Itasca Automotive Repair, Inc.

Welcome to Itasca Automotive Repair Inc.

3/13/2019 - WE ARE OFFICIAL! We have our new sign, so hopefully there will be no more confusion as to where we are located. The whole crew is super excited to have an official sign for the business - next will be our Grand Opening celebration as soon as it gets a little warmer!

3/7/2019 - We are all moved in (210 W. Irving Park Rd, in the old doggy daycare) and seeing our first customers. Our lift is finally working and that has made life easier. So, please feel free to call in for an appointment for service. We are open Monday thru Friday, 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. We usually take one or two waiting oil changes per morning by appointment, so book yours now. The reason for this is because we take our time with your oil change, and look over several areas of your vehicle. This allows us to keep an accurate record of your vehicle maintenance and let you have an idea when certain repairs will be needed in the future. After all, you don't bring your vehicle to us for "Jiffy" services...

Some of you may know already, but we are no longer called "Rich's Itasca Auto Body and Repair" because, with the move we gave up the "body work" side of the business. We are now "Itasca Automotive Repair, Inc." We hope to get back to doing body work this year with a satellite location. In the meantime, it is the same mechanic (Rich Sr's son-in-law) that worked for Rich's for the last 21 years. Rich Sr and Rich Jr. stop in frequently. Rich Sr.'s daughter (Janessa) is running the office now, with dad's knowledge and expertise backing her; the family business is still in the family. So please feel free to call in to chat, to ask your mechanical questions or schedule your next maintenance appointment.

Winter is STILL here...

....Ok, this is getting OLD! Come on spring!

YOUR SPRING TO-DO LIST

Exterior:

Wiper blades play an extremely important role in increasing visibility. Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.
Check the tires. A simple test to check tire tread depth is to insert a penny into the tread of the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head sticks out, your tires are starting to show signs of wear and should be replaced. Also check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, which could indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.
Give your car a good washing from top to bottom. Use a product specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both.
Spring is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make sure there are no foreign particles on the paint.

Under the Hood:

A good rule of thumb is that a change of season equals a change of oil. Changing your car’s oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, will ensure that your car operates at peak efficiency.
Get a tune-up if necessary. As part of the 21st Century Tune-Up on today's modern vehicles, the following systems should be inspected: battery, charging and starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control (including onboard diagnostic checks), fuel, ignition and emissions.
Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention, including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. The antifreeze/coolant should be refreshed every two years.
Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps that appear to be in marginal condition may need to be replaced.

Under the Vehicle:

Spring is a good time to check the entire brake system, including brake linings, rotors and drums. We measure your brakes at each oil change and will be sure to let you know when the time to change them is near.
Check the shocks or struts for signs of physical damage, such as leaking, rusting, or dents. Also be aware of the warning signs that you may need them replaced: vehicle rolls or sways on turns, front end dives when braking, rear end squats when accelerating, vehicle sits lower in the front or rear, a loss of directional control during sudden stops, and the vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding and rough road.
If you notice any fluid puddles or stains under your vehicle, it is a good idea to have it inspected. There are several fluids that can leak from the vehicle including antifreeze/coolant, battery acid, brake fluid, clear water, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, gear oil, power steering fluid, shock and strut fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.