FAQs

Carter's Automotive Repair & Service
  • Do you do extended warranty work?

    Yes, we work with extended warranty plans and also provide our own extended warranty options.
  • Do you offer free estimates?

    We do not provide free estimates for our services.
  • Regular maintenance is a lengthy process. Why do we need it anyway?

    Regular maintenance helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and extends its lifespan for as long as possible.
  • Will my vehicle be ready the same day I bring it in?

    It depends on the type of repair and our current schedule. While many routine services, such as oil changes, brake repairs, timing belt replacements, and scheduled maintenance, can often be completed the same day when scheduled in advance, other repairs may take longer. The time required can vary depending on the complexity of the diagnosis, estimate approval, parts availability, and our repair schedule. We always do our best to complete your vehicle’s repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible, but some vehicles may need to stay with us for more than one day. We recommend planning accordingly and checking with our team for an estimated completion time.
  • Is there a warranty on the repairs?

    Yes! Most of our repairs come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first, covering both parts and labor. However, some exceptions apply. Parts purchased directly from a dealership generally carry a 12-month warranty, and coverage depends on the manufacturer's terms. If you request less expensive parts to help reduce repair costs, those parts are covered according to the manufacturer's warranty, but labor is not covered under warranty for these repairs. Wear items, such as brakes, clutches, and wiper blades, are covered only against manufacturer defects, not normal wear and tear. We use OEM-quality parts to help ensure reliable repairs, and we’ll be happy to clarify the applicable warranty coverage before work begins.
  • What type of parts do you use?

    We use high-quality parts to help ensure reliable performance and lasting repairs. Depending on your vehicle and the repair needed, we use genuine dealer/manufacturer parts, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, and premium aftermarket parts. Our goal is to choose quality parts that meet our standards and help keep your vehicle running reliably.
  • Do you work on “older” vehicles?

    Yes! We typically work on vehicles up to 25 years old, although some exceptions may be considered. For older vehicles, our ability to take on a repair depends on several factors, including parts availability, specialized tool requirements, our current schedule, and the complexity of the repair. In rare cases, we may consider vehicles outside our usual age range, depending on these factors. Please note that all repairs are covered by our 6-month/6,000-mile warranty, with no exceptions.
  • Do you accept customer-provided parts?

    Unfortunately, we do not install customer-provided parts. We want to ensure that the parts used on your vehicle meet our quality standards and that we can stand behind the work we perform. When we supply the parts, we have better control over their quality and can provide appropriate warranty coverage for our work. As a local business, we also rely on parts sales, along with our repair services, to operate sustainably and continue serving our community. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to helping you find the right parts for your vehicle!
  • Do you offer discounts?

    We do not offer discounts, as we believe in providing fair and transparent pricing from the start. Rather than inflating our prices to accommodate discounts, we aim to keep our pricing consistent and competitive for all customers, so everyone receives fair pricing without having to negotiate for a better deal. For example, some businesses may quote a repair at $1,000 and then reduce the price to $900 when a customer asks for a discount. This can leave the customer wondering why the repair wasn’t priced at $900 to begin with. We believe in avoiding this kind of pricing practice by offering honest, straightforward prices from the outset, so you can feel confident in what you’re paying.
  • Do you take third-party extended warranties?

    Yes! We accept most third-party extended warranties, although some exceptions may apply. Please keep in mind that any costs not covered by your warranty will be your responsibility, including diagnostic charges. We recommend checking your warranty coverage to understand what is included and whether any out-of-pocket expenses may apply.
  • Do you offer financing options for expensive repairs?

    Yes! When you receive your repair estimate via text, you’ll have the option to apply for financing through a third-party lender. This can help you explore payment options for your repair costs and choose what works best for your needs.
  • Do you take walk-ins?

    Yes! We welcome walk-ins. However, vehicles with scheduled appointments are given priority, so walk-in vehicles are accommodated as time allows. The wait is typically not too long, and we’ll do our best to assist you as soon as possible.
  • Do the diagnostics cost roll over to the repair labor cost if the work is done?

    In most cases, diagnostic labor is charged separately from repair labor, as identifying the problem and fixing it are often two distinct processes. Modern vehicles are complex systems with dozens of interconnected electronic control units (ECUs) that manage components such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and airbags. When a warning light appears on your dashboard, identifying the underlying issue may require specialized testing to determine which systems or components are involved. In some cases, technicians may also need to remove certain parts to access and test other components. If a repair is needed, some of the labor involved in accessing the problem may become part of the repair process. However, not every repair requires extensive diagnostics. For straightforward mechanical repairs, such as brake work or spark plug replacement as part of routine maintenance, a separate diagnostic charge is generally not necessary. We believe in being transparent about our labor charges and helping you understand the work involved. Our goal is to ensure you know what to expect before moving forward with repairs.
  • Will you give an estimate over the phone when the vehicle has not been looked at?

    It depends on the type of repair. While we’re happy to provide estimates for certain fixed-price services over the phone, most repairs require an in-person inspection to provide an accurate estimate. Even if another repair shop has already diagnosed your vehicle, we need to verify the issue ourselves before recommending repairs and providing an estimate. This helps us ensure that we’re addressing the correct problem and giving you the most accurate pricing possible. For fixed-price services, we can provide a preliminary estimate over the phone. However, please keep in mind that the quoted price is not guaranteed until we’ve had a chance to inspect your vehicle. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, transparent pricing and help you understand what your vehicle needs before moving forward with any repairs.
  • Do you offer free towing?

    We do not offer towing services directly. However, your auto insurance policy or an AAA membership may include towing coverage at no additional cost. Some extended warranty plans also offer towing assistance, so we recommend checking your coverage first. If you need to arrange a tow, we recommend Falcon Towing in Marietta. They may be able to help you get your vehicle to our shop.
  • Can I pick my vehicle up after hours?

    Yes! We offer a convenient after-hours pickup option. Once you receive a text notification that your vehicle is ready, simply reply to the same text message through Tekmetric and ask us to send you the invoice. You can then pay securely from your phone. After payment is complete, give us a call or send us a text to request after-hours pickup. We’ll place your key in a lockbox and provide you with the lockbox number and three-digit combination so you can retrieve your key at your convenience.
  • Can I drop my vehicle off after hours?

    Yes! For your convenience, we have a secure drop box located toward the front of the side of our building. Look for the large silver box marked “Drop Box.” Simply fill out the envelope provided, place your key inside, and drop it through the slot. You can also use this same box to pick up your vehicle after hours.