• Timing belts should be replaced between 60,000 miles (5-7 years) and 105,000 miles (7years), depending on the car model. A timing belt drives the engine in the same way a bicycle chain moves a bicycle. If the belt breaks the car stops immediately and in some cases causes major engine damage ($1,000 to $2,000 or more).
  • A fuel filter that is not changed will block and damage the fuel pump, which can cost more than a "Major" service.
  • Battery terminals that are not cleaned can cause the alternator to overcharge and burn out. An alternator can cost as much as a "Major" service.
  • A Battery that appears to start the car well but tests as marginal or is more than 5 years old can also cause the alternator to overcharge and fail.
  • Brake fluid that is not replaced will absorb moisture, corrode the metal brake parts, cause seals to leak and boil at a lower temperature, and fail under hard braking. This will be not only expensive but dangerous.
  • Coolant not changed regularly will cause electrolysis and corrode the cooling system. Electrolysis will cause all aluminum in the engine to be transferred/corroded and deposited in the remainder of the system. The damaged aluminum parts will include the cylinder head, water pump and housing, thermostat housing, and radiator. These repairs will cost more than if the car had had every service performed for years.
  • Valves that are not adjusted regularly can and do burn, and cost five times as much as a "Major" service to repair.
  • Coolant hoses should all be replaced at approximately 150,000 miles or 10 years. Hoses get small interior stress cracks that, like a chip in windshield, can suddenly spread into a large crack or split and fail. Why come in 10 times to replace 10 hoses and overheat the engine each time. Overheated engines can, and do, blow head gaskets, a very major engine repair.

Of course, paying a flat rate shop to whistle through your auto repair services and charge you full price while missing half the checks accomplishes nothing. We are not a "flat rate" shop. For 40+ years we have taken pride in the fact that we do everything on the auto service check list, no matter how long it takes. We will also report to you any items that may need repair outside of the service, in priority order, and will let you know our recommendation about which repairs are important and which can be deferred. This priority will be based on how and where you drive as well as what is financially convenient for you.
Our goal is keeping you informed about the best course of action to maintain your car's peak performance, without intimidation or misinformation.


Service for Late Model Japanese and European Cars

Mekatron services and repairs Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, Scion, Suzuki, Audi, Volkswagen, ​BMW and Mercedes.


Need help with your Honda? MORE FROM YOUR MAZDA? MEKATRON DIAGNOSTICS ARE KEY.

Some car dealerships make the statement that a car must be serviced by the dealer to keep the factory warranty in effect and that independent repair garages don’t have the equipment or knowledge to repair late model cars. Exactly the opposite is true. By having an independent car shop, such as Mekatron, perform your factory services your warranty will still be honored. We take pride in our expertise. We often catch items about to fail, before your warranty expires, so you won’t have the expense of paying for overlooked items.
Our equipment and technical ability are exceptional. Please refer to our Diagnostic Services page for an explanation of the equipment, vast technical database and continuing training our staff receives to keep up with the late model cars.


Trouble with your Toyota? An issue with your Infiniti? Mekatron diagnostics are key.

There is an inherent difference between the way a dealership diagnoses a car and the way a highly qualified independent repair shop performs diagnostics. Dealerships are on a flat rate labor system, meaning the technicians are paid for part replacement, not for diagnostic time or ability. They diagnose cars by changing parts until the problem goes away. If/when the problem is resolved they may not know which part fixed the car. Unfortunately, they end up knowing no more about the true operation of the circuits involved. This leads to the real possibility that several components were changed when only one was defective.


​Also, if the problem is not a component but bad connections in the wiring, dealers may change the whole $1,000+ wiring harness instead of just cleaning, soldering or tightening a connector. Independents, such as Mekatron, don't have the luxury of an endless supply of parts. Out of necessity we have to go to school and really understand the circuits and components we diagnose. For this reason the final cure is much more often what your car needed, and no more. Consumers often perceive a dealer as a more effective way to service their new car. This has much more to do with marketing than competence. Dealerships have large marketing campaigns used to influence consumers. For integrity, reliability and the most up-to-date technical knowledge, look to Mekatron