What does it mean to be an AAA approved auto repair shop?

AAA approval reduces stress and risk by providing guaranteed, quality service for auto repair, auto body repair, and auto glass repair.

Why AAA approval?

AAA approval means guaranteed, quality service from facilities that meet strict requirements and that offer a full range of services. In short, AAA approved facilities:

Meet or exceed AAA's exacting standards regarding equipment and certified mechanics and have a track record of customer satisfaction
Guarantee service or repairs (under normal conditions) for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Must offer you a written estimate, if requested in advance; return your replaced parts; and have your approval before doing any work beyond the estimate.
Agree to let AAA arbitrate any disputes regarding quality of service or repairs.
Provide complimentary vehicle inspections at participating facilities.
Accept checks under the AAA member guaranteed check acceptance policy.

In addition, AAA approved facilities must offer the following services:

Brakes
Engine performance
Electrical systems
Minor engine repair

Facilities may also offer services to repair:

Automatic transmission
Heating and air conditioning
Major engine problems (including diesel engines)
Manual transmission and rear axle
Tires, steering and suspension

(provided by AAA)

What can cause white smoke from the exhaust?

It often means that you are burning antifreeze.

If the exhaust billows white smoke for a few seconds when first starting the engine after it has been sitting for a while, such as overnight, and then runs normally, it could mean that the rubber valve stem seals have perished - especially if the vehicle is a few years old and has done over 60/70,000 miles.

How difficult is it to repair an auto AC compressor?

Extremely. Anyone who is not licensed to handle freon is breaking the law. The EPA and others are really tough on this. Your freon must be removed if you have any leaks or repairs to the AC system. It cannot be released to the atmosphere(HOLES in the OZONE).

Why would your car heater overheat?

The most common cause of simultaneous engine overheating and no heat from the heater is extremely low engine coolant level, in other words a large pocket of air in the system. In some cars it's fairly easy to get the air out, in others it's very tricky. If there's a leak causing coolant loss, that will also have to be addressed or the problem will recur/worsen.

What can cause the steering wheel to shake?

A few things can cause your steering wheel to shake. Your powersteering fluid is dirty, you have a wheel out of alinement, or the linkage is loose.