Many people who want to buy or already drive an import vehicle know that the secret to good maintenance is a great mechanic. These car enthusiasts often make it a point to take their car to the same shop, no matter what it needs. They build a relationship with an import mechanic beyond a handshake and a financial transaction.

Some people don't see the value in getting to know their mechanic, though.

These drivers are missing out.

​Here are four reasons you should establish a relationship with the person taking care of your import vehicle.

Unfortunately, not every mechanic offers respectable, professional services.

There are some who have no problem ripping you off or giving you a service that is not up to par. This is a worrisome realization for many drivers. But, the ones who have a relationship with their mechanic have nothing to be concerned about. When you establish a bond with the person working on your car, you can trust it's in good hands. Plus, you don't have to go through every detail whenever you drop your car off. Your mechanic will know what your vehicle needs based on the previous times you've come in. They'll get everything right and return your car just how you like it.

There's nothing like getting quality service for reasonable prices. Just because you drive an import vehicle doesn't mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for maintenance.
You can trust that your go-to import mechanic is giving you their quote for a reason. A lot of time this will depend on your German import being shop's mechanics and your history of service, maintenance and repair. 

Having someone you can count on for fair pricing comes in handy when you need new parts. Import vehicles often have special things you need to order from the manufacturer or even overseas. These don't come cheap. But your mechanic can help you find the best place to buy from.

In many cases, Performance Services will have the parts you need in-house ready to go.
This kind of inventory is unbeatable. It gives you quick access to the right parts, getting you back on the road in no time.

Sometimes, car repair is as simple as a question.

When you establish a relationship with your import mechanic, you can count on them to give you good advice for regular upkeep. This person has been under the hood of many vehicles over the years. They know a thing or two about what makes a car last and will share their tricks with you once you get to know each other. Such knowledge has no price tag. It gives you the power to take the best possible care of your car.

​Then, when it really needs a mechanic, you'll know exactly who to call.

Stop taking your import vehicle to just anyone.

It's time to get to know your mechanic and see the benefits of such a relationship for yourself. Frank Jackson and his team are ready to provide the professional services and trustworthy connection you've been looking for.
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Contact us today and make the first of more appointments to come!

To keep kids safe on the road to and from school, more and more parents are sending their kids to college with the enhanced safety and performance that only fine German engineering can provide. This means parents AND students need a LOCAL trusted service and maintenance provider with a higher level of understanding and experience that German makes like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche require. That's where Performance Services comes in.

Frank Jackson at Performance Services offers complete factory diagnostics for all German makes and models. This means a "check engine light" can be diagnosed quickly without having to drive the vehicle one hour or more to get to a dealership (which could cause serious damage to a car that's trying to tell you something...). Additionally, German craftsmanship requires specialized training and experience to diagnose and fix a problem. The ASE Certified techs at Performance Services have almost 100 years of combined experience in maintaining and repairing German automobiles. Don't make the mistake of allowing a basic mechanic (or for goodness sake the quicky oil change shop) to attempt to diagnose, much less FIX, an intricate issue on your BMW, VW, Audi, Mercedes or Porsche.

Many of our current customers are Auburn students whose parents' have grown to trust Frank and his team at Performance Services. Our knowledgeable techs understand your concerns about the safety of your child when it comes to making repairs and regular maintenance. The Performance Services team will always speak with you on the phone to explain the issues and offer recommendations. 

You chose a fine German auto for a reason. Our goal and passion is helping you love driving your vehicle. Call on us for proper maintenance and repair for student vehicles.

Contact our team at (334) 749-1588. Our shop is located just across the street from Tiger Town off Frederick Road in Opelika.

At Performance Services, Auburn-Opelika's top choice for maintenance and repair of fine German automobiles, we want you and your family to be safe during your holiday travels this year. We've put together a basic checklist of items to look at before you hit the road. They're simple and effective ways to prevent trouble on the road. Don't have time to perform these checks? Bring your car to Performance Services and we'll handle it for you.

Check Your Tire Pressure 
This sounds like a very basic pre-trip check, but so many people forget to check their tire pressure when leaving for a road trip over the holidays. It can cost a lot of money in wasted fuel and negative tire wear. Use a simple tire pressure gauge (digital ones are more accurate but not necessary) and set the pressure to your tire manufacturers standards. Most new cars have the PSI on a tag on the inside of the door frame on the drivers side. Or, the tire itself has the recommended/max tire pressure listed on the tire itself. While you’re doing this also check the pressure in your spare tire. Most of us forget the spare until we need it, and that’s a very bad time to find out your spare is flat. Believe us!

Check the Depth of Your Tire Tread 
You're already down on your knees checking the tore pressure, so make sure and look at the tread depth. Uneven wear is BAD and you should have them checked out before venturing on a long trip. You also want to check the tread depth to make sure the tires aren’t worn out. Use a penny from your pocket and make sure the tread goes past Lincoln’s head when you place the top of the penny into one of the treads.

Check the Service Record for Your Vehicle
Okay, so you may be saying, "what service record," but check when you are due for an oil change or scheduled service. If you are within 500 miles of your next oil change or scheduled maintenance you should go ahead and get it done before your trip. At Performance Services, when you are completing a full service oil change, we'll check the rest of the fluids and general maintenance too. Transmission fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid... they're all important for safe and pleasurable travel over the holidays. 

Check That You Have Your License, Insurance, and Registration 
This may sound silly, but often times the difference between getting a ticket and not getting a ticket is your ability to produce current records quickly if you're stopped. We recommend having your insurance card and registration in the same, easy-to-reach place ALL the time. If you use AAA or another roadside service, place that card in with your license and registration also. You'll also want to to CHECK when your insurance card to make sure it is the up-to-date version and since it could expire while you are on an extended holiday trip.

Check Your Lights and Wiper Blades
Take a few seconds to look at your wiper blades. Do you notice that the rubber is dry, cracked, or rough and brittle, or do you see streaks and smudges on the windshield when you turn them on? It's probably time to change them! This is especially important if you are driving into wet climates that may have extended periods of rain or snow. Remember the last time you drove on the interstate with big trucks? Yeah, that spray from their tires is pretty bad. Don't get caught without good solid wiper blades. 

You should also check your lights and turn indicators before you leave. Turn on your headlights and walk around the car to make sure they are all working properly. Check each turn signal in the same fashion. Maybe your wife, friend or significant other can help you press your brake pedal to make sure your brake lights are working. You don’t want to get pulled over for having any lights out, or worse end up in an accident because your lights are not working properly.

Check the Interior of Your Vehicle 
A messy console can really be a distraction to driving. Take a few minutes to clean out the vehicle and check that everything in the car is something you really need for the trip. This includes the console, trunk, passenger seating areas and any pockets that may be holding "junk" you don't really need to drag along. Travelling with pets? Make sure they have plenty of space and that the area is free of chew hazards.