4/17/15
It all started with a "check engine" light. Three diagnostic evaluations later, I was told that a new catalytic converter would be in my near future. Fourteen hundred dollars!!! Say what? Fourteen hundred dollars for a catalytic converter?! No way! I've found that overpriced quotes are the norm in the DMV. When I get quotes like this, I immediately call my dad in southwestern Virginia. He possesses a wealth of car knowledge and when I tell him about the ridiculous repair quotes from shops in the DMV, he immediately calls around to the local car repair shops to find parts and better prices for labor. On this day we were directed to Performance Automotive by my dad's buddy by the name of Tadpole, that works at the Napa Car Parts Store. We were told that Performance Automotive, a family owned business, had a state of the art diagnostic machine. The Napa Store and Performance Auto are on the same street so it took us no time to get there. The garage is not directly located on the street so it took us a few minutes to find the garage. We arrived and were immediately serviced by a young lady with the infamous state of the art diagnostic machine in her hand. She hooked up my car and within minutes had a diagnosis. Turns out I don't need a catalytic converter. The service engine light could be an indication of numerous things. I was told not to worry as long as my car is running fine. She even told me I could drive to California at that very moment! :) My dad and I left confident in the diagnosis and relieved that I didn't have to spend any more money on my car! read more