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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers to the most common questions we get at our four South Florida shops. Cannot find what you need? Call your nearest location and we will help you out.

Open 7 days · Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 4 PM (Pompano Beach until 5 PM)

General

About Fast Tire & Auto Repair

Where Are You Located?

We have four South Florida locations: Miami at 3401 NW 7th Ave, Fort Lauderdale at 1050 W Commercial Blvd, Pompano Beach at 2011 N Dixie Hwy, and West Palm Beach / Lantana at 1380 Hypoluxo Rd. All locations service the surrounding communities, so come to whichever is closest.

What Are Your Hours?

All four locations are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Sunday, Pompano Beach is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Lantana are open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Holiday hours can vary, so call your shop to confirm.

Do I Need An Appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome at all four locations. However, appointments are preferred for larger jobs (brake replacements, alignments, AC service, diagnostics) so we can have parts ready and minimize your wait. For quick services like oil changes and flat repairs, walking in usually works fine.

How Long Will My Service Take?

Most services we can give you a realistic time estimate before you arrive. Oil changes typically take 20-30 minutes. New tire installations 60-90 minutes. Brake jobs 1-2 hours. Diagnostics 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on complexity. We will always call you if anything will take longer than originally quoted.

Do You Have A Waiting Area?

Yes — all four locations have clean, air-conditioned waiting areas with seating, WiFi, and refreshments. Most of our customers prefer to wait while their car is serviced. For longer jobs, we can also arrange transportation or recommend nearby coffee shops to grab a bite.

Do You Speak Spanish?

Yes. All four locations have bilingual staff. Hablamos español en todas nuestras ubicaciones.

Services

Service Questions

What Services Do You Offer?

We offer the full range of auto repair and tire services: new and used tires, tire rotation, balancing, TPMS service, wheel alignment, brake repair, oil changes, tune-ups, AC repair, batteries, engine diagnostics, check engine light, electrical troubleshooting, transmission service, steering and suspension, shocks and struts, radiator and cooling system service, European car service, pre-purchase inspections, and towing to the shop. If we cannot do it in-house, we will tell you upfront and point you to a trusted specialist.

Do You Work On European Cars?

Yes. We service BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, MINI, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar. Our techs are trained on European-specific systems and we have the proprietary diagnostic tools required (BMW INPA, Mercedes XENTRY, VW VCDS, etc.). European service typically costs 30-50% less than dealer pricing.

Do You Service Hybrid And Electric Vehicles?

Yes. We service hybrid vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Ford, and other major brands — oil changes, brakes, tires, suspension, and other standard maintenance. We do not work on high-voltage battery systems, so those go to the dealer. EV-specific service is more limited; call ahead to confirm we can help with your specific vehicle.

Can You Diagnose A Check Engine Light?

Yes. We use professional diagnostic equipment (not just a basic parts-store code reader) that pulls codes from all vehicle modules, captures freeze-frame data, and reads live sensor data. This level of diagnosis identifies the actual problem instead of guessing. Diagnostic fees apply but are typically credited toward the repair if you proceed with us.

Do You Offer Same-Day Service?

Yes — for most common services. Oil changes, tire rotations, flat repairs, battery replacements, and many brake jobs can be completed the same day if you call ahead or arrive early. Larger jobs (transmission, engine work, parts that need to be ordered) may take 1-3 business days.

Will You Inspect My Car For Free?

Yes. We offer a free multi-point inspection with any service visit — and a free brake inspection any time you stop by. No purchase necessary on the brake inspection. We will tell you what needs immediate attention, what can wait, and what looks fine.

Do You Service Diesel Vehicles?

Yes — we service common diesel pickups (Ford 6.7L Power Stroke, Ram 6.7L Cummins, Chevy/GMC 6.6L Duramax) for standard maintenance, oil and fluid services, brakes, and basic diagnostics. For complex internal diesel engine work or emissions system rebuilds, we may refer you to a diesel specialist.

Can You Service My Fleet Or Commercial Vehicles?

Yes. We work with small fleets and commercial accounts — service trucks, contractor vans, delivery vehicles, and small business fleets up to medium-duty. We can set up a service schedule, track maintenance records, and offer fleet pricing on volume work. Contact any of our locations to discuss.

Pricing

Pricing & Estimates

Are Estimates Free?

Yes for most services — tires, brakes, alignments, oil changes, basic inspections all get a free estimate up front. For complex diagnostic work that requires significant time (electrical issues, intermittent faults, advanced engine problems), a diagnostic fee may apply. The diagnostic fee is typically credited toward your repair if you proceed.

Why Is Your Pricing Lower Than The Dealer?

Three main reasons. First, we have lower overhead than a dealership — no glass showroom, no commissioned salespeople, no manufacturer franchise fees. Second, we use OEM-quality parts from the same suppliers but at independent-shop pricing. Third, our techs are ASE-certified specialists who work efficiently. For European and luxury cars especially, you can typically save 30-50% on the same service.

Do You Price Match?

We always try to be competitive. If you have a written estimate from another reputable shop for the exact same parts and labor, bring it in — in most cases we can match or beat it. We do not match estimates that use lower-quality parts, skip warranty coverage, or come from shops with reputation concerns.

What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and Apple Pay / Google Pay at all locations. We also accept approved financing through American First Finance, Snap Finance, and Koalafi (see the next section).

Will You Tell Me The Final Price Before Starting?

Yes. We provide a written estimate before any work begins, and we will not exceed it without calling you for additional approval. No surprises on your bill — ever.

Are Diagnostic Fees Refundable?

In most cases, diagnostic fees are credited toward your repair if you proceed with the service at our shop. If you choose not to repair the issue or take it elsewhere, the diagnostic fee covers our time and equipment to identify the problem.

Coupons & Financing

Coupons, Financing & Savings

How Do I Use A Coupon?

Three simple steps: (1) pick a coupon from our Coupons page, (2) mention it when scheduling or arriving at the shop, and (3) show your coupon — printed or on your phone — at checkout. Some coupons cannot be combined with other offers; your service writer will help you stack the best deal.

Can I Combine Multiple Coupons?

Most coupons cannot be combined with each other, but many can be combined with our military, veterans, and first responders discount. Ask your service writer when checking in — they will apply whichever combination saves you the most.

Do You Offer Financing?

Yes. We work with three financing partners: American First Finance, Snap Finance, and Koalafi. You can get approved for up to $5,000 with 0% interest for 100 days. No credit needed and approval typically takes just a few minutes. Apply here or in-store.

What If I Have Bad Credit Or No Credit?

Our financing partners offer options for customers with bad credit, no credit, or credit issues. Approval is based on income, employment, and banking history — not just credit score. Many of our customers who have been declined elsewhere get approved through our partners.

Can I Apply For Financing Online Before Coming In?

Yes. Visit our Financing page to apply through any of our three partners. Approval usually happens within minutes. Bring your approval to the shop and we will schedule your service.

Do You Offer Discounts For Military Or Veterans?

Yes — 10% off any repair or tire purchase for active military, veterans, and first responders (police, fire, EMS). Show valid ID at the shop. Cannot be combined with other coupons on the same service.

Warranty & Safety

Warranty, Safety & Guarantees

Do You Offer A Warranty?

Yes. We provide a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on most parts and labor for repairs we perform. The warranty covers defects in workmanship and parts we supply. It does not cover wear items (tires, brake pads beyond manufacturer warranty, batteries, lights, wipers), damage from accidents or abuse, or customer-supplied parts.

What If Something Goes Wrong After A Repair?

Bring the car back to any of our four locations. If it is covered under our warranty, we will fix it at no charge. If it turns out to be an unrelated issue, we will diagnose it and quote you fairly. We stand behind our work — if it is not right, we make it right.

How Long Do New Tires Last?

Most tires are rated 50,000-70,000 miles, but in South Florida's climate (hot pavement, frequent rain, salt air), real-world tire life is often closer to 35,000-45,000 miles. Tread depth, alignment, rotation frequency, and driving style all impact longevity. We will check your tread free at every visit.

When Do I Need New Brakes?

The most reliable signs are squealing (built-in wear indicator on most brake pads), grinding (metal-on-metal — replace immediately), vibration in the pedal (warped rotors), or increased stopping distance. Most South Florida drivers replace front brake pads every 25,000-35,000 miles because of our heavy stop-and-go traffic.

Is It Safe To Drive With A Check Engine Light On?

A steady check engine light is typically not an emergency, but you should have it diagnosed within a week — many small issues become expensive if ignored. A flashing check engine light is an emergency: it indicates active engine misfires that can destroy your catalytic converter. Pull over safely and have the car towed to us if you see a flashing light.

My Car Is Overheating — Should I Drive To You?

No. Pull over safely as soon as possible and shut off the engine. Continuing to drive an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head, which is an expensive repair. Let the engine cool completely (at least 30 minutes) before checking anything. Call your nearest shop about a tow — free within 5 miles of the shop on major repairs.

Our four South Florida shops

Miami

3401 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127 · Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 4 PM

Call (305) 433-5005  ·  Book online  ·  Miami shop page →

Fort Lauderdale

1050 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 · Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 4 PM

Call (754) 900-2004  ·  Book online  ·  Fort Lauderdale shop page →

Pompano Beach

2011 N Dixie Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 · Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 5 PM

Call (754) 400-5500  ·  Book online  ·  Pompano Beach shop page →

Lantana / West Palm Beach

1380 Hypoluxo Rd, Lantana, FL 33462 · Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 4 PM

Call (561) 327-5000  ·  Book online  ·  Lantana shop page →

Emergency & Towing

Emergency & Towing

Do You Offer Towing?

Yes. Towing is free within 5 miles of the shop on major repairs. Call your nearest location and we will arrange it.

Do You Offer Roadside Assistance?

No. We do not offer roadside services such as jump starts, lockouts or fuel delivery. If your car cannot be driven, call your nearest location and we will arrange a tow — free within 5 miles of the shop on major repairs.

My Battery Is Dead — What Should I Do?

A dead battery is often a warning sign: the battery may be failing (South Florida heat is hard on batteries) or the alternator may not be charging. If you can get the car started, bring it in and we will test the battery and charging system. If it will not start, call your nearest location about a tow.

My Tire Is Flat — Can You Help?

Yes. At any of our four locations we can patch or plug most punctures in the tread area while you wait; sidewall damage cannot be safely repaired. Do not drive on a flat tire — even a short distance can ruin the tire and damage the wheel.

Can I Drop Off My Car After Hours?

Yes. All four locations have an after-hours drop box. Please call the shop first to let them know you are dropping off, then fill out the key envelope with your name, phone number, vehicle info and the issue. We will call you with a diagnosis and quote before doing any work.

Maintenance Schedule

When To Service Your Vehicle

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

In South Florida, we recommend every 3,000-4,000 miles for conventional oil, every 5,000-6,000 for synthetic blend, and every 7,500 miles for full synthetic — even if the manufacturer says 10,000. Our heat breaks down oil faster than the rest of the country, so leaning toward shorter intervals protects your engine.

How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?

Every 5,000-7,500 miles, or with every other oil change. Front tires (on front-wheel-drive cars) typically wear twice as fast as rears — rotation extends total tire life by 20-30%. We do free rotations with most oil changes.

How Often Should I Get An Alignment?

Every 12-18 months in normal driving conditions. Always after installing new tires. Always after hitting a serious pothole or curb. South Florida's pothole-heavy roads knock alignment out faster than most parts of the country.

When Should I Replace My Battery?

Most car batteries in South Florida last only 3-4 years because of our extreme heat (compared to 5-7 years in cooler climates). Plan for replacement at year 3 or have it load-tested every 6 months after year 2. We test batteries free with any service.

When Should I Service My Transmission?

Modern automatic transmissions need fluid service every 60,000-100,000 miles in normal conditions, but in South Florida's heat we recommend the shorter end of that range. CVTs and DCTs (continuously variable and dual-clutch) need service every 30,000-60,000 miles. Most "lifetime fill" transmissions actually need service well before they fail.

When Should I Flush My Brake Fluid?

Every 2-3 years in South Florida. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from humid air, which lowers its boiling point and causes spongy pedal feel. Our humidity is harder on brake fluid than most of the country, so the shorter interval keeps your brakes safe.

What Is The 30k / 60k / 90k Mile Service?

These are major service milestones where multiple wear items come due simultaneously. 30k: air filters, fuel filter, tire rotation, brake fluid test. 60k: all 30k items plus spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission fluid service. 90k: all 60k items plus timing belt (if equipped), water pump, differential fluid. Following this schedule is the cheapest way to extend your car's life.

Fast Tire & Auto Repair

Miami — 3401 NW 7th Ave, Miami · (305) 433-5005

Fort Lauderdale — 1050 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale · (754) 900-2004

Pompano Beach — 2011 N Dixie Hwy, Pompano Beach · (754) 400-5500

Lantana / West Palm Beach — 1380 Hypoluxo Rd, Lantana · (561) 327-5000

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Mon–Sat 8 AM – 6 PM · Sun 9 AM – 4 PM (Pompano Beach until 5 PM) · © 2026 Fast Tire & Auto Repair

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