Don't Be a Victim!

According to the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), automotive repair consistently ranks as one of the top 4 industries in consumer complaints. Due to the inherent customer skepticism we, at Sunliner Automotivemotive, take it very seriously, as do all legitimate automotive repair facilities, when fly-by-night, shade-tree shops, or even large super-centers, cause even more damage to the overall reputation of our industry.

Consider the following scenario: You walk into an automotive repair shop and are greeted by someone who seems too good to be true. You're overwhelmed with a larger than life personality, and promises of "Don't worry buddy, we'll take care of you". Well, except for the simple purchase of a retail business license, there are no additional requirements to sell automotive repair work to the public. So how do you know if this shop is legitimately qualified, or simply run by a very slick con artist? There are several things you can do to protect yourself. They're fairly easy, and you don't need any automotive repair knowledge. I invite you to put my repair shop, Sunliner Automotivemotive, to this test. Any reputable repair facility will welcome this opportunity.

Ask for credentials:
ASE, the national institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is the nationwide industry standard in automotive repair technician certification. Occasionally shops will falsely claim that some or all of their technicians are ASE certified. You may see it in print and/or hear it on the radio. Technicians who are ASE certified proudly display their credentials, and a select few of the top technicians become ASE certified Master Technicians. ASE Master Tech status requires certification in all eight automotive repair classifications; engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance. Some shops scoff at certification, but on-the-job experience is only part of becoming a top-notch technician. Do you really want someone working on your drive train, or air conditioner, or aligning your brand new tires, etc. who has never received formal training? We invite you to ask to see our ASE Master Technician credentials. We're also very proud of our ASE Blue Seal certification. There are only a few shops in South Carolina that earn this certification. Learn more at www.ase.com.

Ask about diagnostic procedures:
There is a term in the automotive industry called "throwing parts". Throwing parts is simply replacing parts in hopes of solving the problem. Second-rate shops often throw parts when they can't, or simply don't want to properly diagnose the problem. In the 1960's and earlier, technicians may have had some limited success throwing parts because of relatively simple automotive design. However, in today's sophisticated computerized vehicles, proper diagnostic procedures are essential. Technicians may spend several hours reviewing complicated diagnostic diagrams just to determine that one tiny electronic component has malfunctioned. There are volumes of information from vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket organizations explaining in great exacting detail which procedures to follow when confronted with particular automotive problems. Unethical repair shops sometimes charge customers hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repair work because they are not competent enough to properly diagnose, or even worse, simply want to overcharge the customer. The irony of this situation is that the customer may not realize the overcharge and actually feel appreciative toward the unethical, but "friendly" shop. You should ask what procedures will be used to determine the solution to your specific problem. If you get a vague answer full of distractions and smiles and warm and fuzzy feelings, and yet don't receive a clear answer to the procedure, you may want to pry a little deeper to be sure the technician is not simply "throwing parts". The phrase, "Don't worry buddy, we'll take care of you", in today's age of sophisticated, highly technical vehicles doesn't cut it. We invite you to ask us at Sunliner Automotivemotive about our diagnostic procedures, the information we have available, and the method we will use to repair your specific problem.

Ask about repair equipment:
Legitimate full service automotive repair shops spend tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars in sophisticated up-to-date repair equipment for today's complicated vehicles. The nature of the business is such that without this sophisticated repair equipment, proper repairs are often not possible. For example, something seemingly as simple as mounting and balancing tires may be difficult without proper equipment. Today's tires are much more complex with great improvements in tire bead, tread wear, composition, construction, etc. Low profile and performance tires, which are the norm today, are very susceptible to damage from older tire machines not specifically made for such tires. At Sunliner, we have the most sophisticated tire and repair equipment available. We have the capability and expertise to change from ultra low-profile performance tires to large mud-grip truck tires. Our equipment will load test your tire and wheel combination, and even check your rims for proper tolerances. We also have the latest five-gas analyzer, oscilloscope, scanners, alignment machine, and more. Of course, properly running an automotive shop is much more than simply having the latest up-to-date equipment, but if a shop has not made the initial and continuing investment in up-to-date equipment then you as the consumer should be wary. Ask to see the equipment for yourself. Ask when the equipment was manufactured. A little homework now might save you a lot of grief later. We welcome the chance at Sunliner Automotivemotive, as do all legitimate repair facilities, to show you the tremendous investment we've made in keeping our automotive repair equipment tops in the industry.

Our mission statement at Sunliner Automotivemotive is, "to provide you with the highest degree of customer satisfaction, the best possible automotive service and reliable, uncompromisingly honest work at reasonable prices". Fortunately for me, I was raised in a great family (by Dr. and Mrs. D.C. Hull) in upstate South Carolina, and the values of our mission statement were taught (sometimes pounded!) and became second nature. Further influencing (through the no-nonsense methods of your typical Marine drill instructor) my focus, and attention to detail, was the time I spent in the US Navy flying F/A-18's. Also fortunately for me, I have been able to surround myself with individuals who fully embrace, agree with, and enjoy the ideas of serious, professional automotive repair. All of us at Sunliner are aware that your vehicle is probably your first or second largest investment, and we take the responsibility of maintaining your vehicle very seriously. Our technicians are highly trained, proper procedures are used, we have the latest up-to-date repair equipment in the industry, and we do it for a fair price. We're not here to entertain you with funny jokes; we believe clowns belong in the circus. We do have a bunch of nice guys though, and we remind ourselves often, "treat everyone like they are our mom". We look forward to seeing you again real soon.

Site Directory: ** Main Page ** Welcome Page ** Fun Links ** Industry Links ** Directions ** History ** 10 Reasons ** Managers Apply ** Why Us ** Duncan Store ** Employees ** ASE Blue Seal ** Info ** Jobs Available ** Free Roadside Kit ** Performance ** Roadside ** Referrals ** Child and Car Safety ** Muffler ** Philosophy ** Customer Advisory Board ** Timing Belts **Flying ** Road Hazard Warranty ** Our Mission ** Engine Replacement ** Shocks and Suspension ** Coming Soon! ** Tires ** T-Tech Transmission Service ** Tune-ups ** Air Conditioning A/C and Heating ** Alignments ** Brakes ** Carburetor and Fuel Injection Service ** Carwash ** Clutch Repair ** Engine Diagnostics ** 4x4 Vendor List ** Complete Automotive Repair ** Superchips - Chrysler ** Superchips - Custom Vehicles ** Superchips - Ford and Mustangs ** Superchips - GM ** Superchips - Our Store ** Frequently Asked Questions ** Superchips ** 4x4 Aftermarket Accessories ** Food Mart ** Employees ** Contact Us **Duncan, SC ** Car Club Need For Speed ** Rapid Lube ** Electrical Systems Diagnostics and Repair ** Warranty Information **Coupons, Discounts, Special Offers ** Quick Lube Oil Change Checklist ** Send Comments to Sunliner **

Sunliner Automotive Plaza is proud to offer all major brands of tires, including but not limited to Yokohama, Michelin, BF Goodrich, Uniroyal, Firestone, Bridgestone, Dayton, Sumitomo, and others. Our headquarters is in Duncan, South Carolina with an automotive repair shop, performance showroom for cars and trucks, and high quality products by Shell. We have a Shell Rapid Lube providing preventative maintenance services. Our quick lube oil change service includes checking and topping off all major fluids, safety checking each vehicle, providing a carwash or washing windows as needed, and inspecting and inflating tires to the correct pressure. Our headquarters in Duncan also has a 24 hour car wash, and oil products for sale. We provide a wide range of customizing and racing products, equipment and services. Our 4x4 showroom and facility can give you anything you might ever want for your car, truck, Jeep, SUV, or other off-road, racing, or just-for-fun customized vehicle. We have a full range of suppliers that can obtain parts and products for vintage, antique, or restored vehicles. See our project vehicles for details. Our mechanics are passionate about their own vehicles and are involved in racing, restoration, and customization on a personal as well as professional level. We employ the finest drug-free, highest qualified, hardest working and most professional technicians anywhere. We do what the dealerships do for less. Our products are top of the line and meet the highest standards internationally for vehicle maintenance. We also offer first-time as well as loyalty bonuses for our customers, we keep our prices low, and aim to please. Contact us at any time with your suggestions, praise or complaints. Our website will show any specials or coupons that will be available at the stores. Enjoy your experience at sunliner.com!