Auto repair shops in the Phoenix area you can call today

AZ Business Directory lists local, independently owned auto repair shops around the Phoenix area, each with a phone number. Call, describe the problem, and ask for a written estimate before any work starts. In the Valley, most car trouble in summer comes down to heat: batteries, tires, coolant and the A/C.

How do you tell a good auto shop from a bad one?

You will learn more from a phone call than from a sign on the door.

• Do they ask questions about the problem? A shop that listens is a good sign.
• Will you get a written estimate? Ask for parts and labor listed separately.
• Will they call before doing extra work? The final bill should match what you approved.
• Is there a warranty? Ask how long it lasts and what it covers.
• Which makes do they work on? Some shops are all-makes, some focus on specific brands.
• Can they show you the old part? A shop that is proud of its work will not mind.

What does a shop's listing tell you?

Each business describes itself, so read the details. Choice Auto Repair in Tempe is family-owned and operated, works on all makes and models, and lists a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Friendly Auto Centers in Mesa lists brakes, engine, transmission, A/C, tires and off-road upgrades. Beck's European in Scottsdale services Porsche, BMW, Mini and Audi vehicles.

Match the shop to your car and your problem, and then call.

What does Arizona heat do to a car?

Heat is hard on almost everything under the hood.

• Batteries wear out faster in high temperatures. A battery that struggles to start the car in July may have been weakened over the summer.
• Tires run hotter, and low pressure makes it worse. Check pressure when the tires are cold.
• Coolant keeps the engine from overheating. Low coolant and old hoses are common summer problems.
• A/C works hardest from May through October. If it blows warm, have it checked before it fails on a 110-degree day.
• Dashboards and belts crack and dry out from sun.

A good habit: get the battery, coolant, belts and tires looked at in spring, before the heat arrives.

How to read an estimate

Look for three things: the problem being fixed, the parts, and the labor. If you do not understand a line, ask. If the repair is large, you can call a second shop and compare. A fair shop will not push you to decide on the spot, unless the car is unsafe to drive.

If a warning light is on, ask the shop what test they will run and what that costs before they start.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

How often should I service my car in Arizona?

Follow the schedule in your owner's manual, and ask your shop whether the heat calls for anything more often, such as battery tests or fluid checks. Many people have a quick check done before summer.

Should I go to a dealer or an independent shop?

Both can do good work. Independent shops often cost less and let you talk to the owner, and some specialize in certain brands. Check your warranty paperwork first, since some repairs may need to follow its rules.

What should I do if my car overheats?

Pull over somewhere safe, turn off the engine and turn the heater on high if you can to pull heat from the engine. Do not open the radiator cap while it is hot. Call a tow or a shop from the directory.

See every auto repair shop in Phoenix