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THANK YOU FOLKS!
The purpose of this forum was to get the information out to every one, as where they should go if they have vehicle problems..
Until I found someone I trusted to be fair and reasonable with my vehicle repairs, I realized I was at the mercy of where ever I took it for the first time...
The viewers and contributors of this forum have allowed you the benefit of their experience at the locations mentioned so far.
It appears this area is blessed with a lot of well trained, honest men, who will treat you like they would want any member of their family treated. Make a note of these locations near you...give them a try, and let them know, you read about them on "Garages I Have Known". That, the best advertisement is a satisfied customer, and that the results of their past work for someone, brought you to their business..
To you who have not posted, do so if you have been mistreated or treated well. Your input will either save someone else the headache you went through, or save someone money when they know where to go for vehicle problems..
The Best To All...TraderConnections
What Is Bulk Oil?
There have been some post regarding Bulk Oil, so I looked up some information about just what bulk oil is...14% of all recycled oil is re-refined into its orginal oil state and sold for reuse in our automobiles...What they do is first clean the oil of contaminants through a vacuum distillation. They then add water to it to remove any remaining chemicals. The refined oil is then mixed with what is referred to as a fresh "additive Package". This supposely gives it better performance. They also add detergents, rust and corrosion inhibitors, viscosity-index improvers, antioxidants, dispersants, foam inhibitors, friction modifiers and antiwear agents. According to some, re-refined oil gives the same quality and performance as virgin oil. Bulk oil cost less than virgin and is sold in 55 gal drums.
If you intend to use bulk oil at the express lube businesses, check the label for the amount of re-refined oil the product contains. Some as little as 25% re-refined oil mixed with virgin oil. Others are formulated with 100% refined oil with additives to improve its performance.. Look for the API Service Symbol which identifies the performance level. It should also have a StarBurst Certification mark which tells you the bulk oil your having put into your car, meets or exceeds current engine guidelines. Test show the brand does not really matter, as long as it has the Starburst Seal.
Regardless, DO NOT CHEAT ON YOUR OIL FILTER...THEY SUGGEST A GOOD QUALITY LINE...AND THAT WILL NOT BE THE STANDARD FILTER THEY USE AT THE EXPRESS LUBE..HAVE THEM ORDER IT FOR YOU SPECIALLY...even better go to the auto parts store and purchase 2-3 good filters and put them in the trunk of your car..then you have them when needed..
No one has mentioned Jim's Garage on Second Street in Sheffield. He's the only one I'll let touch a vehicle of mine and it's been that way for a long time now. He recently did a major engine repair for my sister and he does work for my mother too.

I asked him once to replace the shifter cable on my mothers car. He told me to go to the dealership and buy the cable to save myself some money. I dropped off the car and cable to be repaired. When he called me I went to pick it up and pay him. He told me I didn't need the cable, he just took the old one apart, cleaned it and put it back. He did more work and charged me less than he quoted. When I asked him why he said it wasn't as hard a job as he thought it would be. How's that for honesty? I went back to the dealer and got my money back on the cable.

There's no limut to his talent. He does major engine jobs, air onditioner work and he's the best body man I've ever seen. Nobody touches anything of mine but Jim. He's always busy but he works as late as he has to to get the job done. If you need someone you can trust, especially you ladies out there, give Jim a call. You'll be glad you did.
MLHOT
I have heard a lot of good things about Jim's Garage. It seems has at least two good men are operating Garages on 2nd street in Sheffield. Jim"s Garage and and Danny Smith of Smith's Auto Repair, just down the street, West about 1 mile.
I do know that Jim and Danny refer work to each other, if they can not get to a customer in a timely manner. So folks... if one is busy and you're in a hurry...you know where your second choice is located.
Thank you for this thread! It is fantastic.
As a single woman, dealing with car repairs is very scary. In the past few years the old Peoples Tires in Muscle Shoals has ripped me and Express Oil on Avalon has messed up a transmission.
This morning the "service engine soon" light came on and i don't know enough about cars to know if that's something that requires that i take it to a dealer (Chevy)to have checked or can a place like Jim's Garage or Danny Smith's handle it?
Any advice for an old widder woman would be greatly appreciated.....lol.
quote:
Originally posted by Frogkissing101:
Thank you for this thread! It is fantastic.
As a single woman, dealing with car repairs is very scary. In the past few years the old Peoples Tires in Muscle Shoals has ripped me and Express Oil on Avalon has messed up a transmission.
This morning the "service engine soon" light came on and i don't know enough about cars to know if that's something that requires that i take it to a dealer (Chevy)to have checked or can a place like Jim's Garage or Danny Smith's handle it?
Any advice for an old widder woman would be greatly appreciated.....lol.


What you need to do is this:

Go to AutoZone. They have the computer code reader that tells the owner of the car or the mechanic working on the car what code is being tripped on the car's computer. They do this diagnostic for free. You also need to have the Hayne's Self Automotive Repair book for your car; it has the list of codes.

For example: service engine light came on. Went to AutoZone. I have the Hayne's book. AutoZone employee hooked-up the computer reader. It read: P0123 (whatever the code is). The Hayne's book has the list of codes. Code for P0123 is for (whatever is listed) (in my case the code thrown for my truck was for oxygen sensor, which means needs replacing).

The code reader can zero-out the code...and if it comes back on a day or so later, then you have a problem. Then, take it to the dealer. Read my earlier post why I only go to the dealer. Dealer doesn't charge too much or is comparable to local service places. And, you will sleep better at night. Trust me on this. And stay away from Wal Mart.
Trader---Calling Danny Smith on my behalf was a very sweet and generous thing to do. Thank you. And i did call.

Brent---Thank you for your advice. I'm familiar with the Chilton books, i assume the Haynes book is similar? I will definitely find one.
Does the Autozone code reader only work when the light is on? My light has gone off, but the fact that it came on is a heads up.
As for Wal-Mart....an employee told me Wal-mart is going to be closing down all their auto service centers in the coming year.

Again, thank you both!
Like Scarlett, i depend on the kindness of strangers. Regrettably, it's a rarity in many situations.
CARMART:
I highly recommend that before you purchase anything from CarMart in Muscle Shoals, you take the vehicle and have it inspected at one of trusted garages...
I again highly encourage you to do so...and this suggestion is not without merit...you just might find it will save you a ton of money...in fact, its a good idea to do it when you are purchasing any used vehicle from any car lot...
I have had several bad experiences at Jim Bishop's repair. Both on the GM side and the Toyota side. On 3 occasions,( Son, Daughter, and mother'car) they recommended very expensive repairs when in fact very minor things were really wrong. I do not recommend Jim Bishop and will never go there again.

Have had some dealings with the above mentioned Smiths in Sheffield , and have been very pleased with his work.

I have my oil changed at Wal-Mart and have always been happy with them, but I always check the level and eyeball the filter afterward.
I have 3 places that trade with and if I nor they can do it I junk it...lol (1.)Tires only in Petersville,In my opinion he is very honest an he follows up on his work,I have been trading with him since before he was in North Florence.(2.)Bevise on Savanna Hwy.They are good people to do work on your vehicle at a fair price.(3.)T.J.'s automotive between Elgin and Rogersville on Hwy. 72.If you need transmission work I think he is the best.There is nothing this guy can't do with a tranny.The last thing he done for me was to rebuild a transmission for a Ford minivan.When I picked it up I left the same day and went to Fort Campbell Kentucky in it and it work like a dream.
quote:
Originally posted by excelman:
I have had several bad experiences at Jim Bishop's repair. Both on the GM side and the Toyota side. On 3 occasions,( Son, Daughter, and mother'car) they recommended very expensive repairs when in fact very minor things were really wrong. I do not recommend Jim Bishop and will never go there again.

Have had some dealings with the above mentioned Smiths in Sheffield , and have been very pleased with his work.

I have my oil changed at Wal-Mart and have always been happy with them, but I always check the level and eyeball the filter afterward.


I change my own oil,but there is one time I was in going to be out of town for a while and I was ready to go and did not want to get dirty.I took my truck to Wal-Mart to get it done because they use the same brand as I do.When I got in my truck to leave I had grease on my steering wheel,so I cleaned it off not thinking much of it.Later that same day I noticed there was a good size oil spot under my truck.I lifted the hood and looked around to find the source and I finally grabbed the filter and it almost fell off in my hand.For people who do not know but Wal-Mart will hire anyone off the street to work in automotive and you do not have to have any experience.I know several people who work there and would not trust them with my kids bicycle. Do you want someone like that working on your vehicle?
quote:
Originally posted by Pitbo$$:
I'd bet a dollar to a donut there is no difference in the bulk oil and the oil in a plastic jug except price. If the cars that were talked about being gummed up in the other post had had the oil changed regular there wouldn't be any gumming regardless what brand or type it was. The gumming was caused by driving long distances between oil changes. Sure the car owner is going to claim they had it changed regular, but truth be known it wasn't. So don't go condemning a product on urban legend.
Makes for a nice tale though.


This is a true statement,My sister gets hers changed every two or three years....lol..I also know this one guy that purchased a 1989 brand new jeep and drove it until it started knocking four years later without an oil change....I shouldn't have to say he ruined the motor.
quote:
Originally posted by themax:
I, just today, called several places looking for some new tires I will needing soon. Waltons in Killen had the best price, But Neal's in Centerstar was only 2 bucks a tire higher. Both prices include balancing, ect, including tax. I must add I have bought tires from Neal for many years. There has always been a very short wait and the work is top notch. Plus at Neal's you can count on lifetime rotation and balancing without an appt.



Price helps but it's not everything(you get what you pay for)All I mean is that I would pay a little more for honesty and quality work.But don't bother with people who want to rip you off.
quote:
Originally posted by stupid people suck:
quote:
Originally posted by themax:
I, just today, called several places looking for some new tires I will needing soon. Waltons in Killen had the best price, But Neal's in Centerstar was only 2 bucks a tire higher. Both prices include balancing, ect, including tax. I must add I have bought tires from Neal for many years. There has always been a very short wait and the work is top notch. Plus at Neal's you can count on lifetime rotation and balancing without an appt.



Price helps but it's not everything(you get what you pay for)All I mean is that I would pay a little more for honesty and quality work.But don't bother with people who want to rip you off.


I like Jonnies Mufflers near Rogersville. Good honest folks. Long Lewis is the worst, but Jim Bishop is gaining on them.
Several years ago I took a potential restoreable car that I bought for my wife to Waynes on Cox Creek Pkwy. for an estimate of restoration costs.
They told me that the car was grossly overrated by the seller and was in no way a good candidate for restoration. Thanks to their honesty I avoided a potentially costly mistake. They could have gone the other way but choose honesty. Thanks again guys.
quote:
Originally posted by Quarrles:
Several years ago I took a potential restoreable car that I bought for my wife to Waynes on Cox Creek Pkwy. for an estimate of restoration costs.
They told me that the car was grossly overrated by the seller and was in no way a good candidate for restoration. Thanks to their honesty I avoided a potentially costly mistake. They could have gone the other way but choose honesty. Thanks again guys.


I have had good experiences with Wayne's and can also recommend them.
quote:
Originally posted by Yo Brotha from anotha Motha:
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
Waltons in Killen seems to be fair. I have used them twice and they finish and didnt break the bank.


If Walton is the tire and break man on 72 hwy in Killen then he is an IDIOT. The dumb ass does not know how to add or subtract and he can't use his debit card machine.

I went there with a business vehicle and had a card that most truckers use,not to mention he accepts the card because the decal on his door says he does. When he got ready to total it out he did not know how to use it. He had to get on the phone and call the credit card company to do it. When I went back 6 months later for a break job he told me he could not except the card because it took him 3 to 4 weeks to get his money. Go figure?

IMO... as long as I get paid and I have found a regular customer I would not mind waiting 3 to 4 weeks on a major card the most truckers use? The guy is not that bright.

Express Oil Change excepts the card and so does the Goodyear store.


The bottomline here is if you have NEVER owned or operated a business in your life I would suggest you try it. Mr. Walton has bills and employees , insurance bills and everything else to pay. He CAN NOT afford to wait 3 or 4 weeks for his money. You can not win an arguement with me or anybody else based on the information you told.

Have a nice day.
In the last year or so, I have heard a lot of guys at work talk about Holt's Radiator Service in Muscle Shoals.. The original Mr. Holt retired and his nephew took over that building. He DOES still do radiator work, but he brought with him thorough knowledge of mechanics plus some good mechanics...

And the beauty of this place's reputation is that they do a good job, and not one person has EVER said a bad word against them, even bragging on the amounts of their bill. They all trust this place and say they are NOT a rip off to anyone.

Pretty good views from a lot of good people.
quote:
Originally posted by dogsmaster.forever:
quote:
Originally posted by Yo Brotha from anotha Motha:
quote:
Originally posted by Heub:
Waltons in Killen seems to be fair. I have used them twice and they finish and didnt break the bank.


If Walton is the tire and break man on 72 hwy in Killen then he is an IDIOT. The dumb ass does not know how to add or subtract and he can't use his debit card machine.

I went there with a business vehicle and had a card that most truckers use,not to mention he accepts the card because the decal on his door says he does. When he got ready to total it out he did not know how to use it. He had to get on the phone and call the credit card company to do it. When I went back 6 months later for a break job he told me he could not except the card because it took him 3 to 4 weeks to get his money. Go figure?

IMO... as long as I get paid and I have found a regular customer I would not mind waiting 3 to 4 weeks on a major card the most truckers use? The guy is not that bright.

Express Oil Change excepts the card and so does the Goodyear store.


The bottomline here is if you have NEVER owned or operated a business in your life I would suggest you try it. Mr. Walton has bills and employees , insurance bills and everything else to pay. He CAN NOT afford to wait 3 or 4 weeks for his money. You can not win an arguement with me or anybody else based on the information you told.

Have a nice day.


That does sound like Mr Walton, could also be Jims tire.
Do some garages think single ladies have a sign on their forehead...that says rip me off?
Danny Smith of Smiths Auto Repair in Sheffield, received a call from a young lady who was one of his previous customers, and had moved to Gadsden, Alabama.
It seems she had needed brake pads and her mom, had recommended that she have a friend of hers, who was a shade tree mechanic do it for her...
She did and $185.00 later she drove the car off to find that the brakes were going to the floor..a call back to the shade tree mechanic gave her a reply of "it should get better in about 3-4 days".
She took the car to a business called The Tire Experts. They looked at the brakes, and told her the shade tree mechanic had totally destroyed her braking system...in order to fix it...they would have to replace the master cylinder, brake lines, pads, and replace new rotors on all four wheels...the material cost $500.00 Plus $165.00 labor...She was in a shocked...so on a Sunday, he took off with his wife to meet the young lady and drive her car back to his garage...the car was a 2004 ford focus, with 27,000 miles...not really a candidate for all of the things the Tire Experts claimed that needed to be done...
Once at his garage and on the lift..the problem was diagnosed immediately...the Shade Tree Mechanic had failed to set the brake pads properly, and lock them in...the rotors needed to trued out...once the lines were bled of air, the brakes worked perfectly...
Total Cost $65.00
There is no telling how many scams these guys have run on unsuspecting women...it pays to find a garage you can trust...one day you are going to need them...this area is blessed with several that have been listed here on this site...pick the one that suits you best and go see them...
quote:
Originally posted by traderconnections:
There is no telling how many scams these guys have run on unsuspecting women


Furthermore, there is no telling how many scams these people have run on unsuspecting men! Wink

Your point about scammers in general, and the way they scam people in general, is a good one. That's why I do my own brakes. I know when I need new rotors, I can see if my pads are too thin (and, by the way, I hate having to work on those pesky drum brakes!), and I've managed to figure out if a master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. But as for bleeding the lines, I've always needed my husband's help. SOMEbody has to step on the brake pedal while I do the work! Big Grin
Last edited by e 2

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