Gardner Auto Repair

Car maintenance intervals don’t only tie-in to how many miles you drive in a given year — they’re also linked to the seasons. If you live in a part of the country where the difference between winter and summer driving is stark, then you might already be familiar with the regular rituals of tire swaps, fluid changes, and other seasonal car maintenance duties. But if seasonal changes are more subtle in your neck of the woods, you can still use this natural clock to help time your basic vehicle maintenance. In addition to checking tires and fluids, seasonal car maintenance also includes inspecting items on your vehicle that commonly wear out in order to see if they need to be replaced. Specifically, rubber or plastic components like wiper blades, engine belts, and battery cables are all worth taking a look at. If you see any cracks, discoloration, or signs of corrosion around the battery, these are solid indicators that the part should be replaced

You might need a new cabin filter!  Cabin Air Benefits A cabin air filter is an air purification filter, sometimes called a “micro cabin air filter” or “in-cabin microfilter,” designed to remove the microscopic dust, allergens, pollutants, and other particles that come into the passenger cabin of your vehicle through its air vents. In addition to making the air in the interior of your car unpleasant and unhealthy, a dirty cabin air filter, clogged with dirt, dust, smelly mold, and allergens, can also impact your defroster's performance heating, and AC. Need some help with your cabin filter? Our service advisors and technicians, at either of our Bret's Autoworks locations, Gardner and Olathe would be happy to help you! 

Maintain Vehicle Wipers, Lights, Mirrors for Safe Driving It's no secret that properly functioning vehicle lights, wipers and mirrors allow for better visibility while driving, yet these items are often forgotten or ignored when performing basic auto care, says the non-profit Car Care Council. "Making sure that you can see and be seen on the road is essential to avoiding motor vehicle accidents, yet many motorists overlook simple maintenance steps that can improve driving visibility," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "For example, community car care events held throughout the country reveal that nearly one in three vehicles inspected had insufficient wiper fluid. This simple auto care service can make a world of difference on the road."    Following a few auto care visibility tips can be illuminating, helping to ensure the safety of you, your passengers and other vehicles around you. Replace any exterior or interior light ... read more

We are considered the truck specialist in Gardner and Olathe. Here is a list of some of the repairs truck owners have come to Bret's to have done.  RUCK REPAIR Transfer case service/repair Rear differential service/repair Front differential service/repair Locking hub repair Coil-over shocks Mud tires Axle/axle seal repair Hitch installation Transmission cooler Lift kit installation Leveling kit installation Heavy-duty transmission Diesel service/repair Turbo diesel service/repair Cummins service/repair Powerstroke service repair Duramax service/repair Ecoboost repair Coyote repair Ecotec repair Four-wheel drive repair 4x4 repair 4WD repair  

Summer is the main season for “cone zones,” road construction where you will likely hit a bump or two, or come across loose stones and other hazards. These rough road conditions can be tough on a vehicle’s steering and suspension system and can throw out the alignment, while loose stones have the potential to damage the vehicle’s exterior or windshield, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.     “Even the most careful motorist, who is driving slowly and carefully through road construction, is bound to hit an unexpected bump or other road hazards,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Be sure to pay attention to your car and if you think there’s a problem, have it taken care of as soon as possible.” The main symptoms of steering and suspension or wheel alignment problems are uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, noise and vibration while cornering or loss of control. The council recommends ... read more

Driving through a seemingly innocent hole in the road could result in costly car damage. Know the five best ways to avoid pothole damage 1. Check Tires Frequently inspect your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear. If you hit a pothole with worn or underinflated tires, there is a greater risk of wheel or suspension damage. Inflate tires according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels. Find this information on the door jamb sticker and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the pressure levels molded on the tire sidewall. To check the tire tread depth, insert a quarter upside down into several tread grooves. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires. How to properly check tire tread 2. Inspect Suspension Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate da ... read more

  No Annual FeesAbility to request a credit limit increaseEnroll in and customize account alerts$0 Fraud Liability24/7 secure online account access     From Headlight to Taillight use your Synchrony Car CareTM Credit Card for everything your car needs to stay on the go, including tires, brakes, repairs, maintenance, even gas and more!