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Author: Jeff
Why Cheaper Is Not Better
When it comes to maintaining or repairing your vehicle, opting for the cheapest automotive shop may seem like an easy way to save money. However, choosing a shop based solely on cost can lead to unintended consequences that may end up costing you more in the long run. In most cases, the adage “you get what you pay for” holds true, and when it comes to car repairs, quality, reliability, and safety should be the top priorities.
One of the primary reasons not to go with the cheapest shop is the quality of parts and materials used. Discount automotive shops often rely on inexpensive aftermarket parts that may not meet the same standards as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) components. These lower-quality parts can wear out more quickly, leading to more frequent repairs and potentially compromising the performance and safety of your vehicle. On the other hand, a reputable shop will typically use higher-quality parts and may even offer warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind that your repairs are built to last.
Another issue with choosing the least expensive shop is the skill and experience of the technicians. Automotive repair is a specialized field, and properly diagnosing and fixing a problem requires a deep understanding of both the vehicle’s systems and the tools needed for the job. In cheaper shops, technicians may not be as well-trained, or they may lack the expertise required to accurately identify and fix complex issues. This can lead to poor workmanship, which may result in additional damage to your car or incomplete repairs that worsen over time. A more experienced, higher-priced shop is likely to have technicians with certifications and ongoing training, ensuring that the work done on your vehicle is both accurate and efficient.
In addition to poor workmanship, some low-cost shops might cut corners in other areas, such as customer service or shop cleanliness. A trustworthy shop values customer relationships and will take the time to explain the repair process, offer fair pricing, and provide honest advice. On the other hand, discount shops may rush through jobs or fail to communicate clearly with customers about what is being done to their vehicles. Poor communication and lack of transparency can result in misunderstandings, inflated prices, or unapproved work being performed on your car. Investing in a shop with a solid reputation for customer service ensures that you are treated with respect and that your concerns are addressed.
Lastly, while the upfront cost of repairs at a budget shop may be tempting, choosing a shop based on price alone can lead to higher costs over time. Low-cost repairs might fix a symptom of a problem but fail to address the root cause, leading to recurring issues and ultimately more expensive repairs down the line. Furthermore, cheap repairs can reduce the resale value of your vehicle, as potential buyers will be wary of cars that have been serviced with subpar parts or poor-quality repairs. Choosing a reputable shop ensures that your car is repaired properly, preserving its long-term value and minimizing the risk of further costly repairs.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option when it comes to automotive repairs, doing so can often result in higher costs, lower quality work, and potential safety risks. By prioritizing quality, expertise, and customer service, you are not only protecting your vehicle but also ensuring its long-term reliability and safety. In the end, investing in a trusted, professional automotive shop is a decision that will pay off in the form of peace of mind, better performance, and fewer repair headaches down the road.
Trusted Offroad Shops Around Texas
When you’re not in the DFW area but you need a shop, here is a list of shops that not only do excellent work, they show good charachter and actually care about your vehicle like we do. These shop have the same mentalities as us and are customer service oriented. We would trust these guys with our own rigs.
Austin
River City Offroad – (West Side of Austin)
Address: 1034 Canyon Bend Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Phone: 512-400-9557
URL: https://www.rivercityoffroad.com/
Baldy’s Jeep Shop – (North Side of Austin)
Address: 700 N Park Cir, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone: 512-968-0772
URL: baldysjeep.com
New Braunsfels
Exodus 4×4
Address: 1218 Industrial St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: 830-629-0057
URL: https://exodus4x4.com/
San Antonio
Bikini Offroad
Address: 7227 Eckhert Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 210-401-5337
URL: http://bikinioffroad.com/
Houston
Brave Motorsports
Address: 4416 Steffani Ln, Houston, TX 77041
Phone: 713-896-8559
URL: http://www.bravemotorsports.com/
Mason (South West Texas – Wolf Caves & K2 Area)
34 Garage
Address: 2951 E State Hwy 29, Mason, TX 76856
Phone: 325-347-7801
Outside of Texas
Core Off Road – Denver, CO Area
Address: 2860 S Elati St, Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: (720) 381-0773
Our Referrals – Places we trust for things we don’t do.
When you’ve been in the automotive industry as long as we have – you start to know who you can trust and who you can’t. We thought it would be a great idea to list the other businesses that we work with or recommend. These are people that we have an extensive work history with and we hope that it helps you find what you’re looking for.
General Automotive Work
5th Gear Automotive
Address: 1975 Archer Way, Lewisville, TX 75077
Phone: 972-317-4005
URL: https://fifthgear.biz/
Transmission & Clutches and Transfer Cases
The Transmission Shop
Address: 1620 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067
Phone: 972-221-6300
URL: https://thetransmissionshop.com/
Car Stereo & Alarms
Earmark Car Audio – Plano
Address: 3132 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 612-6886
URL: https://www.earmarkcaraudio.com/
Expert Car Audio – Grand Prairie
Address: 2125 W Pioneer Pkwy A3, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Phone: (972) 988-1772
URL: http://www.expertcaraudio.com/
Paint & Body Work
Magic Touch Paint & Body
Address: 999 TX-121 BUS, Lewisville, TX 75057
Phone: 866-358-0777
URL: https://magictouchinc.com/
Dent-Techs Collion & Hail Repair – Denton
Address: 3318 E University Dr, Denton, TX 76208
Phone: 214-499-6330
URL: https://www.dent-techs.com/
Glass / Windshield Repair
Rob Wertz – Weekend Auto Glass
Phone: (817) 791-4877
Advanced Electronic Diagnosis – Automotive Electronics
Auto Electric Systems
Address: 11361 Emerald St, Dallas, TX 75229
Phone: 972-241-2077
URL: http://autoelectricsystemsinc.com/
Offroad Maintenance & Inspections
Off Road Vehicle Inspections |
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Off Road Inspection A: $150.00
Off Road Inspection B: $300.00
(Additional $120 for Jeeps with Aftermarket Skid Plates) |
Off Road Vehicle Maintenance |
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Schedule A: 15k/45k $899.99
(Additional $120 for Jeeps with Aftermarket Skid Plates) Schedule B: 30k/60k $1199.99
(Additional $120 for Jeeps with Aftermarket Skid Plates) |
A La Carte Vehicle Maintenance |
*Tire size / TPMS Updates are only applicable to JKs and SOME JL & JTs. |
1st Time Here? Here’s What to Expect!
Life is full of expectations and since we want to meet (and exceed) your expectations with out issue, we thought it might be a good idea to set the stage.
Do I need an appointment?
If you’ve never been to our shop, you don’t need an appointment. If you’re looking to get problems like death wobble or clunks or banging diagnosed, you don’t need an appointment. If you have a check engine light on, you don’t need an appointment. We’re always going to diagnose an issue so that we’re not just guessing or throwing parts at it. We’ll then put a plan together take a deposit if needed (the cost of parts saves yours spot on the schedule) and get you on the schedule. If it’s something we can fix while you’re here – we’ll definitely be happy to!
Do you have a show room?
Our showroom is our parking lot. There are on average 25-30 Jeeps/Trucks here under going some type of vehicular surgery – which is good because there is A LOT to see! Everything from Lifts, Wheels, Tires, Motor swaps, Lights, Bumpers, Fenders and more!
Can I get in tomorrow?
This is a loaded question. Some things we can make happen very quickly – some we can not. If you’re looking to get a lift wheels and tires – we’d schedule it with our tire services team. Re-gearing – we’d schedule it. We’re fortunate to be a very popular shop here in the Dallas Fort Worth area for all sorts of Jeep and Truck as well as used cars modifications and typically stay booked about 2 weeks out.
The typical process
- Tell us all your wishes and dreams for your vehicle.
- We put a plan together to make those come true.
- We take a deposit that saves your spot on our schedule. (Deposit amount is equal to cost of parts)
- We find a day convenient to you for your upgrades or repairs
- You drop it off at 9am
- We knock it out of the park and call you to let you know your vehicle is ready.
- You pick it up and pay the balance.
- Leave a review! We love our reviews!
- Rinse and Repeat from here we can plan our next steps with your vehicle!
House Rules:
- Completion time is only an estimate. As much as we try to get things done on time, sometimes circumstances don’t allow that.
- We are not responsible for parts left after 5 days. If you leave it here – come get it, or it will find its way in the trash or scrap.
- We are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles. Your vehicles are protected in a fenced and gated facility – alot of time stored inside but we can’t store everyone inside.
- Vehicles need to be picked up within 7 days of notice of completion of work. If the vehicle is not picked up within 7 days, there will be a daily storage fee $38.50 – per day. We love to see your vehicles but we’re very limited on space.
- Even though we use the highest quality of parts and hold our technicians to the highest standards modification of vehicles involves risk to the overall performance and safety of the vehicle and you accept all responsibility for such risks. If you’re not comfortable driving off-road – be sure to join us on one of our “Wheeling 101 Offroad Classes”! These are excellent opportunities to go at YOUR pace with an experienced trail leader guiding you step by step, rock by rock. You can join these classes from the Dallas Offroad Facebook Page.
- We are not responsible for any expressed or implied warranties provided by manufacturers of the parts used in repairing or modifying said vehicles.
- We warrant our labor in a good workmanlike manner for a period of 12 months or 12,000 miles; whichever comes first based on the date signed below and the mileage written above.
- If you drop your Jeep off muddy, we reserve the right to clean your Jeep for you. The cleaning fee is $250 – please bring it clean.
Re-Gear Break In Procedure
ALL new ring & pinion gear sets must be properly broken in to prevent damage & premature failure.
Improper gear break-in procedures may cause overloading and overheating of the ring and pinion gears as well as break down of the gear oil. Failure to properly break-in a new gear set can be identified by inspection, and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’re replacing the ring & pinion gear set, don’t plan on heading up over that mountain pass or hooking up that heavy trailer just yet….. Following the simple steps outlined below before you head out can prevent potential noise issues or gear damage.
After driving the first 15-20 miles at around 60 mph, it is best to stop and let the differential cool completely – usually about 1hr. You will do this 5 times for the first 100 miles of the breakin procedure. Maintaining a speed below 65 mph and driving conservatively for the first 500 miles is also advised. The gear oil should be changed after 500 miles. We recommend that you drive at least 500 miles before any heavy use or towing.
During the first 45 miles of actual towing, only drive 10-15 miles at a time before stopping to let the differential cool. Contact an Ultimate Reflections Wrecker Service Oklahoma City OK to help you get out of this situation.
These steps are necessary to prevent damage to the new ring & pinion gear. Any heavy use or overloading of the differential during the first 500 miles may cause irreparable damage to the gear set. In addition the rules above, the following is also true:
- Avoid Heavy Acceleration
- No Wheeling / Offroading / Towing
- No Long Distance Trips
- No Speeds Over 65mph
- No Burnouts!!
Again, IMPROPER BREAK-IN CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY INSPECTION AND MAY VOID THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY AND THE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY DALLAS OFFROAD LLC.
Positraction / Limited Slip Differentials
Positraction chatter is normal for limited slip and positraction differentials. Both rear tires must measure the same height from the ground to the top of the wheel in order for the differential to function properly without premature wear. Limited slip additive or friction modifier for limited slip differentials must be used with the oil to reduce positraction chatter in the event that the oil is changed.
Lockers
Mechanical locking differentials will bang and clunk during normal operation. Both rear tires must measure the same height from the ground to the top of the wheel in order for a locking differential to functional properly.
Gear Noise
Most aftermarket gears are primarily designed for strength and may have some noise. This noise is especially inherent in vans, SUVs, and passenger cars.
Thank You Collin County Offroad Enthusiasts
We’d like to thank all of our Collin County Offroad Jeep & Truck enthusiasts!!! We’ve served you all and now that we’re a little further in Dallas, we’d like to remind you that we’re only 10-15 minutes from our old location – so for quality work and the best prices around, it’s definitely worth the extra drive! Our calendar books fast so give us a shout to get your ride in today!
Accessories
From lifts wheels and tires to bumpers, re-gears, drivelines and custom fabrication – we’ve got you covered. We’ll beat any advertised price and we offer incredible warranties on our work. Why? Cause we’re confident you’ll leave happy and be back for more! Speaking of warranties – all of our work is warrantied for parts and labor for 90 days but we also offer a 3 year and 5 year protection plan!
Maintenance & Diagnostics
Have an issue that you can’t figure out? We’ve got you covered! Between experience and high-tech scanners – we can figure out anything going on with your jeep. General maintenance – we’ve got you covered there too. Oil Changes, Diff Changes, Transmission and Transfer Case fluids – all can be done here by ASE certified technicians. Have death wobble issues? We have a free death wobble diagnostic – all you need to do is come up to the shop and we’ll get you straightened out with a plan to get your jeep driving straight. You even get a free t-shirt when your death wobble is gone!
Parts Parts Parts
One of the best things about us is that we offer more brands than you can get with our competitors. We sell it all and if its something we don’t normally carry – we can get it! From Ford Superduties or Toyota 4runners to jeeps – we can get it. Want to install the parts yourself? No Problem! We drop ship parts all over the nation! You can get your parts next day if ordered by 3pm! If you want to pick up your parts THAT DAY – order by 12pm and we’ll have them here at the shop by 3 if they’re in stock!
So when you’re looking for a Jeep or Truck shop in Collin County – don’t discount the best offroad shop just outside of Collin County in North Texas – Dallas Offroad a proud supporter of the Collin County Jeep Club and the North Texas Jeep Club
Top 3 Things To Do To Your Jeep Wrangler First! – Stage 1!
So you just bought your new jeep and you want to start modifying it. Lets be honest – this is one of the most customizable vehicles on the road today. There are hundreds of different bumpers, lifts, wheels, tires, winches, lights and more to add to your Jeep. A lot of people come to us and don’t really know where to start so we put together a guide on what we think are the 3 best stages for your jeep.