Location: 512 O Neal St, Thomson, GA 30824

Hours: M- F: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Sat-Sun: CLOSED

Maintenance & Repair Services

Air Filters

What's that smell coming from my vents?

Your car’s air filters improve the way it “breathes.” Your vehicle’s filter is the frontline defense an incredible quantity of filth, dust, pollen, bugs, and general ick every single day.

Signs your air filter needs to be replaced:

  • Reduced output of air in the vehicle.
  • Vehicle is sluggish when accelerating.
  • The vehicle is noisy while idling.
  • A smell of gasoline when starting the vehicle.
  • Musty odors in the cabin.

How do they work?

In general, engines dislike being dirty—at least not on the inside. Just like us, they function best in clean, fresh air. 

Additionally, just like you and I, they get a little erratic when dust and dirt start to appear in unexpected places. Therefore, the purpose of the air filters in your car is to capture all of that debris, slime, and putrescence before it causes any harm.

In addition to a cabin filter that helps maintain clean inside air, your car contains an air filter in the engine. Paper that is rectangular and folded like an accordion is typically used to make filters. The engine air filter is ductwork-connected to the engine and is contained in a unique plastic box. To keep everything but clean air from getting to the remainder of the engine, air is driven through the filter when it enters the car’s air intake. Usually, the cabin filter is situated behind or beneath the glovebox.

These filters will eventually require replacement because of the amount of dirt and filth that accumulates on their surface.

Why should I get my air filters checked?

Theoretically, the engine could malfunction due to excessive debris in the air filter. The power and performance of your car, however, are probably going to be the most impacted. Fuel efficiency declines are closely linked to performance declines, and they will have an impact on your pocketbook. Your engine is worn down and additional debris is produced as these tiny fragments of whatever you’re traveling through chip away at its internal components. If neglected over time, the filter may eventually allow too much debris to enter the engine, leading to an early and undesirable engine failure!

Additionally, if the cabin filter is not cleaned, it may clog with debris and result in insufficient airflow through the interior vents.  This can put an excessive amount of strain on the blower motor and result in expensive repairs. Not to mention that it can grow mold, which could poison you or cause your car to smell bad.

Auto AC and Heater Repair

Why isn't cool air blowing from my AC?

Get professional auto A/C repair in Thomson, GA. The majority of us don’t give our air conditioning much thought until the Georgia heat arrives or it quits producing chilly air. The air conditioning system in your car is a complicated system, but not to the trained maintenance and repair technicians of Higher Standard Service Center.

Visit us before your air conditioner turns on the hot air!

Signs your A/C system needs attention:

  • No cool air is coming out of the vents.
  • Your hear noises when you turn on the AC.
  • The air is blowing cool, but not cold.
  • Cold air is coming out, but it is weak even on high.

How does A/C work?

Although every car is unique, they all have essentially the same air conditioning systems. Compressor, condenser, evaporator, dryer or accumulator, expansion valve or orifice tube, lubrication oil, tracer dye, and refrigerant comprise this closed circuit. There is a “high side” and a “low side” to them.

The refrigerant, sometimes known as “Freon” despite being a single brand name, begins its life on the “low side” at low pressure and in a gaseous state. It is sucked into a compressor that is attached to the engine of your vehicle. After being compressed, the gas turns into a high pressure gas and is forced into a condenser, where it rapidly cools and turns into a liquid. It is then sent into the “low side” through a tiny opening, where it changes back into a low-pressure gas and causes the evaporator to get chilly. You say “ahhh” as the cool air from a fan surrounds the evaporator and pulls the gas back into the “high side,” repeating the cycle.

Why should I get my A/C checked?

If it isn’t working, why would you want to wait till a hot day to find out? It’s best to confirm that they are well-maintained and functional before you require them!

  • The refrigerant will lose its effectiveness over time. It might gradually become “flat,” like a tire under pressure, and require recharging.
  • The cabin air filter will eventually get too soiled to continue its intended function.
  • And a lot of things can go wrong there because almost everything in a contemporary car is automated!
  • Any of them that go unchecked will ultimately end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
What goes into a regular A/C service?

The technicians at Higher Standard Service Center will carefully consider your description of any issues when you bring your car in for A/C service. With the help of your information, we will be able to identify the problem’s origin. Following an investigation and successful resolution of the problem, we will do a comprehensive inspection of your entire A/C system to ensure optimal performance.

A typical A/C checklist includes:

  • Check for airflow obstruction.
  • Inspect the compressor belt and ensure it is correctly tightened.
  • Verifying the smooth engagement of the compressor’s clutch.
  • Listening for any strange compressor-related noises.
  • Recharge the system with the proper amount of refrigerant after clearing it out.

Auto Fleet Services

Why are fleet repair and maintenance services beneficial?

With the high-quality fleet auto repair services Higher Standard Service Center offers, you and your team can continue to flourish. We can take care of your most complicated needs, even the simplest oil changes, whether you own one business car or twenty. Our swift turnaround times will help you resume your prosperous journey.

Your bottom line is our team’s first priority. We are aware that your company is losing money if your car isn’t being driven.

Benefits:

  • We offer maintenance and repair services to keep your vehicles on the road.

Auto Transmission Repair

Why is transmission repairs and maintenance important?

Maintaining and repairing your auto transmission is essential to its lifespan. Transmissions are robust and long-lasting, but they require regular maintenance to avoid major failures.

Signs your transmission needs attention:

  • The transmission isn’t shifting correctly.
  • You see transmission fluid leaking underneath the car.
  • The transmission fluid is dark.

How does a typical transmission repair service work?

Transmissions are among the most frightening sections of your car since they have so many moving parts. Not with us! You can rely on us to get you back on the road of life because we have over 25 years of expertise and the skills necessary to repair a single little item or complete an overhaul by replacing everything.

The transmission pan is taken out, examined, and cleaned. After that, a fresh pan gasket and filter are fitted, and fresh transmission fluid is added. We test-drive your car to ensure proper operation after making all the necessary modifications, and we also double-check the fluid level.

Auto Tune-Up Service

Why is an auto tune-up?

Essentially, an auto tune-up service is a list of components that need to be cleaned or replaced to improve the performance of your engine. The term “tune-up” dates back to a time when cars were far more erratic and required ongoing adjustments to keep them operating properly. Your automobile probably won’t ever require a “tune-up” in the conventional sense, which makes you picture someone taking apart their muscle car every weekend, if it is relatively new.

There is a recommended time frame for auto tune-ups for every car. Approximately pre-2008 autos may require one every 30,000 miles. However, modern cars can travel between 50,000 and 100,000 miles without a tune-up. In contemporary times, it is highly probable that an individual bringing their car in for an unscheduled “tune-up” does so due to an issue with the engine’s performance.

Signs your vehicle needs a tune-up:

  • Hard to start your vehicle.
  • Low gas mileage.
  • Your vehicle has a misfire/shaking feeling while driving.

What does a typical auto tune-service include?

We won’t just start doing a number of things if you bring your car in and say, “I need a tune-up,” until we are certain that they are necessary or not. But, if you can adequately describe the issue, we can typically identify the true cause and address it, sparing you both time and money.

However, when the time comes, according to your owner’s manual, a regular planned auto tune-up service consists of:

A typical auto tune-up consists of:

  • checking for any error codes or confirming codes that would have caused the Check Engine light to illuminate.
  • Examining spark plugs.
  • Evaluate the performance of the spark plug.
  • Verify the timing of the ignition.
  • Examine and modify the idling speed.
  • Check the voltage of the battery.
  • Examine and swap out the engine air filter.
  • Clean fuel system.
  • Examine and swap out the oxygen sensors.

Car Brake Service

Signs your brakes need service:

  • My pedal feels “mushy” and is lower than usual.
  • When I brake, my automobile pulls to one side.
  • There’s a brake warning light on my dashboard.
  • The driving wheel vibrates.
  • When I brake, sounds like screaming or screeching are audible.
  • I notice smoke or get an odd smell.

What does a typical brake service include?

We offer the best auto brake service, which includes complete examinations of your master and wheel cylinders, calipers, hoses, hardware, and fluid. In addition, our auto brake repair company inspects the parking brake to see if any changes or replacements of the shoe or pad are required.

We also assess whether your rotors or drums need to be replaced or resurfaced. Our superior NAPA brake pad warranty, which lasts for 24 months or 24,000 miles, gives you peace of mind. Note that brake pulsation resulting from inappropriate wheel torque, extreme heat, or improper break-in is not covered by this warranty.

Understand how important brakes are to safety. If you’ve ever experienced partial brake loss, you are aware of how serious it is. Brake inspections conducted every two years protect you and your passengers. Furthermore, by identifying damage early on, it’s an investment in averting future expenses. For the longevity of your car and your peace of mind, get the best auto brake service.

Clutch Repair

How can I tell my clutch needs repair?

Clutch servicing cannot be predicted in the same manner as other parts that wear out at a consistent rate since clutch lifespan is heavily dependent on the driving conditions in which they are used. Therefore, it is your responsibility as the driver to be aware of a few crucial signs that your clutch requires maintenance.

A few things you may notice are as follows:

  • Gears grinding.
  • Hard to get into gear.
  • A burning smell.
  • Sticky clutch.

What does a typical clutch service include?

The following are some common clutch repairs, which may vary depending on the issues that led you to get your clutch inspected:

Common clutch inspections/repairs:

  • Transaxle/transmission removal for your car (a significant procedure that may require a day or two).
  • Taking the flywheel’s clutch assembly off
  • Examining every portion of the clutch system, including the slave cylinder, flywheel, pivot ball, clutch fork, clutch disk, pressure plate, release bearing, pilot bearing or bushing, front transmission seal, clutch fork, and clutch disk.
  • Replace the flywheel or machine a new surface on it (the flywheel wears similarly to a brake rotor, which also requires replacement or grinding during brake service). A dual-mass style flywheel, if it was installed on your car, will often need to be replaced.
  • Clean and swap out any worn-out parts.
  • Bleed to the hydraulic clutch system (system cleansing may be necessary at times)
  • To ensure the car is operating correctly, give it a test drive.

Cooling System

My car is overheating. What is causing it?

Many of the cars on the road now have engines that are both significantly more efficient and smaller than they were a few years ago. These engines generate a lot of heat in a relatively small area as a result. The engine must be kept at a suitable operating temperature via the cooling system.

Signs the cooling system needs service:

  • The dash’s temperature gauge rises into the red zone.
  • Hoses seem fragile or have an uneven texture.
  • Belts feel overly tight or too loose, or they appear ragged or broken.
  • You see coolant leaks beneath your vehicle.
  • The color of the coolant is black or brown.
What happens during a cooling system service?

We are aware that although the majority of cooling system issues are simple to identify, there are instances when they are not. That’s why before we send you back out on the road, we thoroughly inspect your cooling system to make sure everything is operating as it should.

Typical items on a cooling system check list are:

  • Examining the coolant levels.
  • Testing the system’s overall pressure to look for leaks.
  • Examining belts and hoses.
  • Inspection of the radiator fan and its parts.
  • Adding new radiator fluid and flushing it.
  • Making sure the thermostat shuts and opens correctly.

Differential Repair

What is a differential repair?

Rear-wheel drive passenger cars and vans, as well as two- and four-wheel drive pickup trucks and SUVs, all include differentials. While gear oil replacement is recommended by car manufacturers on a regular basis to preserve the differential’s longevity and performance, it’s arguably the most neglected maintenance task for personal transportation.

Differential fluid service needs to be given the attention it requires with the increasing number of pickup trucks and SUVs on the road, particularly in extreme service driving situations like heavy loads, high temperatures, and stop-and-go traffic.

Why differential services are important:

  • Not servicing, can cause a breakdown in the gear oil.
  • Can generate noise and subpar differential performance.
  • Increases risk of excessive rust and wear on internal lubricated components and gears.
  • Can contribute to the replacement and early failure of differentials.

Electrical System

Why should I get my electrical system checked?

The complexity of cars is increasing, thus having a flawless electrical system is essential. Furthermore, because every portion of your car is interdependent, everything could be impacted if one electrical component fails. We discover that many issues are related to the vehicle’s need for programming or programming updates. About 100 million lines of computer code are needed in modern cars to run all of the creature conveniences and features that we have grown accustomed to.

We are aware of the interconnectedness of the electrical parts in your car. A malfunctioning component may set off a series of events that, at best, are inconvenient and, at worst, harmful.

Therefore we don’t just throw on a fast fix and let you drive away when you bring your car or truck to us with an electrical problem. Our experts are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to handle any kind of electrical system malfunction that may affect your car. Never wait until an issue leaves you stranded to disregard it.

Engine Service

What are some reasons my service engine light is on?

An Engine Service light can mean several things depending on when it appears and how it behaves. Generally a steady light where you don’t notice any other obvious signs of trouble is just a sensor saying “hey, get this checked when you get a minute.” A blinking light, however, is definitely trying to get your attention right away. Take it seriously and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. And definitely don’t keep going if your car is suddenly overheating, shaking, or making really loud noises along with the Engine Service light!

Some common reasons for the engine light to turn on:

  • Oxygen sensor failure. Most cars have two to four of them, and if for some reason one of them stops working or becomes blocked by dirt or oil, a warning light will come on. Poor gas mileage can be the result of a malfunctioning O2 sensor, which can also seriously and costly damage your catalytic converter if ignored.

  • Mass airflow sensor malfunction. Based on the amount of air entering the engine, this sensor informs your engine of the ideal amount of fuel to let into the combustion chamber. When it malfunctions, the automobile may have bad gas mileage at best or entirely stop at worst.

  • Unfastened or cracked gas cap.

  • Damaged wires or spark plugs.

  • Broken or unplugged hoses.

To identify the essential system that need attention, our skilled experts will test your car first. Next, we use the appropriate tools to enable us to feed data from every sensor in your automobile in real time. To isolate the issue, we can additionally link your car to even more advanced machinery.

There is a widespread misperception that when you plug in a computer to your car, it will identify the issue and recommend parts for you to buy. Every malfunctioning system in your car often needs to be tested separately on several platforms using various pieces of equipment. Consider visiting the doctor. An MRI for the back pain and a blood test for other issues might be necessary.

But don’t worry, we can restore your sense of peace of mind and set you back on the path of life. As soon as we locate the issue, we will report our findings to you. After that, we will work with you to decide the best course of action and offer recommendations for how to best address the issue. We don’t discount anything because we genuinely care about you and your car, even if every circumstance is unique.

One thing is certain when you visit Higher Standard Service Center: we won’t be the ones to label a light as “fixed” by covering it with black tape.

Fuel System

Why would I need a fuel system service?

Your vehicle’s manual probably recommends having your fuel system cleaned at certain intervals. If you aren’t able to find it listed there, we have information for most makes and models and can help you know when it should be done.

However, your car may also have ways of letting you know when all is not well with your fuel system. 

Signs your fuel system needs attention:

  • When the check engine light illuminates, we discover a code informing us of a problem.
  • You observe that the range of a petrol tank seems to have decreased.
  • You start to experience low power and acceleration.

During a normal fuel system service, what happens?

We’ll record any problems you report with your car’s general efficiency and performance when you bring it to [atc] for maintenance. After that, we will examine the fuel system’s constituent parts and offer advice on how to fix any problems so you can resume your flawless operation.

A typical fuel system service includes:

  • Completely inspect the fuel system.
  • Clean fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers.
  • Remove any water found in the system.
  • Clear the throttle body and plate of any deposits or debris.
  • Remove deposits from the intake manifold.
  • Lubricate all components to help prevent future build-up of deposits.

We perform this service frequently, and it just takes a few hours. Just like with other routine auto maintenance, a small investment of time and money up front can save a large sum of money and aggravation later on.

Oil Change Service

Why are regular oil changes important?

Take a look at our oil change service in Thomson, GA for effective car performance. Your car needs oil to run at its optimum, just as your body needs fluids to function. This essential fluid runs through the engine, protecting, lubricating, and cleaning it for maximum performance.

Signs it’s time for an oil change:

  • Your engine sounds louder than it usually does.
  • The oil appears overly grittier and black.
  • The maintenance light on.
  • My windshield sticker’s date and/or mileage have passed.

How is included in a typical oil change?

  • Upon arrival, check the engine oil level and condition and make a note.
  • Check and note any leaks found at the engine oil filter or drain plug.
  • Empty the old engine oil and check the sealing washer and drain plug’s condition.
  • Change the engine’s oil filter.
  • Add the proper amount of engine oil and refill.
  • Start the engine, let it run for a little while, then turn it off and check the oil level once more.
  • Verify and replenish every sub-engine fluid.
  • Oil Life Reminder: Reset
    Conduct a supplemental inspection.

Safety Evaluation

What is a safety evaluation?

We value your piece of mind more than just mending your vehicle. We genuinely care about your well-being and helping you resume your normal life. There’s no worse feeling than breaking down on the side of the road.

That’s where we created a proactive plan to keep you safe. Not only do we replace your car’s oil and take care of any urgent repairs when it arrives, but these services also include a complimentary safety evaluation.

Ask us more about our safety evaluation.

Maintenance Services

What are maintenance services?

Maintenance services are geared towards proactive care of your vehicle, which will reduce your cost per mile and increase its lifespan.

Common maintenance services include:

  • Oil changes.
  • Battery replacement.
  • Brakes.
  • Check tire condition.
  • Power-Steering Fluid checks.
  • Changing fuel filters.
  • Checking and adding coolants.
  • Checking engine belts & timing belts.
  • Checking or replacing spark plugs.
  • Wiper blades replacement.

Ask us about maintenance service packages.

Repair Warranty

Craftsmanship Assurance:

  • We back our work with a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on every service undertaken.
  • The warranty covers both parts and labor for any part failure, assuring you that we stand by our craftsmanship.
  • Importantly, it will not exceed the amount of the original invoice, and there is no warranty on customer-supplied parts.
  • Warranty work is conducted exclusively in our shop and cannot exceed the original cost of repair.

Timing Belt Service

How do I know if I need my timing belt serviced?

Hopefully, you won’t find out when you’re speeding down the road and there’s an unexpected power outage. It can be very risky in addition to being the priciest method of problem detection.
But there are a few things you may observe that might alert you to a timing belt issue before it becomes worse:

Signs your timing belt needs attention:

  • The engine makes a ticking noise that you hear.
  • You try to start your car, but it won’t turn over.
  • Your engine jerks, stumbles, and fails to start.
  • You discover that the engine’s front is leaking oil.

Wheel Alignment

What are the signs I need my wheels aligned?

Signs your wheels need alignment:

  • Your vehicle veers over to one side or the other of the road.
  • Too much is happening to your tires.
  • One side of your tires is more worn than the other.
  • Your steering wheel is crooked instead of straight.

Wiper Blades

How should my wiper blades work?

A wiper motor that is running right is fast and forceful. A washer fluid pump that works lets you spray your windshield with cleaner whenever you want. And new wiper blades are smooth and silent.

Signs you need to replace your wiper blades:

  • Streaking.
  • The arms go back and forth, but skip.
  • The blades make noises.
  • They leak washer fluid or don’t spray.