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07 Dec, 2016
Any type of small business is really about relationships and the better you build a relationship whatever service you are looking for, as a rule I think these things work out. If you're going to choose a Automotive repair facility in your local area, take your car in for a simple thing like an oil change. Get to know the people there, see if you are comfortable. Over a period of time you get more comfortable knowing "my car is being looked after properly." Pay attention to those lights coming on, pay attention to a strange noise. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask a question “The only stupid question is the one never asked, and in this case it could save you hundreds, thousands of dollars -- just by picking up the phone.
07 Apr, 2016
Integrity Automotive & Diesel provides prime service in North Tucson with new location changes Logan Burtch-Buus/The Explorer Integrity Automotive & Diesel provides prime service in North Tucson with new location changes Now located in one place, Integrity Automotive & Diesel provides customers with a high level of individual focus. Posted: Monday, March 21, 2016 5:02 pm | Updated: 10:50 am, Wed Mar 23, 2016. Logan Burtch-Buus, The Explorer Family owned and locally operated, Integrity Automotive & Diesel has spent the last decade providing high quality vehicle service to drivers throughout the area. “Our whole point when we named it Integrity, was that we’re not here to pressure you,” said Julee Baxley, co-owner of Integrity Automotive & Diesel. “We work with the client and tell them what the safety issue is, what they need to do and what’s coming up.” Baxley owns the business with her husband, Charlie, along with Don and Barb Meeker. The business has expanded greatly since first opening its doors, and over the years integrated diesel maintenance into its wide array of services—which now comprises complete bumper-to-bumper diagnostics, service and repair. For some time, the general automotive and diesel services were located at two different locations, though Baxley said she was excited to announce earlier this year that the diesel location would join the automotive shop at the West Ina Road location in an expanded space. Not only does the move put the Automotive Service Excellence master certified technicians all in one place, but it also allows the crew more space to work on diesel and larger vehicles. While the services may have coalesced into one hub of automotive excellence, the mission and guiding vision behind Integrity Automotive & Diesel hasn’t changed: to provide extraordinary services to its customers, all the while working to prevent or mitigate more preventable vehicle troubles. “Since day one,” said Baxely, “we’ve designed a program to help you so that you can save on expected things. And when they are unexpected, we work with you to try and figure out the problem. Your car is your first or second largest investment, next to owning a house, and people don’t treat it like that.” During financially trying times, Baxely said she often watches as people move vehicle maintenance further and further down on their budget, which can have some costly consequences further on down the road. The family of mechanics and staff at Integrity Automotive & Diesel see themselves as more than a means to repair vehicles, but also as part of the community. One of the ways through which they give back is through High Heels for Hope, a charity founded by Baxley to help those in need throughout northern Tucson, generally those in schools. From raising money for the charity to volunteering their free time, the Integrity Automotive & Diesel team has long worked to impact their community. From the moment the door opens, the customer is made to feel accepted and a part of the process. By including the customer in every step of the process, Baxley said the shop hopes to disband many preconceived notions about mechanics and auto repair. “It’s the personal service,” she said, “it’s having the same faces and the knowledge. Everyone here, including our front counter, has 25 to 40 years of experience. So you get the personal touch from the time you come in, until you leave. We keep you involved, we let you know what’s going on, and there’s no surprise at the end.” Integrity Automotive & Diesel is located at 4455 W. Ina Road, on the south side of the road, just West of North Oldfather Road. For more information, visit us.
16 Mar, 2016
Our spring vehicle tips will help you and your family stay safe.......... Fact:2,600 deaths a year occur from neglected vehicle maintenance. – National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Our Highways here in AZ have a large number of accidents due to bad tires and other maintenance issues please have your vehicle inspected before you take a "road" trip. Each year cold temperatures, winter vacation “road” trips, potholes, batteries, tires, brakes and suspensions put our vehicles to the test. While most new vehicles have “smart” computer systems that can alert us about this and that there can be some components that can make our vehicles unsafe if left unattended. Do NOT ignore Dash Lights. 1. Batteries, Plugs & Wires: All of these components give the spark to your vehicle and they work extra hard when it’s cold. Winter stress can compromise their performance up to 60 percent. Lighting Storms can weaken batteries or cause no starts. Test and replace old or weak batteries, plugs and wires, especially those more than three years old. It will certainly be cheaper than a tow and replacement down the road. 2.Tire Pressure: Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated and balanced. Cold mornings and warm afternoons can affect your tire pressure, if your dash light comes on have them checked to ensure proper tire pressure. 3.Belts and hoses: Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts, as well as hoses that are blistered, brittle or too soft. Belts and hoses older than five years, even if they look intact, might need to be replaced. 4.Brakes: After a cold winter it is advisable to inspect your vehicles brake system, brake lines, hoses, parking brake and brake fluid for proper level. We rely on our brakes and something as simple as a brake pad change. Listen for noises when you apply your brakes, if you hear a squeal or grinding noise have them inspected as soon as possible. By ignoring the noise or “putting it off” could increase your cost of the repair. 5.Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Deep potholes aren’t friendly to shocks and struts. In Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and surrounding areas our roads have many issues. Inspection is needed to determine wear or leaks can alleviate bigger issues down the road. Also having your wheels properly aligned can help keep you on the road in a safe and less wear on your tires. 6.Fluid Levels: Our environment has many changes: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant and, yes, even windshield washer fluid should be checked every 3,000 miles to avoid engine issues that can be very costly. 7.Engine Air filter: Changing out the engine air filter and Cabin filters can be done during any service or repair. With all the dust in Arizona we recommend every 3,000 miles to have it inspected or more if you are driving on a dirt road on a regular basis. 8.Windshield Wipers: Should be checked, with high temperatures during the summer with monsoon rains and cold winter days can crack and wear wipers. 9.Declutter your Vehicle: Take the time to declutter your vehicle; losing the extra weight can significantly increase your gas mileage too. 10.1000,000 Plus miles maintenance: The average family drives about 12-15k miles which means that it is around the 7-10 year mark and time for full inspection bumper to bumper. If you keep up with maintenance there is no reason that you can’t see most vehicles odometer go to 200,00 miles and beyond.
08 Oct, 2015
Weighing in at less than 1lb, the Jump&Go™ is a portable power supply that will jump start an array of 12volt vehicles. Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, Boats, Motorcycles, Garden Tractors, ATV’s, Jump Start V8s up to a 7.0L gasoline engine and up to a 3.5L diesel engine and more several times on one single charge. The Jump&Go features a powerful lithium polymer battery that can be recharged hundreds of times and will hold a charge for over 1 year! Compact pocket-sized design (smaller than a standard VHS tape) conveniently fits in toolboxes, consoles, glove boxes and purses The stylish, zippered storage case conveniently holds the jumper cables, 12 volt charger, home charger, and jump start The 2.1 Amp USB port and built in multi function LED flashlight make this device exceptionally versatile for emergency situations. 5 Level LED Battery Power/Charging Indicator Built-in Overcharge Protection Provides multiple jump starts from a single charge Detachable Jumper Cables with Short Circuit Protection 2.1 amp USB Port can power and charge phones, tablets, MP3 players, cameras, and more Built-in High Output LED Flashlight including Strobe, SOS and Emergency Beacon flashing patterns
27 May, 2015
Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Summer Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through regular maintenance... Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician. Air Conditioning A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system Cooling System The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked. Oil Change Service Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles in AZ) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer have a inspection done with your oil change service. Engine Performance Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected. Windshield Wipers A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent. Lights Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. Tires Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side. Brakes Brakes should be inspected ever 6 months or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly. Battery Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Lighting can cause a weak battery to fail, have your battery check at every oil change service. Emergencies Carry some basic tools — ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.
23 Feb, 2015
Safety is a top consideration for drivers. While today’s cars offer more safety features than ever, from passive devices like air bags to active features such as stability control, nothing replaces careful attention to the most fundamental safety feature: brakes. An annual brake inspection should be at the top of every motorist’s to-do list. Better yet, year-round attention to braking performance and developing the habit of listening for signs that brakes need attention should be part of every wise driver’s skillset. Check it out! Here are 7 signs your brakes need to be inspected: 1. Feel any drag? Be alert to brakes that seem to stick, wheels that are hot or an engine that seems to lose power. The brakes may be failing to release; alternately, the condition could reverse, leaving you with no brakes at all. 2. There’s a pull. Does the vehicle pull to the left or right when brakes are applied? Make sure tires are fully inflated. If the pull persists, it’s time for a professional to check the brakes. 3. Stomping on the brakes? It should not take extreme muscle power to make the brakes work. This “hard pedal” symptom, when the brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging, can indicate brake trouble. 4. Brake light is on. There are several reasons the brake light is illuminated on the vehicle dashboard. The problem could be simple: brake fluid could be low. Or, it could involve a hydraulic system failure. 5. Shake, shake, shake. Can you feel the brake pedal, steering wheel or your entire vehicle vibrating, pulsating or shaking? This may indicate a problem with disc brake rotors or a faulty steering mechanism. 6. There’s a racket. Brakes should operate with very little noise. Don’t ignore squeals, screeches, grinding, groaning, chatter, clatter or bangs. Your brakes may need repair. 7. Grab. “Touchy” brakes that grab with the least bit of pressure may indicate that brake linings are contaminated with grease or oil, or a component is broken and could fail. Brakes wear out and will eventually need to be replaced. How quickly depends on factors unique to you: your driving habits, type of vehicle and when and where you drive. This entry was posted in Braking FAQ, Safety Campaigns, Tech,
19 Sep, 2014
First and upmost should be a comprehensive vehicle inspection. Winter time, wiper blades, tires, and brakes are most important. Going to visit relatives during the holidays? Want peace of mind? Performing a complete 45 point vehicle inspection is very important. Tire pressures should be checked and adjusted as needed. Inspection of dried out wiper blades from summer heat. Engine and fuel induction service. Spark plug replacement or inspection. Winter gasoline is different than summer gasoline. Winter fuel can cause drivability issues if tune components are marginal. Poor visibility at night? Headlamp candle power marginal? Headlamp lens cleaning needed? We use our headlights more in winter than summer. Most plastic headlamp lenses can be polished out to remove the oxidation build up. Winter especially, but should have all year long an emergency kit stored in your vehicle.
02 Jul, 2014
Pack Rats damaging vehicles This is the worse time of year for pack rat damage. They hide and nest in vehicles. Whether you drive every day or once a week, all vehicles are subject to pack rat issues. We have been using a product for last 6 months which seems to be a great deterrent. Basic install for $ 74.90 parts & labor. We also have home use available for purchase. Great for sheds, laundry rooms, outside cabinets, & garages. Call us for details
30 Jun, 2014
The vehicles are completely different today as we all know. We have onboard computers / modules that tune your vehicle as you drive. There is no tune-up per say any more. Ignition and fuel related parts are changed at specific intervals. We have engine management systems, transmission management systems, and even body control management systems. There are specific fluids for vehicles, no more 1 coolant fits all for example. For all the extensive technology that is used in today’s vehicles, repairing is completely different. We have basic charging systems that are not basic any more ( eg. Stop/start idle vehicles). With technology changing and is more complicated, repairs and service’s become more complicated.
29 Jun, 2014
Most manufacturer’s maintenance intervals are not always realistic to customer driving habits and locations. Driving and idling in our considered extreme conditions. 5,000 mile intervals should be the maximum. Even considering whatever engine oil your vehicle is required to use. There are many things to consider when having engine oil service. Going more than 5,000 miles without a professional technician inspecting the vehicle is pushing the limits. There are other vital components to consider also. Tire inflations, rotations, air filter elements, and other fluids need to be inspected and condition advised upon.
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