Auto Repair Services
With advanced testing equipment, we ensure the quality of repairs and minimize the possibility of repeated failures. This is just a brief list of our repairs. Our skilled technicians can repair nearly anything!
A/C Repairs
Most of us don’t give our air conditioning a second thought as long as it’s blowing icy cold air. However, A/C systems are far more complicated than they used to be and it’s important to pay good attention to the common symptoms of A/C issues before it starts blowing hot air. Especially when the Boise area is in the triple digits, the last thing you want is a broken A/C. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely applies here!
If you are having A/C issues, don’t sweat it. Our ASE-Certified Technicians Committed to Keeping you Cool. With over 20 years of experience and training in diagnosing and fixing air conditioning issues, many of our customers rely on us for their air conditioning repairs, including refrigerant leaks, air conditioning recharging, compressor issues, worn contractors and more.
Brake Repair
Have you ever been driving and had your brakes start to squeak or even grind? These are the common warning signs of brake issues that you shouldn’t ignore. Because driving with lousy brake pads, rotors, or calipers can risk drivers’ and passengers’ safety.
Our technicians have 20 years of experience in the industry, and they are capable of diagnosing and fixing a wide range of brake issues right the first time. We’re proud to have served 1,000+ customers from Boise to Garden City, Eagle, Nampa, and we’re happy to provide you with top-notch repair and maintenance that makes your car ride safer and more comfortable.
Engine Repair
As the heart of your vehicle, your engine plays a critical role in operating your vehicle. Depending on the engine issues you may have, you might want to take immediate action to avoid permanent damage that would cost more time and labor to repair. For example, if you see excessive amounts of blue/gray exhaust smoke, there’s likely an oil leak, and your engine is burning oil. In this case, the sooner you consult with a certified auto mechanic, the better chance you will have to avoid significant engine damage.
Schedule an appointment today and have our ASE-Certified technicians inspect your engine. Our technicians have 20 years of experience in the industry, and they are capable of diagnosing and fixing a wide range of engine issues right the first time. We’re proud to have served 1,000+ customers from Boise to Garden City, Eagle, Nampa, and we’re happy to provide you with high-quality engine repair and maintenance that makes your car ride safer and more comfortable.
Transmission Repairs
Transmission maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of a vehicle. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. It is a complex system consisting of many parts that work together, and any malfunction can lead to significant problems.
Regular transmission maintenance helps to ensure that the transmission operates smoothly and efficiently, preventing issues such as slipping, grinding, or overheating. This can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs or even the need for a complete transmission replacement.
Suspension Repair
Your suspension system is responsible for absorbing bumps and vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable during cornering and braking, and providing a comfortable ride for passengers. There are a number of different suspension components that can be repaired or replaced, including: Shock absorbers, Springs, Control arms, Ball joints, and Tie rods.
It may be time to have your vehicle’s suspension repaired by one of our ASE certified technicians if you’re asking yourself these questions:
Why does my vehicle bounce or vibrate excessively?
Why does my vehicle pull to one side when I brake or accelerate?
Why is it difficult to control my vehicle?
Why does my vehicle make a clunking or banging noise when I go over bumps?
Why are my tires unevenly worn?
Electrical Repairs
The electrical system is responsible for powering all of the vehicle’s components and can be expensive but they are important to keep your vehicle safe. There are a number of different electrical components that can be repaired or replaced, some of the more common ones are:
- Starter: The starter is a small electric motor that turns the engine over when you turn the key in the ignition. If the starter fails, the engine will not start.
- Alternator: The alternator is an electric generator that charges the battery and provides power to the electrical system when the engine is running. If the alternator fails, the battery will not be charged and the electrical system will not work properly.
- Battery: The battery is a storage device that provides power to the electrical system when the engine is not running. If the battery fails, the electrical system will not work properly.
- Light bulb: Light Bulbs burn out over time and need to be replaced.
- Fuse(s): Fuses are small devices that protect the electrical system from damage. If a fuse blows, it needs to be replaced.
- Relays: Relays are small electrical switches that control the flow of power to other components in the electrical system. If a relay fails, it needs to be replaced.
- Wiring harness: The wiring harness is a network of wires that connects all of the electrical components in the vehicle. If the wiring harness is damaged, it needs to be repaired.
Cooling System
A vehicle’s cooling system is a complex network of components that work together to keep the engine from overheating. The system includes the radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and other parts.
Over time, the cooling system can develop problems that can lead to overheating. Some of the most common problems include:
Leaks: The radiator, hoses, and other components of the cooling system can develop leaks. This can cause coolant to leak out, which can lead to overheating.
Clogged hoses: The hoses in the cooling system can become clogged with debris. This can restrict the flow of coolant, which can also lead to overheating.
Defective thermostat: The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine. If the thermostat becomes defective, it can cause the engine to overheat.
Worn water pump: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. If the water pump becomes worn, it can cause the engine to overheat.
If you notice any of the signs of a cooling system problem, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, so it is important to take steps to prevent it.
Here are some tips for preventing cooling system problems:
- Have your cooling system serviced regularly. This includes changing the coolant, checking for leaks, and inspecting the hoses and other components.
- Use the correct type of coolant. The type of coolant that is recommended for your vehicle will depend on the climate you live in.
- Avoid overheating your engine. Do not drive your vehicle at high speeds for extended periods of time.
- Check the coolant level regularly. The coolant level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the reservoir.
- If you notice any leaks, have them repaired immediately. Leaks can cause the coolant level to drop, which can lead to overheating.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent cooling system problems and keep your engine running cool.
Timing Belt Repair
A timing belt is a rubber belt that is used to keep the engine’s valves and pistons in sync. It is located in the engine compartment and is usually covered by a timing belt cover.The timing belt replacement interval will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but it is usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause serious engine damage, including bent valves, a destroyed cylinder head, and a blown engine. If you are unsure about when to replace the timing belt, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Some symptoms of a worn or damaged timing belt are:
- Engine misfires
- Loss of power
- Engine overheating
- Engine stalling
- Strange noises coming from the engine
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your timing belt checked by a qualified mechanic as the timing belt replacement process is relatively complex and time-consuming.
Clutch Repair
The clutch is a mechanical device that allows the engine to be connected and disconnected from the transmission. This allows the driver to change gears without damaging the transmission. The clutch is made up of a number of components, including the flywheel, the clutch disc, the pressure plate, and the throwout bearing.
Over time, the clutch can wear out and need to be replaced. Some of the most common signs of a bad clutch are:
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Grinding noises when shifting gears
- Vibrations when shifting gears
- Slippage when accelerating
- A burning smell when the clutch is engaged
If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed, it may be a sign that your clutch needs to be repaired, or even, replaced. A worn clutch can damage the transmission if it is not replaced so it is important to have the clutch checked by a qualified mechanic.
Exhaust Repair
A vehicle’s exhaust system is responsible for carrying harmful fumes away from the engine and out of the vehicle. The system includes the exhaust manifold, the catalytic converter, the muffler, and the tailpipe.
Over time, the exhaust system can develop problems that can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency, an increase in emissions, and a decrease in the value of your vehicle. Some of the most common problems include:
Leaks: The exhaust manifold, the catalytic converter, the muffler, and the tailpipe can all develop leaks. This can allow harmful fumes to enter the passenger compartment or escape into the environment.
Clogged catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is a device that helps to reduce emissions. If the catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions.
Worn muffler: The muffler helps to reduce noise from the exhaust system. If the muffler becomes worn, it can make the vehicle louder.
Damaged tailpipe: The tailpipe is the final part of the exhaust system. If the tailpipe becomes damaged, it can allow harmful fumes to escape into the environment.
If you notice any of the signs of an exhaust system problem, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. A damaged exhaust system can not only be a safety hazard, but it can also lead to costly repairs down the road.
Some of the most frequent Exhaust System Repairs performed at Long Arm Mechanics are:
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement.
- Catalytic Converter Replacement.
- Muffler Replacement.
- Tailpipe Replacement.
Emission Repair
An Emissions Repair is the process of fixing problems with a vehicle’s emissions system which is responsible for controlling the amount of harmful pollutants that are released into the atmosphere from the vehicle’s engine.
There are a number of different problems that can occur with a vehicle’s emissions system. Some of the most common problems include:
- Leaks in the exhaust system
- Clogged or damaged catalytic converters
- Faulty sensors
- Worn or damaged parts
If you notice any of the signs of an emissions problem, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. A malfunctioning emissions system can not only pollute the environment, but it is also unsafe for the driver and can possibly lead to costly repairs down the road.
Here are some of the most common emissions repairs:
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement: The exhaust manifold gasket prevents leaks between the exhaust manifold and the engine. If the gasket becomes worn or damaged, it can cause leaks.
- Catalytic Converter Replacement: The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions. If the catalytic converter becomes clogged or damaged, it can reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions.
- Oxygen (O2) Sensor Replacement: The O2 sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If the O2 sensor becomes faulty, it can cause the emissions system to work incorrectly.
- EGR Valve Replacement: The EGR valve helps to reduce emissions. If the EGR valve becomes faulty, it can cause the emissions system to work incorrectly.
Differential Repair
The Differential is a component in a vehicle’s drivetrain that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning. This is important for vehicles with two or more driven wheels, as it allows the wheels on the outside of a turn to travel further than the wheels on the inside of the turn.
The differential is located between the transmission and the axles and consists of various parts, such as housings, gears, and bearings. Some signs that your differential may need repair are:
- A loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when turning.
- Vibrations when turning.
- A burning smell coming from the rear of the vehicle.
- Difficulty turning.
- A loss of power to the wheels.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your differential checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. A damaged differential can be dangerous to drive and can lead to premature wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires and other components.
Alignment Repairs
Alignment repairs are the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels so that they are in proper alignment with the vehicle’s frame. This is important for a number of reasons, including:
- Improved fuel efficiency: When your wheels are properly aligned, they can roll more easily, which can save you money on fuel.
- Increased tire life: When your wheels are properly aligned, they wear more evenly, which can extend the life of your tires.
- Improved handling: When your wheels are properly aligned, your vehicle will handle better, which can make it safer to drive.
- Reduced wear and tear on other components: When your wheels are not properly aligned, they can put extra stress on other components of your vehicle, such as the steering system and suspension. This can lead to premature wear and tear on these components.
If you find your asking these questions while driving:
Why does my vehicle pull to one side?
Why is my steering wheel not centered when I am driving straight?
Why are my tires wearing unevenly?
Why does my vehicle vibrate when I drive?
Your vehicle’s alignment may be out of whack and it is important to have your vehicle’s alignment checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. An out-of-alignment vehicle can be dangerous to drive and can lead to premature wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires and other components.
Transmission Repairs
Repairing a transmission can involve a wide range of tasks, from minor adjustments to complete rebuilds or replacements. Transmission repairs are known to be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is typically best left to ASE certified technicians with experience in this area, like those at Long Arm Mechanics.
The first step in repairing a transmission is to identify the problem. Once the problem has been identified, our technicians will determine the appropriate repair method. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, this may involve replacing individual components, such as the clutch, gears, or solenoids, or performing a complete rebuild of the transmission. We will provide you with a detailed recommendation to better help you make an informed decision.
Hybrid Repairs –
SRS –
Transfer Case Repairs
A Transfer Case is a component of a four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle that distributes power from the engine to the front and rear axles. It is typically located under the vehicle, near the transmission.
Transfer Cases can be repaired or rebuilt, depending on the severity of the damage. Repairs typically involve replacing worn or damaged parts, such as gears, bearings, and seals. Rebuilding a Transfer Case involves completely disassembling the unit and replacing all of the worn or damaged parts.
Symptoms of a bad Transfer Care are:
- Noises from the Transfer Case, such as whining, grinding, or clunking
- Vibrations from the Transfer Case
- Difficulty shifting into four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Loss of power to the front or rear wheels
- Leaks from the transfer case
If you are noticing any of the symptoms listed above, it is best to get your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. Transfer Case repairs will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the severity of the damage so it is best to get is worked on quickly.
