FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• ARE YOU OPEN ON SATURDAYS?
• DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY NEW CAR TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE?
• HOW DO I FIND A GOOD REPAIR FACILITY?
• WHAT DOES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MEAN?
• SHOULD I TRY TO FIX IT MYSELF?

ARE YOU OPEN ON SATURDAYS?

No, we're not open on Saturdays. There are several reasons behind our decision to close on Saturdays. First, all of our technicians and employees have families and like to spend time with their loved ones. At Simmons 4x4 we are of the firm belief that our kids are only young once, and we need to spend as much time with them as we can while they are still growing up. Another reason we don't open on Saturdays is because we don't believe you want to spend your day off in our waiting area while your vehicle is being serviced or repaired. We have a complimentary shuttle service available during the week. Doesn't it truly work out better for you if you drop your vehicle off for service, we give you a ride to work, repair your vehicle while you're at work, and then give you a ride back to pick it up when the work is completed. We believe that this ultimately gives you more free time with your family on the weekends as well. Sure beats heck out of sitting in a waiting room while your vehicle is being worked on doesn't it?

DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY NEW CAR TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE?

Absolutely not! There are any number of laws on the books which specifically prohibit automobile dealers from suggesting or implying that you have to return to them for service in order to ensure your manufacturer warranty is valid. Any qualified independent repair facility can maintain your new vehicle and your warranty is still very valid. If you've been a long-time customer of an independent repair facility and you're obviously happy and comfortable with the services they provide then keep going to them. They'll service your new vehicle, and if they spot any problems that should be covered under manufacturer warranty, then they'll let you know so you can return to the dealer for warranty repairs.

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD REPAIR FACILITY?

First, ask your friends and neighbors who they use. Get some recommendations. Drive by those shops and stop in to inspect them. Does the shop look busy? Is the shop clean? Are there cars parked every which direction with cobwebs hanging from the rear view mirrors? Are the technicians clean? Are they ASE certified? How did the people at the front counter greet you? Could you be comfortable dealing with them? Automobile repair is a personal preference issue. You can take your vehicle anywhere you want to have it repaired. The answers you give yourself to the above-listed questions should help you decide where you want to have it repaired.

WHAT DOES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MEAN?

The check engine light of "MIL" Malfunction Indicator Lamp means that the vehicle computer has spotted a system functioning out of it's pre-programmed parameters. Many things can set a check engine light. A loose fuel cap can set a check engine light. A bad spark plug, a plugged fuel filter, a lazy oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor can all cause the check engine light to illuminate. Don't panic! Be aware of the driving conditions and circumstances when the light first came on. For example, did it come on shortly after you filled the vehicle with fuel? Did it come on after a long extended drive in Arizona's summer heat? These clues can help the technician find the problem quicker which means you are going to save some money. If the MIL is flashing, then you need to get to a repair facility pronto! The flashing MIL indicates that damage to your vehicle's emission control system is just around the corner. When the check engine light comes on, make an appointment to have your vehicle tested. A technician will scan the computer for codes and that will allow him to find the malfunctioning circuit and begin the repair process.

SHOULD I TRY TO FIX IT MYSELF?

Well, how mechanically inclined are you? And what is the problem with the vehicle? If you're pretty mechanically inclined there are still a lot of repairs you can do yourself. Certainly you can change your own oil. Make sure you save your receipts because if push comes to shove under a manufacturer warranty question and you don't have receipts, then you've voided your warranty. Make sure you use quality filters and dispose of your old oil appropriately. Don't just go out in the desert and dump it . . that's about a $10,000 fine when you get caught. If your newer vehicle has a runnability concern then you probably can't repair it yourself. You'll need to be able to communicate with the vehicle's ECM (Engine Control Module) to see what system is in need of repair. If you do decide to fix it yourself, then make sure you follow all necessary safety precautions when working on the vehicle. It's only a car. Certainly not worth injuring yourself in an effort to repair.