Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

How long has the business been established?

We’ve been in business for over 20+ years in Bellevue Washington.

What brands of vehicles do you typically work on?

We work on all Domestic, Asian, European and even classic & custom vehicles.

My car is not drivable, do you provide towing?

Yes we do offer towing.

Do you do any modification to the cars?

It depends on the vehicle and the type of modification that is needed or wanted on the vechicle.

Best email address for your business?

Our direct email address info@nielsonautorepair.com.

Best phone number for your business?

Our business phone number is: 425.643.4610.

What are your hours of operation and what holidays or events do you have off?

Our hours of operation are as follows:

8:00 Am – 5:00 PM Monday- Friday

Saturday by appointment only

What is your business address?

We are located at:

12700 Bel-Red Road

Bellevue, WA, 98005

Does Nielson Provide Paintless Dent Repair?

Yes. We are proud to offer Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) at select repair center locations. Our Paintless Dent Repair service is a great alternative to traditional auto body repair and in many circumstances can help save you time and money. Contact us directly to inquire about availability.

Do you provide auto glass service in my area?

We provide convenient onsite auto glass service at at our location.

Appointments

Do you need to make an appointment?

Making an appointment saves you time and is the best way to make sure you get your vehicle taken care of on your time, but we also take walk in customers as well.

Billing

What forms of payments do you accept?

We accept most forms of payments along with cash.

Do You Work with Insurance Companies?

We work with most insurance companies, and in fact, we are a direct repair facility for many insurance companies.

General Questions

How often should my vehicle’s tires be rotated?

The tires on your vehicle should be rotated at about 6000-miles or roughly every other time you change your car’s oil. Premature wear on your tires tends to be a result of failing to rotate them at proper intervals.

How important is it to replace the timing belt in my vehicle at the time period recommended by the manufacturer?

It is VERY important. The relatively minor job of replacing a timing belt is much less expensive than the major repair of the vehicle’s engine, which could occur as a result of a busted timing belt.

Help! My car’s “check engine” or “service engine soon” light just came on…what does that mean?

When one of these lights comes on, it means that one of the sensors or computerized components that monitor your vehicle’s engine system is indicating something is amiss. Though nothing may seem wrong with the car, we suggest that you bring the car in for an inspection. By catching and fixing problem soon, we can prevent issues down the road.

I think my car is overheating, what should I do? Is this a big deal?

In a word, YES! If your vehicle is overheating, serious and costly engine damage could happen. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. This will begin to let the vehicle cool down. DON’T try to test the radiator’s fluid level, which is red-hot and can cause serious burns. We advise drivers to have their overheated vehicle towed to the nearest, trusted auto repair facility.

How often do I need to get my vehicle’s oil changed?

For most vehicle’s, a 3,000-mile oil change is recommended. Check the manufacturer’s suggestions in the owner’s manual.

Should the color of my engine’s oil be milky brown?

No! If the color of your engine’s oil is milky brown, this is a common indication that radiator coolant has somehow gotten into the oil. A blown head gasket (or other such gasket) is often the cause. Alternately, it could indicate a failed transmission cooler or cracked casing. Milky brown oil is very serious and should be assessed by a trained mechanic as soon as possible.

Is the electrical connection for my car’s battery good?

You should have your vehicle’s battery terminals and cables inspected from time to time to make sure they deliver a solid electrical connection.

Which are better for my vehicle… synthetic motor oil or mineral-based oils?

That depends. For high output, supercharged or turbocharged engines, synthetic motor oils might be the better option. Many vehicles that are used for towing (especially in the hot summertime) and those that operate in extreme temperatures use synthetic oils. Although they are more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic oils can improve fuel economy and allow for longer intervals between oil changes.

How often should my vehicle’s fuel filter be replaced?

Follow your vehicle’s recommendation for scheduling fuel filter replacements for best performance. Most manufacturers’ suggest replacing the vehicle’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles.

How often do my spark plugs need to be changed?

Your vehicle’s spark plugs should be changed out every 30 months or 30,000 miles for top performance and maximum fuel efficiency. The exception would be if your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

A fuse burned out, how do I go about replacing it?

Replace a dead fuse with fuse of the same amperage (this should be printed on the fuse). If the same fuse continues to go out, you should have the circuit checked by a qualified technician for defects or electrical system issues.

Have more questions, please feel free to contact us directly!

How Often Should I Check My Vehicle's Fluid Levels?

Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power-steering fluid. Their levels are not only affected by how frequently you drive but extreme temperatures as well. As such, specialists advise checking them at the same time as your oil change or every month or two.

When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Knowing what signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a checkup is integral. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

When Should I Replace My Car Battery?

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.

When Should I Get a Tire Rotation?

As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labor on a specific set of wheels. That being the case, having your tires rotated every six months or around 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rule to uphold. Doing so will ensure your tires wear evenly.

What is a point of a tire rotation?

A tire rotation… well… rotates your tires. This causes the wear on your tires to be redistributed to other parts, which will extend the life of your tires. If you don’t rotate your tires then the wear on them will be centralized to one spot, forcing it to be replaced sooner. With centralized wear, your tires may even pop sooner so be sure to rotate your tires!

Why does my vehicle need a coolant flush?

Your coolant is what helps keep your vehicle from overheating. It, just like your vehicle’s oil, can break down and cause sludge. This wears down your vehicle and could cause it to overheat. This is not good. A coolant flush allows you to get rid of all of that broken down coolant and replace it with clean coolant. It also allows you to clean out a bit of that broken down coolant, preventing it from causing further damage to your engine.

Why Does My Car Smell Musty When I Use the A/C ?

There are several reasons for a Musty Smell, but the most common one would be that the Cabin Air Filter has gotten damp. There could be leaves and other debris that has gotten moldy. The best way to solve your smell problem would be to replace the Cabin Air Filter and clean out the Air Conditioning and Heater Box. Then the A/C System and the interior of the car should be disinfected. We recommend the Terraclean MiST service which sanitizes the interior surfaces as well as inside the AC ducts that are behind the dashboard. MiSt uses food-grade sanitizers delivered ultrasonically as a clean fog of nano-droplets throughout the car’s entire ventilation system and interior cabin surfaces.

Why Is Water on the Passenger Side Floor Every Time I Use the AC in My Car?

Most likely your problem is a Clogged A/C Drain. The drain gets clogged with debris and the water can’t drain. Usually, it’s a very simple fix. Just clear the drain with some compressed air and watch the water drain out.

How can I get the best Gas Mileage?

The Car Care Council offers these fuel-saving tips:

Vehicle gas caps — About 17 percent of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

Under inflated tires — When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon.

Worn spark plugs — A vehicle can have either four, six, or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.

Dirty air filters — An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture — too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 20 cents a gallon.

Fuel-saving driving tips include:

Don’t be an aggressive driver — Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets, which results in 10 to 66 cents per gallon.

Avoid excessive idling — Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.

What should I do to get ready for a road trip?

From the National Car Care Council:

Tow truck operators in resort areas or along interstate highways see all too many travelers forced to return home ahead of schedule. Car trouble, usually due to neglected preventative maintenance, brings an abrupt end to vacation plans.

The situation usually means more than just a repair bill. It can involve towing charges, lodging and possibly a rental car. Add to that the cost of extra phone calls, meals and general inconvenience, and the ordeal becomes expensive.

This scenario usually can be avoided with a pre-vacation inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician. Goodworks Auto Repair recommends the following pre-trip “physical” for your automobile should address the following systems:

  • Cooling

  • Braking

  • Steering/suspension and tires

  • Battery and charging system

  • Fluids, belts and hoses

  • Windshield wipers and horns/lights/mirrors

Not only can a pre-trip inspection help reduce the chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made at home, with one’s own technician who knows the vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

How Long Will Repairs Take?

This is, of course, dependent on the complexity of the repairs, the situation, the availability of parts and materials, and much more. It truly varies from one situation to the next. We will provide an estimated time of completion at the same time we provide the cost estimate, although this does not include the time it may take for any additional damage repairs found in teardown. In the end, we would rather make sure that the job is done right, than done fast.

What Happens if Additional Damage is Found After the Estimate?

Unfortunately, the first observation and inspection doesn’t always discover deep-down damages. During the course of repair, we may find further issues that need to be addressed. In this case, we will contact the insurance company for authorization to pay for any supplemental damages, and notify you before we take further action.

If My Vehicle’s Frame is Damaged, is it a Total Loss?

Frame damage is no longer the nail in the coffin for a damaged vehicle. Modern equipment, techniques, and advanced expertise of the technician allow for even severely-damaged frames to be repaired. Of course, the less damage, the better the likelihood of saving the car.

What is the Difference Between Genuine, OEM, and Aftermarket Parts?

Genuine parts are branded by the manufacturer, and are the exact part found in your original vehicle – important if you want to keep all matching parts. OEM parts are the parts manufactured by the factory supplier for your vehicle, and will match them, but may not have the genuine branding. Aftermarket parts are third-party equivalents of the original factory parts. While we aim to use mainly Genuine and OEM parts, aftermarket parts are also an option if needed or requested. Often, this is at the discretion of the insurance company and their guidelines, so make sure to consult with your agent.

How Often Should You Take Your Car in for an Inspection?

Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. At the least, you should have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic every 12 months to look for problems. Please note that many vehicle manufacturers have replaced the familiar printed owner’s manual with an online version available through the manufacturer’s website.

Some states require inspections for all cars or smog checks for annual registration renewal, depending on the county you live in and the age of your vehicle. These emissions and safety inspections evaluate only vehicle exhaust or essential safety criteria rather than a full mechanical inspection of the car’s health.

Changing your car’s oil at a repair shop or dealership usually includes a multi-point inspection to check fluid levels, filters, and other components. In previous decades, a rule of thumb was to change a car’s oil every 3,000 miles. Since 2010, many vehicles use synthetic oil that can go up to 10,000 miles between changes.

Manufacturers outline auto maintenance requirements such as oil changes and tire rotation. They also recommend inspection schedules or parts replacement when the odometer reaches 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles, for example. Again, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Do I need to get multiple collision repair estimates?

No. Once you pick the shop that you want to have your vehicle repaired at, they can write you the estimate. You don’t need an additional estimate unless your insurance company is paying for repairs, in which case they might also like to write you an estimate.

Do I have a choice in which auto body repair shop I got to for my repairs?

Absolutely. You always have the right to choose which auto body repair shop you prefer for any and all of your collision repair needs.

What are the main causes of auto battery failure?

Batteries wear out over time, but there are also issues that impact battery failure, for example, unusual “parasitic drains” such as adding accessories but not properly grounding them, infrequent start-up, and discharged batteries freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do you provide towing?

Yes. We provide reliable and damage-free towing services for vehicles.

Owner Pre-Maintenance Checks & MaintenancServices

Monthly Check-up
  • Fog lights, turn signals, brake, and parking lights – It’s relatively easy to notice a headlight that isn’t working. Others aren’t as obvious, so walk around the car monthly to visually inspect the lights.

  • Oil and coolant levels – Check levels when the engine is cool at least once a month and always top off the levels before making a long trip.

  • Tire pressure and tread depth – Tires are essential to safe driving. Regularly inspect your tires and the spare for uneven wear, proper air pressure, and adequate tread depth. Use a penny to check the tread depth. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered, there is still more than 2/32” of depth remaining, meaning there is still adequate tread left.

  • Windshield wiper fluid – Be sure the reservoir has an adequate supply of wiper fluid. It’s impossible to drive safely with an obstructed view, something that can result from a dirty windshield.

3-Month Check-up
  • Oil and filters – Engines that use conventional motor oil can be on a 3-month/3,000-mile interval. Those using synthetic varieties might have up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.

  • Battery and cables – Make sure the battery and cables have tight connections and no corrosion or leaking fluid.

  • Belts and hoses – The serpentine belt and other belts in the engine compartment shouldn’t look glazed, cracked, or frayed. Hoses shouldn’t leak or have cracks or bulges.

  • Power steering fluid – Check the power steering fluid level when the engine is warm and add more when needed.

  • Wiper blades – Driving with worn wiper blades is a safety hazard because of reduced visibility when it rains. Inspect the blades seasonally and replace them if they’re damaged or no longer clear the windshield.

6-Month Check-up
  • Rotate tires – Rotating tires helps extend their life by balancing the tread wear and can help prevent noise and vibration problems. Check the owner’s manual beforehand because some types of tires and wheels shouldn’t be rotated or must be rotated in a particular way.

  • Wax vehicle – Wash your car regularly and apply a wax coating at least twice a year to help protect your car’s finish from rust.

  • Exhaust system – Look for and repair any damage, especially if the muffler is making noise.

  • Battery performance check – Your car won’t start without a good battery. Beginning when the battery is three years old, test it twice a year at your auto parts store.

  • Chassis lubrication – Your owner’s manual will say if the chassis, steering, and suspension systems require periodic lubrication.

1-Year Check-up
  • Air filters – Cabin air filters help clean the air inside the car and require annual replacement. However, engine air filters keep debris out of your engine and should be inspected during oil changes.

  • Brakes – Inspect the brake system, including the brake fluid, brake linings, rotors, and brake pads, to help ensure the proper operation of these critical components. The lifespan of brake pads largely depends on the operator’s driving style.

  • Inspect shocks and struts – Take your car to the shop if you notice a decrease in smoothness when driving. Shocks and struts are an essential part of the car’s steering system and should be inspected by a professional.

  • Coolant/antifreeze – Replace every year. Flush the coolant and the entire cooling system after 60,000 miles.

2-Year Check-up
  • Ignition system – Good quality spark plugs, plug wires, coils, and other electrical components can last up to 100,000 miles. Even so, checking spark plugs starting at 30,000 miles is a good idea. Rough running or hard starting can indicate that they’re beginning to fail.

  • Transmission fluid – Check transmission fluid levels regularly and add more when needed. You can expect to change transmission fluid between 30,000 and 60,000 miles in a manual transmission vehicle and between 30,000 and 100,000 miles in an automatic transmission one.

  • Fuel filter – Manufacturer guidelines for fuel filter replacement vary. Some suggest replacement at 30,000 miles.

Long-Term Check-up
  • Transfer case fluid –The transfer case shifts power from the transmission to the axles in a 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Have a professional check transfer case fluid according to manufacturer recommendations.

  • Front and rear differential – Differentials are devices that split the torque from the engine and send power to the tires to propel the car. The differentials require lubrication, and a professional should check them according to manufacturer recommendations.

  • Change tires – Tires can last from six years to 10 years. Check often for adequate tread depth greater than 2/32 of an inch.

  • Battery – Test the battery beginning at three years. It’s time to replace the battery after five years.

  • Timing belt – Replace following the owner’s manual guidance, typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Not all vehicles have timing belts. Yours might have a timing chain, which often needs no periodic maintenance (or replacement) unless there’s an issue.

These milestones for car maintenance are general guidelines and not an exhaustive list. Carefully follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations on scheduled vehicle service and use qualified mechanics to perform your auto repairs

What kind of preventative maintenance can I perform for my auto battery?

The best thing that you can do to avoid battery problems is have your Certified Service technician perform a conductance test on your battery when you get your oil changed. This helps to monitor the status of the battery and helps prevent you from being in a situation where your vehicle won’t start.

What can be used to clean wiper blades?

It is recommended to use hot, soapy water or another nonabrasive liquid.

Is there anything I can do to make my blades last longer?

The biggest enemy of wiper blades is exposure to sunlight and ozone. There is little that can be done to reduce ozone exposure, but limiting the amount of time your blades are exposed to direct sunlight will help prolong the life of the wiper blade. Clean your windshield and the rubber element of your wiper regularly. Use an ice scraper and defroster to clear ice from your windshield, not your wipers. Pull your wipers away from the windshield in winter to prevent them from sticking due to ice buildup.

Does My Car Need High Octane Fuel?

Octane gas is available in several different grades, with each number representing the resistance to burn the fuel has; the higher the rating, the slower the burn. The most common form of octane gas is 87octane. Generally speaking, octane gas increases the cost of fuel, and the higher the grade you purchase the more money you will spend.