Why You Should Skip the Dealer and go to an Independent Car Repair Shop

When is it Better to Choose an Independent Repair Shop over a Dealer?

If your new, or nearly new, a vehicle needs repair or maintenance, you should take it to the dealer, right? Not necessarily. Many people mistakenly believe that taking their car to the dealership is their only option. Or, they believe that the dealer somehow is “better” than the average independent repair shop. Both are incorrect.…

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Transmission Flush or Fluid Change? Which Does Your Car Need?

One thing most people love about their cars is that automatic transmissions seem to develop few, if any, problems. There isn’t much effort when it comes to keeping your automatic transmission running smoothly.  Simply follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, right? However, what do you do if you have an older vehicle and the mileage goes…

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5 Things Your Check Engine Light is Trying to Tell You

check engine light

Is there anything that can strike more fear in your heart than seeing that blazing Check Engine light – besides a semi driving straight for you? OK, maybe red lights flashing in your rear-view mirror, but you get the idea. What does the Check Engine light mean? You shut off the radio, yell at the…

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6 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start and What To Do About It

check engine

Is there anything in life more frustrating than getting ready to leave work and feeling so thankful that the day is over, but when you turn the key to start the car. . . nothing. Or maybe you hear that cranking sound, and the car won’t start. Other times, the car makes a clicking sound,…

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Your Car Just Failed the Emissions Test. Now What?

Car failed the emissions test? Here's what you need to know and how Hong Kong Auto Service in WIlmette can help.

It’s time to renew your tags and you received a notice that your vehicle needs an emissions test before you can do so. No problem. You head down for what you think will be a quick emissions test and bang! That nice man tells you that your car failed! In fact, he won’t even test…

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Save Time, Money and Headaches When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

car care tips from mechanic

Are you considering buying a pre-owned vehicle? That’s a money-savvy choice when you consider that the value of new cars drops substantially as soon as you drive it off the lot. One key to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is finding one that is safe and is going to be reliable for you. Finding that trouble-free…

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What Every Driver Should Know about the ABS on Their Vehicle

ABS warning light symbol that will appear on the car dashboard

We Chicagoans do love our cars, don’t we? Especially in the slush-fest that describes a typical Chicago winter. Staying warm and dry inside our cars when those howling winds and swirling snows hit is a sheer delight. Driving in these conditions, however, is another story. Everyone has at least one hair-raising tale that involves ice,…

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