KANSAS CITY AND OVERLAND PARK AUTO REPAIR

The Sallas Auto Repair team is the best in Kansas City. We’ve previously introduced you to Barry Degges from our Kansas City Auto Repair Shop and John Blauw, who manages our Overland Park Auto Repair Shop. Today, meet Eric Atchley from our Overland Park repair shop. Sallas Auto Repair’s Eric Atchley Service Advisor Eric Atchley is a car guy. He took his first job at an auto repair shop when he was 17, and has worked with cars ever since. As part of our team, he also works with people. Eric is one of the guys who provides estimates, explanations and service to each customer. He loves his job, and it shows. He stands by Sallas Auto because no other repair shop in the area gives customers complem ... read more

Over the past few months, many families have readjusted their budgets to accommodate for rising gas prices. It’s not unusual to pay over $50, $60 or even close to $100 at the pump these days, depending on the vehicle you drive. While we don’t have much control over the price at the pumps, there are a few ways we can save money on gas while driving and maintaining our vehicles – and allow us to visit those painful gas pumps less often. Be a Smart Stopper As you see a stop light or stop sign approaching, start slowing down sooner, and don’t ride the gas all of the way up to the breaking point. Also, when the light turns green, don’t “gun it,” and instead ease back into driving. Drive Slower While none of us want to drive like little old ladies, it will save us money (and keep us safer) by driving slower. Lighten up the gas pedal, and slow it down when driving. You can increase your gas mileage as much as 1 mile/hour (depending on the vehicle you drive) by driving 65 rather than ... read more

America is a car culture. We buy big, drive far, commute alone and judge each other by what’s in the driveway. And we’re paying for it in numerous ways. Taking the DOT and other estimates of the general commuting population of larger cities into account we are throwing an average of 13,000 tons of CO2 into the air on a daily basis. The average cost of fuel for the same daily commute was approximately $15.5 million dollars. So why aren’t we all driving electric cars? The industry has had difficulty getting off the ground due to technology and consumer issues but we may be on the cusp of an electric revolution. This year 12 car manufacturers will introduce EVs, hoping to entice a huge car nation to take the chance and plug one in for themselves. So what are the Pros ... read more

If you read our last post on the Pros and Cons of electric vehicles you may decided that an EV is the choice for you. So how about converting your existing vehicle to electric? It’s definitely doable, not excessively complicated, but should you do it yourself? DIY electric car conversions aren't for the automotive faint of heart. According to the website EVHelp.com it can be done but only by those with the some skills: Mechanical – you are accustomed to working on cars. Electrical – you have an understanding of basic wiring and electricity. Welding – you have basic welding skills or know someone who does. Troubleshooting – you have experience troubleshooting problems in vehicles. Not all cars are good candidates for conversion. The car you ... read more

In this snow-filled winter, our backyards and fences are not the only thing in Kansas City area being covered with a wintry substance. As drivers, the more we get out of the house, the more our cars are covered in SALT! Salt is great when applied to roads and walkways. And although it’s helpful for melting ice and snow, it’s benefits are not quite the same for our cars. Wash Your Car This winter, Sallas Auto Repair wants to remind you to wash your cars as soon as it warms up to an above-freezing temperature. You’ll know it’s safe because lines at the car washes will start forming, as careful vehicle owners know how important it is to keep the exterior of the car free of salt. And even if you’re someone who hates to wait in line, find some way to rinse off the salt that’s stuck to the sides of your car. Try to wash your car during the day, so that if the temperature drops at night, you’ll be sure to avoid frozen doors and locks. It’s important to remove the salt from ... read more