Services
Air Condition
Few things are more inconvenient than having a broken A/C in your vehicle. Several variables can affect the function of your A/C, and our technicians are ready to diagnose the issue and offer you a number of options in terms of repairs and replacements.
Common A/C problems found in vehicles include
- Leaking caused by a failed o-ring, seal, hose, or component
- Clogged or leaking condenser
- Failed compressor or compressor clutch
- Damaged or failed condenser or evaporator
- Broken belt
- The failed blower motor or blower motor resistor
Alignments
Have you noticed your car pulling you to the left or the right? Is your steering wheel having a problem being centered when driving straight? Both of these issues point to an issue with your vehicle's alignment, which means not only discomfort when driving, but a large issue with the lifespan of your tires. This could indicate an alignment problem, which is a nuisance to your driving comfort and a bigger problem for your tires.
Even if you think your car is driving straight, your alignment could still be off. Minor changes can cause uneven tire wear and cost you valuable miles from your investment. Tires are designed to be driven on evenly, and any disturbance to this balance can cause uneven tire wear, leading to prematurely needing new tires or even a blowout.
At the beginning of the alignment process, we will hoist your car on an alignment lift and attach computerized sensors to determine your vehicle's alignment. Our team will correct your alignment to the manufacturer's original settings if further alignment is required. After this, we retest your vehicle to ensure it's perfectly aligned.
Alignment adjustment is a necessary maintenance service throughout the life of your vehicle. Inspect your tires regularly for uneven wear, and request an alignment adjustment every time you replace them.
Belts & Hoses
Contamination, usage, and exposure to heat make belts and hoses wear out much more quickly than any other components in your car. This is why regular inspections are so important. We will service and assess your tires' quality and recommend you based on your preferences. Here are the types of belts and hoses in your vehicle, along with their applications.
Accessory drive belts:
Most of the accessories in your car are electrically powered by the battery's charging system, while others use the engine as their power source. A system delivers the power for these accessories of pulleys and belts. Examples of these accessories include:
- Alternator
- Water pump for engine cooling
- Power steering pump
- Air conditioning compressor
- Radiator cooling fan
Hoses
The hoses that transport your car's fluids are made of two rubber layers with a layer of fabric in between. Typical hoses include:
- Radiator and heater hoses (Convey coolant to the engine and heater core.)
- Fuel hose (This transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.)
- Power steering hose (Connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.)
Batteries
Dead batteries are a common issue with an easy fix, but waiting too long to replace a worn car battery can leave you with many problems at inconvenient times. If you are suspicious of your battery wearing down, we can assess it to see if it is usable.
When you bring us a battery, our technicians will test it to determine if your battery is still capable of holding a charge. If the battery does not meet our standards, we will work with you to offer several options to best suit your preferences.
Brakes
There is no putting off brake replacement. Your brakes are arguably the most important part of the safety of your vehicle, and if your brakes are not functioning as they should, then you, your passengers, and anyone on the road with you at the time very well could be at risk. Annual brake checks and the required maintenance are crucial to ensure overall safety and avoid stopping failures in your brake system.
Our technicians will inspect the entire braking system pads/shoes, rotor/drum wear, calipers and wheel cylinders, hoses and lines, master cylinder, brake hardware, and the anti-lock system for vehicles equipped.
Common signs of possible brake problems/failure
- Brake light
- Squealing or grinding
- Burning smell when brakes applied
- Steering wheel vibration
- Difficulty applying brakes
Diagnostics
There's no shame in not knowing what's wrong with your car. Stop playing the guessing game and stop by East Ridge Fast Lube, where we will run a full engine diagnostic service on your vehicle. We will scan your vehicle's onboard computer to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to diagnose the major malfunctions fully.
Services include
- Thoughtful service and care of your vehicle by a professional
- Inspection of engine compartment for electrical or vacuum issues
- Road test of a vehicle
- Total battery and charging system analysis
- An answer to the cause of your vehicle's malfunction
- Repair estimate
Drivability Tests
The term "drivability diagnostics" usually relates to the engine system and is associated with how the vehicle starts or runs. Drivability diagnostics generally need to happen when the computer fails to set a diagnostic fault code even though the engine in your car, truck, or SUV is not performing correctly.
Common symptoms of drivability issues
- Doesn't start or is difficult to start
- It starts but then runs roughly
- Surges while driving
- Hesitates when you accelerate
Though not a complete list, any of these symptoms will require a repair shop technician to gather as much information as possible to pinpoint the problem. Since the service advisor or repair technician will need to ask specific questions, clear communication between yourself and the shop professionals is critical for drivability diagnostics issues. An accurate description of the symptoms and when they happen helps the professional repair narrow down the diagnosis process to arrive at the proper solution.
Driveline
The driveline of a vehicle is what is responsible for turning the axles, and the axle is what turns your wheels. If there is any possible sign of a driveline issue, it is recommended to be checked immediately. East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics are happy to inspect and repair all components of your vehicle's driveline, driveshaft, and axle.
What the driveline does
The driveline takes the energy generated by the engine and transfers it into the rotation of the tires. Wear and tear to the driveline occurs gradually over time. To prevent any further damages caused by a worn driveline, your vehicle's driveline should be inspected as soon as possible.
Signs of a worn driveline
Unwarranted vibrations and rumbling while driving may result from driveline vibration or the interruption in the operating systems of your driveline. Although, this could also mean an issue with unbalanced or under-inflated tires. Once you notice any issues or vibrations, it is recommended you have your tires and drivelines inspected by a professional.
It is always recommended you have your tires and drivelines evaluated if you notice any of the following issues:
- Transforming problems, especially when making tight turns, U-turns, or auto parking
- A squeaking noise that is made louder with deceleration
- Unwarranted vibrations or rumbling with normal movement
Exhaust
There are many components that compose a vehicle's exhaust system, all of which we are happy to inspect, repair or replace for you. Inefficient catalytic converters (caused by dirty air filters, lack of routine oil changes, severe driving conditions, low-grade fuel, and short trips) can increase carbon accumulation and excessive nitrous oxide output by the engine.
East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics are happy to inspect and repair the needed components of your vehicle's exhaust system.
Filter Inspection
Filters can often be overlooked when it comes to automotive maintenance. Although the filters in your car are crucial to its function and as your filters degrade, so performs your car. It is recommended that all filters, including air, fuel, cabin, and transmission, should be as clean as possible to ensure optimal performance.
Air Filter:A clean and functioning air filter prevents harmful contaminants in the air from entering your car's engine. These contaminants often hurt the performance of your engine, including reduced horsepower.
Cabin Filter:Cabin air filters are designed to protect the driver and passengers against smoke, smog, mildew, fungus, mold, dust, pollutants, and airborne allergens while in the vehicle.
Fuel Filter:Fuel filters work outside the gas tank to prevent pollutants from affecting your engine's vital parts.
Transmission Filter:Transmission fluid helps lubricate your vehicle's transmission to ensure that it provides the necessary power through your vehicle, allowing it to run properly. A dirty transmission filter can often block the flow of transmission fluid to your vehicle's transmission. These filters capture damaging particles while supplying your transmission with the necessary fluid. Cleaning the filter can maximize your transmission's life and efficiency.
Full-Service Oil Change
Arguably the most common and routine part of automotive maintenance involves changing your oil and filter. During the full-service oil change, we will also check all fluids (brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant/antifreeze, windshield washer fluid) and air filters (engine air filter and air conditioning cabin filter).
Our technicians put your vehicle through the common 20-point inspection process to ensure your vehicle is fully functioning and well maintained.
Radiator
Your engine's cooling system is designed to strip heat from the engine to prevent damage.
Using the proper mixture of coolant (antifreeze) will ensure proper protection of your vehicle's cooling system. It is wise to keep in mind that an overheating engine can cause other, possibly serious mechanical issues and even affect your transmission and power steering on certain vehicles. You may need to seek the advice of a radiator specialist before servicing your system. Our radiator repair service will remove the fluid from the radiator and engine block replacing it with the proper mixture, level, and type of fluid needed for your vehicle in only a few minutes.
East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics are happy to inspect and repair the needed components of your vehicle's radiator and cooling system.
Shocks & Struts
Your shocks and suspension system are essential to not only the functionality of your vehicle but also to the safety of you and your passengers. The primary function of a vehicle's suspension system is to allow the wheels to function and move independently of the car while keeping it suspended and stable. Any uncontrolled movement in your suspension system can greatly impact the deterioration of your car's handling.
Suspension System
Worn or loose components affect the suspension system's ability to control motion, which can deteriorate vehicle handling and stability and accelerate tire wear.
The main components of the suspension system are
- Control arms
- Ball joints
- Springs (coil or leaf)
- Shock absorbers
- Struts
East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics are happy to inspect and repair the needed components of your vehicle's shocks, struts, or related services.
Starters & Alternators
Difficulty starting a vehicle can often indicate that your vehicle's battery may be dead or there could be an issue with your vehicle's starting or charging system. A dead battery prevents your vehicle from starting and is often noted by a lack of function in dashboard lights, radio, and power windows.
A car battery's lifespan is about 3-5 years on average and should function properly without much maintenance. Common reasons a battery loses its charge include leaving on a light in your vehicle overnight or a faulty charging system. At East Ridge Fast Lube, our certified technicians will conduct a simple battery and charging system test to determine if the battery is dead and can't hold a charge or if there is a problem with the charging or starting system.
A faulty alternator can also cause your battery to die. The alternator recycles energy throughout your vehicle as you drive to help power the battery. An issue with the starting and charging system or the alternator can prevent your car from starting.
East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics are happy to inspect and repair the needed components of your vehicle's starting system.
Tires
Maximize the life of your tires by regularly rotating them. Rotating your tires leads to a prolonged tread life and promotes even tread wear for all tires on your vehicle. That leads to improved gas mileage, increased tire performance, and a smoother, more comfortable ride.
By alternating tires according to tire rotation patterns, drivers can help distribute tread wear more evenly and reduce uneven tread wear. Depending upon the type of vehicle a motorist drives and the type of tires on the vehicle, the tire rotation pattern may vary. Rotation experts may exchange the front tires with one another, switch the rear tires with one another, or swap the front and rear tires. If the vehicle has a full-size matching spare tire, it may also be included in the rotation cycle.
East Ridge Fast Lube's professionally trained mechanics can inspect and replace your vehicle's tires.
Tire Quote
Under Car Inspection
We believe that your safety behind the wheel is the primary goal of our company, and we want to ensure you get to your destination with no hassle. During an under-car inspection, we will assess all functional aspects of your vehicle's axle, suspension, and electrical system to ensure optimal performance and, most importantly, safety.
Under Hood Inspection Includes
- Steering/front suspension
- Brakes
- Rear Suspension
- Engine mounts
- Transmission mounts
- Engine seals
- Transmission seals
- Clutch/transmission linkage
- Driveshaft
- U-joints
- Drive axles
- CV joints
- Exhaust system
- Rear axle
Under Hood Inspection
We believe that your safety behind the wheel is the primary goal of our company. During an under-hood inspection, we will assess all functional aspects of your vehicle's engine and electrical system to ensure optimal performance and, most importantly, safety.
Under Hood Inspection Includes
- Fluid level/condition
- Drive belt
- Battery
- Starter
- Charging system/alternator
- Idle speed
- Engine
- Intake system
- Fuel delivery system
- Ignition system
- Computer systems
- Cooling system
Current Offers
Semi-Synthetic Oil Change starting at $38.99
Full-service oil change up to 5 quarts. See store for details.
$109.99
Alignment
Complete 4-wheel alignment.
See store for details.
Brakes
Starting from $159.99
Brake service and pad replacement for most vehicles. See store for details.
Repair Shop
For years, Chattanooga car owners have trusted Fast Lube - Chattanooga's top-of-the-line repair shop for the most common vehicle repair needs. With our years of technical expertise and the latest diagnostic technology, Fast Lube - Chattanooga can promptly get you and your car back on the road. Our service center has 13 bays and 7 full-time trained technicians to provide you with the highest automotive service care.
We provide the quality service you would expect from the dealership, but with a more personal and friendly atmosphere, at affordable prices.
We're the easy, convenient place to get routine maintenance and service. We take expert care of any make or model.
Lube Center
Fast Lube - Chattanoog's efficient and attentive Lube Center technicians are trained to catch small issues before they cause major problems.
With over 25 years of experience in full-service oil change and routine maintenance, Fast Lube - Chattanooga can keep your car or fleet performing in peak condition. Our Lube Center technicians are certified by the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA), with decades of experience under their belts. You can trust Fast Lube - Chattanooga to get you back in your car and on the road in no time.
Lube Center's essential services include:
SERVICES
- Full-Service Oil Change
- Filter Inspection
- Under Hood Inspection
- Under Car Inspection
- Belts & Hoses
- Tires