It’s no secret that independent shops and dealerships have a margin on parts installed on your vehicle. Part margin is an essential part of a profitable business model. As a full-service shop, realizing a profit on parts allows Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, CA to continue to offer a premium level of service that we call ServicePlus.       There is a misperception that shops are making a lot on part margin.   Most shops use a pricing matrix to determine margin on parts.  This matrix will determine the “installed price” of the part calculating a markup of between 30% and 60%. This is a matrix, so there will be different margins depending the price of the part.  This  doesn’t mean that the shop sees this margin as profit.  After expenses, the shop aims to realize about a 10% profit and after taxes, just 5%.   Here’s an example of how it might l ... read more

      Sprinter adventure vans are popping up like wildflowers in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. If you’re considering purchasing a new high-profile Sprinter adventure van; Mercedes, Ram or Ford, here are some things to consider when it comes to maintenance.     Looking for a pre-owned model?  Use this valuable information, along with a Pre-Purchase Inspection to help you be confident that your purchase is a well-cared for adventure van and not a bundle of problems.        Mercedes Sprinter:  By far the top of the line is Mercedes. With upgrades and amenities not found on other brands, the Mercedes price reflects it's luxury and performance. The Mercedes Sprinter also has the highest “cost of ownership”.  You will need to be prepared to spend more for your general services (Mercedes A & B service), as well as repairs ... read more

  The big day is almost here and the technicians and team at Quality Automotive Servicing have shared their favorite last minute gift ideas for kids, your sweetheart and your truck owner.     Decked System from Bill Greeno, QAS Owner.  Bill just invested in the “Decked” system to secure and organize the bed of his Ford Ranger truck. He likes it so much that Quality Automotive Servicing has become a Truckee dealer and installer of the system. Whether you are on the job site or at the campsite, know your gear is hidden, waterproof and secure. Two full-bed length drawers organize your equipment with a 200 lb capacity per drawer and still leave room to bring home the Christmas tree. The sturdy system is tough so there's no problem loading more gear on top. Give QAS a call or stop in and see the demo system.  ​QA ... read more

RESTORE YOUR HEADLIGHTS TO SEE WILDLIFE! My neighbor's daughter was driving carefully that night, watching for deer and other animals on the roadway.  But out of the dark crossed a coyote and her pup.  A thousand pounds of Toyota and her were about to collide.  Luckily she zipped across the road to safety.  Was it luck or animal instinct? Daylight savings time ends November 1st and days will become shorter and shorter.  Daylight is yielding to darkness and poorly lit mountain roads can be hazardous for your vehicle and wildlife. For your safety and the life of an animal out on the roadway, it’s important to have bright headlights.    Over the years of use, headlights will loose clarity and hinder your long distance view on dark Sierra roads such as Highway 89 toward Squaw Valley.  The result could be deadly for a neighborhood pet or wild animal.  A ... read more

It's easy to think that keeping up on regular oil changes is all your vehicle needs. While regular oil & filter changes are important, at Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, we know your vehicle needs more. Let me tell you a true story. My friend has regular oil changes at a “Quick” lube in Reno. Recently he headed to Moab to meet some friends for mountain biking. In eastern Nevada, a belt broke and he became stranded. But that wasn’t the worst of it. When the belt broke, it flung around under the hood and put a hole in the radiator. While all his radiator fluid leaked out, he stood on the side of the road wondering if he even had cell service. While he was seeking bars, and not the drinking kind, he discovered the closest shop that could do the work in a day was in Salt Lake City. He was towed, at his expense, to Salt Lake City where he put his trust in a shop he didn’t know. He purchased a new radiator and belt at considerable expense. This wa ... read more