system, because that is where the power is generated. In an internal combustion engine, fuel is exploded in the cylinders to move pistons, and turn a crankshaft. The engine system is the most complicated, being comprised of a number of smaller subsystems. Hoffman Automotive performs all types of engine repairs and specializes in deep engine repairs that many shops don’t do. To read more about our automotive engine repair services, please go to our Engine Repair page.
Repairs Involving the Other 5 Vehicle Systems
The rotational power from the engine is transmitted out to the wheels through a series of shafts, gears, and other rotating components. This power transmission system is called the drive train. Both the engine and transmission parts are mounted on a chassis which forms the backbone of the vehicle. The body of the vehicle which houses the passenger seats, doors, trunk, etc. is suspended above the chassis by the suspension system. The engine, body, chassis and drive train, are all made up of heavy steel components, causing a lot of momentum when the whole thing gets moving. A braking system is needed to slow down and stop the car’s motion as needed. In order to maneuver, the the car’s wheels need a steering system that connects back to the steering wheel. The entire vehicle is inter-connected with wires and various electrical parts that make up the electrical system. In addition to lights, the electrical system includes various sensors and control mechanisms that are often tied into an electronic computer system.
Chassis and body work which are typically done after an automotive wreck in a body shop. Most other auto repairs are performed in an auto repair shop by mechanics, and fall under one the key systems outlined below:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Transmission / Drive Train
- Steering
- Electrical
This vehicle was diagnosed by another shop as needing a very expensive transmission replacement. Jim was able to quickly diagnose the real problem and get it back on the road in a short time at a minimal cost. There was nothing at all wrong with the transmission!
Inexperienced mechanics guess, use a hit and miss approach or blindly go by codes generated by the car’s computer.
Experienced mechanics like Jim use all the diagnostics available and lean heavily on their experience to consider all the indicators before recommending a specific auto repair.
Auto Repair: Braking System
Your vehicle’s braking system is by far the most important safety system in your vehicle. Auto repairs involving the brakes should always be made a top priority. Have your brakes checked whenever you hear squeaking, scraping, or other brake noises, or notice a change in your stopping power. Common auto repairs involving the braking system are brake pad and rotor replacement. These parts wear down a little more with each application of the brakes, so replacement of the pads and rotors or shoes and drums are a normal auto repair resulting from normal wear. Other auto repairs involve the hydraulic braking components including the brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake calipers, and brake lines. Every car also has a hand operated emergency braking system, and many cars incorporate anti-lock brake components (ABS).
Hoffman Automotive mechanics can do all types auto repairs including both routine and non-routine brake repairs. Safety is the most important thing when considering the car’s braking system, but that doesn’t mean affordability has to go out the window. We always make sure customers are aware of the condition of their car’s braking system. We help our customers choose the best and most affordable brake repairs that will restore their car’s braking system to a safe and effective state.
Auto Repairs: Suspension System
Auto repairs involving shocks, springs, struts, and sway bars become necessary when the suspension system gets worn or broken. If a car begins to bounce, rock, or sway when going over bumps or around corners auto repairs may be needed. It may even become difficult to steer on bumpy roads. Other times clunking, clattering, squeaking, and popping noises are signs that your car needs auto repairs. Sometimes there are visual signs like fluid leaking from the shock absorbers, or unusual tire wear called “cupping.” Failure to address suspension issues in a timely fashion can result in unnecessary damage to other components, especially ball joints, control arms, linkages, bushings, and tires.
Hoffman Automotive is able to perform nearly all of your auto repair needs including all types of suspension system repairs.
Auto Repairs: Transmission / Drive Train System
Auto repairs regarding the transmission, manual gear shift, drive shaft, universal joints, rear differential gears, axles, cv joints, wheel hubs, wheel bearings, etc. all fall under the category of auto repairs involving the drive train system.
Most drive train related auto repairs require that the vehicle be raised up on a lift and the repairs performed from underneath. Hoffman Automotive is a full service auto repair shop, equipped to do all drive train repairs. From the largest transmission replacement to the smallest cv joint boot repair, our mechanics are prepared to serve your auto repair needs.
Auto Repair: Steering System
Steering system related auto repairs include both mechanical and hydraulic parts. Mechanical components include the steering wheel and steering column as well as the tie rods that link to the front wheel assemblies. Hydraulic components include the power steering pump. The hydraulic and mechanical systems intersect at the rack. It is very important that the steering components do not have excess play in their linkages, and that there are no leaks in the power steering fluid system.
Hoffman Automotive mechanics are able to perform the necessary auto repairs to seal leaks, replace faulty parts, and assure that the links are properly adjusted. If you have steering problems or notice any changes in the steering of you vehicle be sure to bring it by to be checked.
Auto Repair: Electrical System
Electrical auto repairs vary widely in their types, because the electrical system interconnects with many other systems. Sometimes a problem may appear to be with another system when it is actually an electrical problem. For example, a short or a ground in a circuit can cause a sensor or control mechanism in another system to stop working. Troubleshooting electrical problems can be difficult at times, requiring careful step by step diagnostics. However, there are many auto repairs involving electrical components such as lights, window motors, heater fans, etc. that are pretty straight forward to diagnose and perform.
At Hoffman Automotive we can diagnose and perform most electrical system related auto repairs in a timely and affordable fashion.