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!

​Germany is known for its long history of manufacturing cars built for performance.

This means that often, these cars need a little more maintenance than most. With some dedication and the right care, your German auto can have a long and full life.

Here's what you need to know when caring for your vintage dream car.

No joke. The dedication needed to care for German performance cars often stems from the wallet, too.

Parts and care will cost German auto owners more than average, with Mercedes and Audi being the amongst the highest.

Today, vehicles from German manufacturers such as these can cost over $1500 a year (as shown in the same study referenced above.) With high mileage vehicles, this can increase even more.
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In making your buying decision, it's important to keep in mind that there will be a high average cost of repairs.

Avoid letting your vintage vehicles sit idle for too long. If a car sits without use for months, it can begin to deteriorate.

Starting a car after a long period without use can often cause many of its systems to fail or need maintenance quickly after you bring it to life again.
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Make sure you're taking your ride for a spin every now-and-again. This is the most fun part about owning a vintage car, after all.

An oil change every 3000 miles may or may not be right for your vehicle, but it is a good rule of thumb. However, watch all of your vehicle fluids when driving a vintage car. Oil changes are something to always keep an eye on. Every 3,000-7,000 miles will do depending on your cars make, model age and driving conditions.

It is always a good idea to check the oil regularly.

The oil lube system should be a closed system. That means it shouldn't get used-up. If you see your oil level dropping, check for leaks. These can be especially common as the car gets older.

Also, get a coolant flush once a year. Finally, keep an eye on other fluids, such transmission leaks, once you reach 60,000 miles.

Keeping your car clean and cared for doesn't just make the experience driving better. It also adds years to the life of the vehicle.

Even rain can contribute to wear on the body. Washing regularly can help extend the life of your paint job.

Frequent waxing is important as well. Apply wax every 6 months for the protection your German car needs. 
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Treat your leather interiors with a cream. This will keep them in good condition, and save you from spending more on trying to salvage damaged leather. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Providing professional care for your German car is paramount. If your maintenance shop doesn't have the proper tools and expertise to properly work on the specialized German parts? Well, then they can very easily damage the vehicle. 

​This is why it's crucial to work with a professional who specializes in German cars. 

This was a quick overview of tips that can keep your classic ride in top shape for years to come.​

For more in-depth help for caring for your specific vehicle, or any other questions, contact us. We'll be happy to assist you.