Your vehicle probably has a locking system for lug nuts (wheel nuts), specifically used to secure wheels. It was developed in 1990 (by Mike Marczynski) and widely adopted internationally.
The Loose Wheel Nut Test determines if the wheel nuts on a vehicle are secure or have become loose. Subjected to stress and vibration wheel nuts can be prone to loosening over time (particularly for heavy vehicles). There is a Wheel-Check System where indicators can check if the wheel nuts are properly aligned, or not. A physical test can also be helpful, raising the vehicle with a floor jack to see if the wheel moves when rocked.
Pre-trip inspections are a good safety measure to make sure your vehicle is in top condition.
Sometimes bringing your vehicle in before or after hours works best. We understand! You can enter the parking lot from Twinney Drive, where customer parking spots are conveniently located right in front.
Early-bird or after-hours
The key drop box is located to the right of the front door and is completely secure. Please remove your key from your key ring (fobs are OK) and drop it through.
Next step…
- Did you make an appointment? Great! We’ll get started right away and call you as scheduled.
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No appointment? No worries! Just contact us or leave a note inside your vehicle, and we’ll reach out to you.
Towed Vehicles
If your vehicle is being brought in by a tow truck, the driver can park it in one of the designated customer spots. Please drop the keys in the secure drop box next to the front door and contact us or leave a note with your vehicle. We’ll give you a call to discuss the next steps!
Still not sure?
Allow us to make it more clear with this beautiful rendition of “Parking at AE.”
Our technicians are professionals, trained in electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) concerns. We are pros at repair and maintenance for all electric vehicles. In fact, there are some specific things to be aware of regarding maintenance of this specialty system as well. We’d love to talk to you about that and ensure you have all the information you need.
There are some specialty issues with these vehicles and our shop is informed with the right education and diagnostic experience. That is one of our exceptional skills.
The entire automotive industry has undergone significant changes in the past 20 years. New advancements happen every year and it’s our job to keep up.
At AE Auto Plus, we want to provide you with industry knowledge so you can make informed decisions. We aim to Advise & Educate. We believe in three key words to do that: SAFETY, RECOMMEND, and ADVISE.
Critical Areas
First and foremost, we prioritize your SAFETY. When it comes to you and your vehicle, safety is never compromised. Today’s vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features that were not available two decades ago. From collision warning systems to lane departure alerts, these innovations are designed to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. We can diagnose and service these features for overall vehicle safety. But, the standards still apply to every vehicle. Brakes, tires, and fluids are all so important for combustion engines and every EV. The critical areas we take very seriously.
No Lemons Please
Secondly, we understand that budget plays a crucial role in your buying decisions. That’s why we RECOMMEND considering your options. Knowing the difference between new, rebuilt or used vehicles on an initial purchase and balancing what that means for future maintenance is an important assessment. We have seen many people fall into trouble by purchasing used cars without proper inspection, and discovering that they have acquired a lemon. “IF THEY WON’T LET YOU TAKE AND INSPECT” the car, it’s a clear signal that you should not proceed with the purchase. Taking the time to thoroughly inspect a used car is crucial in ensuring that you make a smart investment. We can help guide you through the process of finding a vehicle that not only suits your needs but also fits within your budget.
Service Recommendations
When we service your vehicle we want to ensure optimal performance and longevity. We carefully assess its condition and RECOMMEND any necessary actions. However, not all recommendations may require immediate attention.
Clear Communication
We will inform you about the recommended actions so you can make informed decisions about maintenance. There may be items that can be deferred to your next appointment without compromising your performance or safety. We will communicate that to you, so you can plan accordingly.
Prioritizing Your Vehicle’s Needs
Any issues that require immediate attention we will highlight as a priority. These are the actions that need to be addressed right away to ensure the continued reliability and safety of your vehicle. Plus, our technicians keep an eye out for any potential issues that may arise in the future. We will inform you about them so you can monitor their progression and address them in due course. Our ultimate goal is to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.
Future-Think
Lastly, we ADVISE you to consider the future when making your decision. We can provide insights into the latest trends and developments in the automotive industry for an informed outlook. The necessary information helps you make the right decision for your vehicle.
At AE Auto Plus we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and guidance you need to make informed decisions. Ask us anytime about industry insights and helpful tips on navigating the automotive landscape.
About AE
“Yes, people have asked about ADVISE & EDUCATE and my initials. No, I didn’t change my name to suit!
Years ago I had a marketing firm audit my fledgling business. They thought we should capitalize on how we helped customers – talking to people about their needs and providing information. It seemed like a sound approach – this is how I wanted to be different from other shops. I came up with Advise & Educate after the interview.”
—Andy Eaton, Owner
Absolutely!
We love the classics. Vintage, antique, well-loved and well-travelled… We take pride in keeping these treasures – safely – on the road.
We understand that they may need a little extra TLC and time but rest assured your vehicle will be in expert hands. We’ve been doing this long enough to know about specialized care.
“I’ve always been impressed by Andy’s honesty and by the quality of his work. He’s put together a friendly, efficient and dependable team of service guys. Andy’s team was responsible for keeping my Ford Escort on the road for over 12 years. They’re amazing! Great people and great service – I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Our Saving Plans & Programs have no catch.
The Care Free – Auto Savings Club allows you to pre-pay for two oil change services and enjoy other benefits and savings for committing to us as we commit to you. There is a brochure outlining all the details so you can see if it fits your style, and there are no surprises. Lots of our customers like the extra savings.
The Lifetime Protection Plan and BeGood Plan are more specific with recommended service schedules and some qualifications regarding your vehicle mileage. Both of them are good prompts regarding service intervals and that’s good for your vehicle and good for you. There are a lot of ‘pros’ to the plan including some extra peace of mind if the systems covered have issues. We are happy to talk to you to see if this makes sense for your vehicle.
Doing maintenance with us through the programs means there is extra help for you if major components go bad. Our programs have been running for over 15 years with good success.
Most of the time we can give you a reliable heads-up of what needs to be done. But sometimes, with more extensive jobs or as we delve in with a more detailed diagnosis, we might uncover unexpected issues. In those situations, we will contact you as our next step to discuss the matter to collaboratively plan the best approach moving forward.
Our aim is to provide you with accurate and transparent information about your vehicle and make sure you are well-informed throughout the service.
We want to Advise & Educate as you are involved in the decision-making process.
Your dashboard lights are a great warning system.
Those lights are set up to give you a heads-up on something that needs attention.
Don’t ignore the system. We can help you discover what that’s telling you. It may be very simple or it may be telling you about a safety issue. In any case, it’s better to know and catch every problem as early as possible so you don’t get stuck, or in trouble.
Be informed and keep safe.
This is an example of a wheel nut key.
You will have one too – do you know where it is?
Keep it handy so you can bring it when you come for your summer or winter tire changeover. It is unique to your vehicle model and is used to keep your wheels secure, plus it’s a theft-deterrant.
Let us know if you can’t find yours as it’s a tool to help change your tires.
Make your tire change appointment early and avoid the rush!
Dealer-specific warranties can only be facilitated by the dealers themselves. However, many dealerships are offering extended warranty plans, with which we can assist you.
Moreover, if you have enrolled in one of our maintenance plans, our comprehensive protection may offer the coverage you need.
