KANSAS CITY AND OVERLAND PARK AUTO REPAIR

Is it time for a new vehicle? In an economy full of high gas prices, yet low housing prices, it’s hard to know where your car fits into the picture. If you’re looking to switch vehicles this spring, here’s our guide to trading vs. selling your vehicles. In almost all cases, you will get more money for your used vehicle if you sell it yourself. However, it can be easier and even smarter to go ahead and trade it in. Below are the recommendations from Sallas Auto Repair owner, Nick Sallas, on how to determine what to do with your used vehicle. The Selling Your Car Guide Selling your car yourself will probably make you the most money off of your used car. Before you advertise your vehicle for sale, you’ll need to “stage” your car, just like you would “stage” a house before putting it on the marketing. Take it to get professionally detailed, waxed, and cleaned. Just like a house, don’t try to sell a personal car with personal items. Remove all papers, pens, loose change, car seats, bags ... read more

You may think the motor vehicle inspection requirement is a hassle and a way for auto mechanics to make more money. But there’s a reason to keep your vehicle in safe working order. A defective vehicle may not respond the right way if the driver tries to avoid an accident. And a defective vehicle may not keep the occupants inside the car safe if an accident does happen. And frankly, who wants to break down on a busy highway or even in your driveway? Stay safe on the road with a vehicle inspection. A certified inspection station will go over your car and inspect all the car’s systems and mechanicals. From the exhaust system to the mirrors, tires and wheels, brakes to steering mechanism, your car will get a meticulous examination. They’ll even check the horn. And while you may end up with a repair or two to meet inspection standards it’s all for a good reason. According to the Missouri State Highway P ... read more

f you’ve ever waited in a long line at the car wash, paid ten dollars or more, and then notice all the dirt and grime still on your car when you get home you probably want to scream. So maybe this is the time to do it yourself! Or better yet, grab the nearest teenager and hand them a sponge. But before you do there are a few things to remember. And not just that teenagers need watching because they wander off. Sallas Auto Repair doesn’t wash cars but we care about cars so we’ve compiled some tips for you to keep your car looking great. There's a right way to wash your car! First of all don’t grab the dish washing soap to wash your car! This is your baby so you want to use a product made especially for autos and dish washing soap will strip the wax from your car. Mix according to the directions for the best results, don’t just pour into the bucket and add water. Heat causes soap to ... read more

We covered the best way to wash your car in our last post so let’s just put the cherry on top and wax her while she’s in the driveway. Which wax you choose is a matter of taste so rather than go into a long list of types and ingredients we’ll just go with Nu-Finish or Turtle Wax as they were Consumer Reports top performers. Just stick to the non-abrasive waxes no matter your brand. And carefully read the directions. Of course you’ve thoroughly washed and completely dried your car, it’s still out of the direct sun and you’re not completely worn out. One firm rule about waxing your car is that temperature and humidity will greatly affect your results. So above 60 degrees and below 50 percent humidity is best. Use an applicator sponge to apply the wax. If you use a cloth the pressure from your fingertips will leave a heavie ... read more

Fall is on the way here and chances are the kids are back in school and summer vacations are over. This is a great time to give your car a thorough cleaning. Sallas Auto Repair has some tips to get your car back in shape and ready for leaf peeping road trips. A clean car is a happy car. -Your car always needs a good washing to protect it from damage from sun and dirt. Fall is also a great time to wax it in anticipation of road salt and ice in the winter. -Give your car a good vacuuming. If you’ve been carting kids around you probably have all sorts of debris on your floors from picnics, the pool, or the beach. Sand is a killer on a car’s interior so be sure and get under and in-between seats. -Clean and condition your seats. More and more cars have leather seats and they can take a beating from the sun, especially if your car sits outside all day. Wipe them down with a cleaner made especially ... read more