When you own a vehicle, you have to worry about all of the specifics that come with keeping it safe and on the road longer. That means taking your vehicle in for general maintenance and inspections to determine whether your vehicle is fine or if there are any repairs that need to be done to keep it working like it should.  

 

The auto repair experts at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage has been in the business of helping motorists for more than more than 30 years, we know what it takes to make sure you don't end up stuck on the side of the road at an inopportune time.

 

Bringing your vehicle in for a simple check-up could mean the difference between a simple tune-up and having to get the entire engine replaced.  Check-ups are crucial to preventing any unnecessary repairs that could be avoided. It only takes a few minutes to bring your vehicle in for a preventative maintenance inspection, but the results could save you a lot of time, hassles, money and headaches down the road.

 

General maintenance also helps to save added wear and tear on your vehicle. Anytime you start hearing weird noises coming from your vehicle or it starts acting funny, you need to bring it in right away and have it looked at by a certified technician who knows what they are looking for. 

 

At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, we understand how important it is to keep your vehicle on the road for longer. That's why we take the time to go through everything.  If something isn't right, we will let you know what needs to be done and how quickly it needs to be taken care of.  Proper car maintenance can prevent minor problems, from spiraling out of control.

 

Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood is a full-service preventative maintenance and auto repair center, providing comprehensive car care services for your domestic or import vehicle to keep it running at full power.

 

Stop by any time or call us at (773) 549-7777 if you have questions.  Our experts are here to help!

 

 

 

 

 

Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance

 

Automotive and auto parts come with a factory recommended service and maintenance schedule. Various auto repair and maintenance needs come up at different intervals.

 

Most manufacturers recommend car maintenance in intervals of 30,000 miles. This is the 30/60/90K mile schedule (issued by the manufacturers to car owners). Trust the experts at Fred’s Auto Repair Chicago to keep you on schedule, and help you preserve the condition of the vehicle, optimize its performance, and increase its resale value.

 

As auto repair experts, Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, we offer factory recommended service/maintenance. Our highly skilled auto mechanics offer comprehensive knowledge and experience without the hassle or expense of the dealership.  At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, all your factory recommended service/maintenance needs are handled with the latest diagnostic equipment. We work on all American and imported vehicles.

 

 

The 30/60/90K service typically includes the following:

 

• Fluid replacements

• Oil and Filter changes

• Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments

• Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.

• With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable

 

Belts

A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out, crack and need to be replaced. Our expert mechanics will thoroughly inspect your car's belts, replace all worn belts, and adjust the installed belts.

 

 

Hoses

Hoses transfer coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system (including the radiator). Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will dry out and crack. The mechanics at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage can thoroughly inspect your car's hoses, replace all worn hoses, and adjust the installed hoses.

 

Oil, Lube, and Filter

To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 3,000 miles). When it is time for a lube, oil, or filter change, or any other auto repair, take your vehicle to Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undercar Maintenance & Repair Services:

 

 

Alignment

Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles - this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car's alignment, visit Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage.

 

Anti-Lock

 Anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lock-up when rapidly decelerating by automatically modulating the brake pressure during an emergency stop. With this system, the wheels are able to maintain traction with the road while braking. Failure of the anti-lock brakes could lead to an increase in the risks of multiple-vehicle crashes and Brakes run-off-road crashes. To avoid this, have your anti-lock brake system checked and repaired by experts. At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, we have anti-lock brake experts who will examine and repair your faulty ABS - keeping you safe. 

 

Brakes

A brake is a mechanical device for slowing or stopping a vehicle (usually by means of friction). In short, a brake inhibits your car's motion. It lets you stop the car whenever and wherever you choose. Brakes are one of the most important parts of a motor vehicle. Without them, you would not be able to stop the car. If your vehicle's brakes are having issues, consider having them worked on. Brake experts at Fred's Wrigleyville Garage can work on your car's brakes to ensure you have a safe drive.

 

Chassis

 

A chassis is the car's internal framework that supports the body and other parts like the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To have a strong and properly working vehicle, have your car's chassis checked for defects. At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, there are experienced Chassisundercar service providers who can work on your chassis.

 

Custom Exhaust

A motor vehicle exhaust system is piping used to guide exhaust gasses away from the engine to the outdoors. Although the exhaust system's main purpose is to guide exhaust gases from the engine to the outdoors, it can be modified to increase engine power, reduce pollution, and reduce noise. To achieve this, you need to invest in a custom-made exhaust system.

At Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage in Wrigleyville, we can create a custom-made stainless steel exhaust for your vehicle. We specialize in custom performance exhaust systems, stainless steel mufflers, mufflers, exhaust kits, racing mufflers, and exhaust accessories for a huge and diverse range of vehicles: customized cars, standard road cars, classic cars, kit cars, 4x4's, imports, and racecars.

 

Differentials

The differential transfers the engine power to the wheels. One important function of the differential is to pass on power to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds - thus the name differential. When turning, the outer wheels travel a larger distance than the inner wheels do (also the front wheels travel a longer distance than the rear wheels). This means that all four wheels travel at different speeds during a turn and this is where the differential comes in to help. To make sure your vehicle's differentials are working properly, have them checked regularly. Contact Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage today for differentials examination and servicing.

 

Driveline

A driveline is a part of your motor vehicle that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheel axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain less the engine and transmission. Failure of the driveline means that the car would not move since energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, make sure that your car's driveline is regularly inspected and serviced. And, at Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage, you can have the driveline serviced by experts.

 

Exhaust

In a motor vehicle, an exhaust system is it is better - for you, your car, and the environment. Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage has expert technicians to service your car's exhaust system.a piping used to guide exhaust fumes away from the engine - usually to the rear of the vehicle. A properly functioning exhaust system not only sounds better,

 

Shocks

Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The devices do this by converting kinetic energy to another form of energy. Properly working shocks reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. When shocks develop problems, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant, and your vehicle may sway when turning. To have your vehicle's shocks diagnosed and repaired, visit Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage today.

 

Tires

As tires get older, they lose traction and deteriorate from the inside out, increasing the likelihood of a tire bursting. This can cause a rapid loss of control of your vehicle. To have a better performing vehicle, you need to make sure the tires are in good condition. For all your tire needs, contact Fred’s Wrigleyville Garage today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-purchase Inspections & Diagnostics

 

Are you planning to buy a new car?

 

Buying a new vehicle is a major decision. Don't take chances.

 

You don't want to jump into the first vehicle you find that looks nice. You want to make sure that your vehicle is going to last for quite some time without having to spend a small fortune in repairs right off the bat.

 

At Fred’s Auto Repair Chicago, we have pre-purchase inspection experts - mechanics who will scrutinize any car, make, and model and allow you to make an informed decision. Pre-purchase inspections will definitely give you peace of mind when you buy your next used car.

 

So if you are looking for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection near Wrigleyville or Chicago's Northside, our team will go through the entire vehicle to make sure you know exactly what it is that you are walking into before you sign any finance papers.  But, we go beyond that. We also check through the entire diagnostic system to make sure nothing else is left to chance. There are a number of different computers in the vehicle that make things more complicated than what they are. Trying to decipher all of the different things going on in your vehicle on your own isn't going to provide you with the answers you seek. That's why you need someone with the experience and expertise needed to diagnose your vehicle right from the start.

 

Beyond being in business for more than 30 years, our team of ASE certified technicians also has more than 100 years of combined experience working on domestic, and imported vehicles just like yours. We believe that you deserve to get the answers to the condition of the car you are considering purchasing.

 

We will go through and perform a thorough inspection and diagnosis of your vehicle to provide you with an overview of what you can expect every step of the way. In doing so, you can be prepared for anything that needs to be done without being hit with a major bill down the line that you weren't aware of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Trip Inspection

 

 

Getting ready for a road trip or sending your baby off to college?  A pre-trip check-up can make the difference between a safe trip and one that ends in a tragedy. The inspection aims at looking for possible defects and potential mechanical problems that could cause disaster. Before embarking on a trip you should make sure your car is fully inspected for safety. You can rely on the experts at Fred’s Auto Repair Chicago. We have pre-trip inspection experts who are able to conduct safety inspections on any car, make, and model. Our experts are dedicated to ensuring you have a safe trip. Simply drop by or give us a call. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summerize Your Vehicle:

 

 

 

It's important to prepare your car for the perils of summer - heat, dust, traffic jams - which increase the likelihood of a breakdown. At Fred’s Auto Repair Chicago, our technicians can perform the necessary preventive maintenance to get your car ready for summer.

 

These are some of the recommended services:

 

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• Alignment Check: Proper alignment improves driver control, increases fuel efficiency and maximizes tire life.

• Car Battery test: Checks your car battery to make sure it is holding a strong charge.

• Car Battery Protection Service: Keeps your car battery clean and free of corrosion to help prolong its lifespan.

• Brake System Inspection: Be assured your car’s brakes are ready to handle the stress of summer driving.

• Coolant Evaluation: Have your coolant system – including radiator, belts, hoses, caps and more 

• Tire Pressure check and adjust: Proper tire inflation improves handling, fuel efficiency and driver safety.

• Tire Rotation: Helps ensure longer tire tread life, better gas mileage and a smoother ride.

• A/C Check: Have your auto air-conditioning ready to keep you cool when the weather is hot.

• Windshield Wiper Check: Make sure your wiper blades are ready for the task of keeping your visibility clear on rainy days* 

• Fuel System Service: Cleans, restores and lubricates your engine along with improving fuel economy.

• Lights Check: headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

 

Your car will be ready to handle the hot weather so you can enjoy your summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winterize Your Vehicle

 

 

 

 

Winter weather can be harsh on you and on your vehicle. Trust the technicians at Precision Auto Repair to get your car ready for the winter.

 

These are some of the recommended services:

 

• Check the battery

• Check the tires

• Check wiper blades

• Check fluids

• Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights

• Check the exhaust system for leaks

• Check the belts and hoses

• Check the heating system

 

Your car will be ready for the winter weather so you can have driving confidence.

 

 

Winter tips:

 

Chicago winter can be harsh.  Here are some tips to help keep your car running safely when the winter chills hit the windy city. 

 

Keep your engine tuned for faster cold weather starts and for added traction keep your fuel tank full. Occasionally add gas line antifreeze to the tank to absorb any condensation that accumulates in the tank and may freeze in the fuel lines. On cold and windy nights point the front of the car away from the wind to keep snow and ice from blowing into the engine compartment. Door lock de-icing fluid should be kept in the house, not in the locked car. It may help you get into your car on an icy morning. Clean the battery posts and cable ends with a mix of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of water. Use an old toothbrush. Don’t forget the wiper blades.