radautoworks:
SEPTEMBER SPECIAL- WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!

You know you've been putting it off! Now you have no excuse. For the month of September, buy any windshield wiper, get a second for absolutely free! Any brand is eligible. If it's in stock, you can get one free with purchase of one.

PRICES START AT N1,900!!!
Ask for the "SEPTEMBER MIND WIPE"

REMINDER, SALE ALMOST OVER. GET YOUR GOOD WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEFORE IT ENDS. LOTS OF WIPERS BELOW N3,000!!!

As always, oil changes come with complimentary vehicle checks.

Anuty Radu does this promo applies to the CARQUEST 20w-50 oil?? Does it also applies to those who are not in lagos and want to place orders online?

radautoworks:
As always, oil changes come with complimentary vehicle checks.

jeraw:
Anuty Radu does this promo applies to the CARQUEST 20w-50 oil?? Does it also applies to those who are not in lagos and want to place orders online?

Yes, it applies to all oils. Also applies outside Lagos if shipping is paid for. Orders over 45k get free shipping as usual.

radautoworks:
This is a legitimate question customers have. Hold on to your hat because it's about to get contentious!

THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE.

There are Auto shop software that dictate how long every single job on a car should take. Every dealer has it even if they choose to ignore it. It is referred to as the "book". If the "book" says 20 hours and they take 40 hours, they can only collect 20 hours.


Conversely, if the "book" says 20 hours and they are really good and take 16, you still owe them 20 hours.

The book bases time on a "good " or "B" technician not even an "A" so there is no reason why techs should be going over the allotted time consistently. If a tech can't beat book time without making mistakes, they can't work for Mr Transmission-Milex.

The most popular book is Alldata, followed by Mitchell. There are others of course but they are all pretty much the same as far as labor hours.

While it's called a book, it's actually software or online. You can buy a subscription if it's worth it to you from any of them but the subscriptions usually run anywhere from $100-200 a month. Alternatively, you can simply ask us and we'll tell you.

In an extreme case where there may be rusty bolts or Kazeemization, your tech may be allowed a few more hours of labor but we have never asked for it.

As a guideline for you, our labor rate is N5,000 an hour meaning a typical oil change would be around N2,500 and brakes would be around N7,500 in labor per set.

THERE IS AN EXCEPTION TO THIS

Electrical diagnosis is charged in half-hour increments at a rate of N6,500 and capped at five hours maximum. If we can't tell you what is wrong with your car in five hours of electrical diagnosis, we stop.

SO, what repair do you want to know about? Tell us year, make, model, engine size, drive type and repair being done and we'll tell you how much to expect to pay for repair!

2003 Infiniti g35, I suspect gasket might be getting bad but I am a novice , car over heats at high revs, this could also be a water pump issue I understand , what should I expect to pay in Labour for the above process

amywonda:
2003 Infiniti g35, I suspect gasket might be getting bad but I am a novice , car over heats at high revs, this could also be a water pump issue I understand , what should I expect to pay in Labour for the above process

Hello,

I recommend you bring to shop for diagnosis. It might be something simple but here are estimates below. Thermostat and fan are more likely candidates but I wouldn't jump straight to head gasket or water pump and give myself a heart attack! You're looking at almost 19 hours at N5,000 an hour on a head gasket!

radautoworks:
As always, oil changes come with complimentary vehicle checks.

Bump

Please how much or can you give me an estimate on changing the pistons, valves, rings etc on my car ...I want know before I come your shop..

dru23:
Please how much or can you give me an estimate on changing the pistons, valves, rings etc on my car ...I want know before I come your shop..

Not sure what exactly you need to fix to give an estimate. Call the shop please

Thanks to bensidauto for showing us an easy graphic to find this information already laid out

https://www.buyautoparts.com/blog/the-difference-between-shocks-struts/

Or we could save you the trouble and you can either read below or look at the graphic.

We have all the types in stock and prefer the quick strut type in the graphic below. However because of cost, most people opt for the bare strut. A shame because the quick strut would last longer in the Nigerian environment.

"While they mostly do the same job and the words are often used interchangeably, shocks and struts refer to two vastly different suspension designs. You cannot use a shock absorber in the place of a strut, and vice versa. This can naturally lead to some confusion when trying to order the correct parts for your car, especially since many cars use struts for the front and shocks for the rear.

Shocks and struts serve the same primary purpose: to counteract the motion of the spring. While the spring is there to take the initial force of a bump in the road, the shock dampens that motion in order to keep the vehicle in control. This is why, perhaps in a more technical context, shocks and struts are commonly referred to as “dampers”. The difference lies in the structure of your vehicle’s suspension.

In a setup that uses traditional shock absorbers, the vehicle is primarily held up by the springs, and the shocks are located nearby. Since the springs bear the weight of the vehicle, you can technically drive a vehicle with no shocks whatsoever, though doing so is dangerous and ill-advised. Shock absorbers can be used with coil, leaf, air springs or torsion bars. Shock absorbers are easier to install because of their location on the vehicle’s suspension system, and usually cheaper to produce and buy because the design of the individual part is simpler.

On a MacPherson strut-type suspension, the strut contains the mounting points for a coil spring and a dampening element, which has the same internals as a standard gas-filled shock absorber. The strut, with a coil spring wrapped around it, is a structural component of the car that holds it up. On the front wheels, the strut is also part of the steering system, since on most vehicles, it attaches to the hub carrier or steering knuckle, and some alignment settings are adjusted directly on the strut. The advantages to this design are mainly packaging concerns. Since the strut fits inside of the coil spring, the combination takes up less room under the vehicle, especially since the vehicle has coil or air springs instead of unwieldy leaf springs or torsion bars. This design also makes initial assembly of the vehicle easier, since the spring, strut, hub and brakes can all be attached to the vehicle on the production line as one unit .

The biggest downside to having struts on your vehicle comes when it is time to replace them. To replace a strut on its own, you need to remove the complete strut and spring assembly from your vehicle, then disassemble it so you can swap your original spring and mount to the new strut. The coil springs on your vehicle need to carry a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds, so it stands to reason that they are under a lot of pressure. Normally you can use a tool that compresses the spring to keep it from releasing tension and shooting out when the complete strut assembly is disassembled, but if this is done incorrectly, serious injury could occur. For this reason, we offer a complete “quick strut” assembly for many popular vehicles that use a strut-type suspension. This is a complete strut that includes the spring and upper mount pre-installed. Not only is this safer, it makes installation easier, which also means lower labor costs if you’re having a mechanic perform the work for you.

It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle to know when it’s time to service your shocks or struts. Most vehicles won’t give any direct notification, like a check engine light for suspension work. You may notice a clunking or knocking noise from under the vehicle, especially over bumps or rougher roads. Another cause of strut failure is impact damage from hitting an obstacle or bump at high speed, or leaking oil. If you ignore these signs, your vehicle may ride worse, your tires could wear unevenly or at a faster rate, and your vehicle simply will not be as safe. When it’s time to replace your dampers, it’s important to use top quality parts with excellent reviews, which will likely be a lower cost over the life of your vehicle.

If you’re still unsure about what’s best for your vehicle, feel free to contact Rad Auto Works/Carquest for knowledgeable assistance in getting the best suspension for your vehicle. We carry guaranteed exact fit shock absorbers, struts, complete strut assemblies, coilovers and more from major brands like KYB, MOOG and Monroe. All our Auto Assistants are here and ready to help!

This is another example of why we do not accept third party diagnoses.

So here is a case of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe whose engine had been taken apart twice. The diagnosis was that a new engine would be required. It was brought to our shop and diagnosis was. .... Drumroll please... IT NEEDED NEW PLUGS AND THE ENGINE OIL WAS VERY DIRTY

Could we have made it seem like a larger problem? Yes. But that's not the Rad Auto Works way. Quick fix and back on the road.

To see more like this, follow us on Facebook @CarquestMilexNG or Instagram @radautoworks

You don't always need new rotors. Where possible, we machine your old ones in-house to save you money.

Upcoming November "SHOCK & AIR" Specials

25% off AC parts (we will not do this again any time soon so time to get that AC compressor)

And

15% off shocks/struts repairs

*THIS MAY CHANGE BASED ON INTEREST BUT BASED ON WHAT'S BEEN COMING INTO THE SHOP, THIS SEEMS LIKE IT WILL BENEFIT A LOT OF PEOPLE

In the future, monitor our deals thread or our website.

https://www.nairaland.com/4595469/carquest-milex-deals-specials-thread

https://www.mrtransmissionmilexnigeria.com/coupons

NOVEMBER "SHOCK & AIR" SPECIAL

Don't forget to check fluid specs thread to get full information on your car

Madam is it possible for you to send any of ur mechanics to come pick up a vehicle frm port harcourt to lagos,?
All expenses to be borne by d client.

Newbreed2018:
Madam is it possible for you to send any of ur mechanics to come pick up a vehicle frm port harcourt to lagos,?
All expenses to be borne by d client.

Umm.... Why a mechanic and not a tow truck? What's the problem with the car?

radautoworks:


Umm.... Why a mechanic and not a tow truck? What's the problem with the car?

Car can drive to lagos just excessive fuel consumption with no remedy. Lexus es330 2005 model. No CEL And small small noises with struts or complete change of struts.
My job doesn't afford me leisure of time.

Newbreed2018:
Car can drive to lagos just excessive fuel consumption with no remedy. Lexus es330 2005 model. No CEL And small small noises with struts or complete change of struts.
My job doesn't afford me leisure of time.

Let me discuss with my husband. Message me so we can communicate.

radautoworks:

Let me discuss with my husband. Message me so we can communicate.

Done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50iK3pcKvh4

radautoworks:


Hello




The alternative is to replace the engine but I have no idea what engines cost in Nigeria. Ours are definitely expensive because they are factory remans.

Good day,
I am actually interested in this part. Because I am considering engine replacement for my 2000 model Toyota avalon. How much will the engine cost, labor cost not included as I reside outside lagos.

eagleeye2:

Good day,
I am actually interested in this part. Because I am considering engine replacement for my 2000 model Toyota avalon. How much will the engine cost, labor cost not included as I reside outside lagos.

I can't even begin to quote because it would involve importing the engine and shipping costs. I wouldn't recommend it. Gazzuzz probably has a line on decent engines here.

Pros and cons of ordering your own parts

We get this question a lot at the shop and want to address it. CAN I BRING MY OWN PART?

The answer is YES. However, there are some things you need to know:

Pros:
1) save some money sometimes

Cons
1) time and effort to go get the part

2) if you buy a defective or wrong part and we have to remove it, you still owe us the labor to install it as we did the work AND AGAIN WHEN WE HAVE TO INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT

3) you do not get our warranty. WE ONLY WARRANTY WORK DONE WITH OUR OWN PARTS. As the other 9 locations open country-wide, this will be more important. e g. Get a repair in Lagos, have a problem in Abuja and they will take care of it no charge.

4) shipping costs if ordering from overseas


If anyone can think of pros and cons to add to the list, we'd like to hear them.

Morning @radautoworks,

My Camry 2007 4 (Engine 2AZ-FE) which I imported from the US has shown up 2 issues.

1. The radiator leaks from the top wasting the coolant I purchased. I have used a radiator sealant which sealed other leaks but could not seal the leak at the top effectively forcing the coolant put a single leak point in a jet stream when the radiator pressure increase. A radiator change has been advised. How much I'm I looking at and what must be done to solve the issue? can the leaking radiator be managed?

2. The other issue is a well known issue affecting the Camry for which Toyota gave an extended warranty. The initial owner of the vehicle used the car sparingly and parked it for some time before deciding to sell it. Having changed the oil to the Manufacturers specs of 5w-20, I noticed a fast reduction in the Engine oil and also noticed that the top of the engine was soaked with l which I initially attributed to other engine works going on in the car till I was forced to admit that there might be an engine leak somewhere.

Having gone a for a car insppection, I have been informed that

a. I have to change the top gasket which was corroborated by another mechanic

b. I have to buy new Engine rings and replace the old ones in the engine.

c. Change valve oil seal.

The quoted cost for the above was eye watering and I sought a second opinion. The second mechanic advised that I change the grade of the oil to the normal Mobil 1 or use Toyota quartz 5000 20w-50 which I wasn't comfortable with. The mechanic said that changing the grade of oil to a higher viscosity oil will reduce the rate at which the oil is wasting.

He went further to inform me that changing the rings is akin to wasting money since I will end changing the engine (an advise I could not corroborate online).

I have decided to change the top gasket only for now but will appreciate your take on the above in terms of cost I am looking at and whether or not I should take the advise of the second mechanic to manage the engine till it stops and change the grade of engine oil.

Thanks.

seyi42k:
Morning @radautoworks,

My Camry 2007 4 (Engine 2AZ-FE) which I imported from the US has shown up 2 issues.

1. The radiator leaks from the top wasting the coolant I purchased. I have used a radiator sealant which sealed other leaks but could not seal the leak at the top effectively forcing the coolant put a single leak point in a jet stream when the radiator pressure increase. A radiator change has been advised. How much I'm I looking at and what must be done to solve the issue? can the leaking radiator be managed?

2. The other issue is a well known issue affecting the Camry for which Toyota gave an extended warranty. The initial owner of the vehicle used the car sparingly and parked it for some time before deciding to sell it. Having changed the oil to the Manufacturers specs of 5w-20, I noticed a fast reduction in the Engine oil and also noticed that the top of the engine was soaked with l which I initially attributed to other engine works going on in the car till I was forced to admit that there might be an engine leak somewhere.

Having gone a for a car insppection, I have been informed that

a. I have to change the top gasket which was corroborated by another mechanic

b. I have to buy new Engine rings and replace the old ones in the engine.

c. Change valve oil seal.

The quoted cost for the above was eye watering and I sought a second opinion. The second mechanic advised that I change the grade of the oil to the normal Mobil 1 or use Toyota quartz 5000 20w-50 which I wasn't comfortable with. The mechanic said that changing the grade of oil to a higher viscosity oil will reduce the rate at which the oil is wasting.

He went further to inform me that changing the rings is akin to wasting money since I will end changing the engine (an advise I could not corroborate online).

I have decided to change the top gasket only for now but will appreciate your take on the above in terms of cost I am looking at and whether or not I should take the advise of the second mechanic to manage the engine till it stops and change the grade of engine oil.

Thanks.

Hi,

I've kind of been ignoring Nairaland since my mom is in town and I'm spending time with her and the baby but I couldn't ignore your post and the thought that went into it.

1) because of location of leak, no it cannot be managed without wasting a lot of coolant. You have two options. Take to radiator man to replace tank (top) or
Radiator http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=RDR&partNumber=433995 will give you a 2 year warranty N90,534

labor 3 hours= 15k

2a) valve cover gasket yes http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=FEL&partNumber=VS50530R 6 month warranty N12,500

labor 0.7 hours= N3,500

b) rings makes no sense unless the spark plugs have oil fallout and you're smoking. You would have to take apart the whole engine for that.

c) valve oil seal have to see ourselves labor 13 hours = 65k (which is why we prefer to see first)

Under no circumstances should you change the grade of oil from what manufacturer says. It's a slippery slope from there. Doing so will reduce the symptoms but the underlying problem will be there getting worse and engine will go kaput. As far as rings go, it is not a death knell if done right but I'm curious who diagnosed the rings? Run far away from second mechanic who told you to manage and change grade.

Recommend changing valve cover gasket and see what happens.

Kindly help with the quote for gear oil for Toyota corolla 06.
Delivery: Ibadan

Powerexpert:
Kindly help with the quote for gear oil for Toyota corolla 06.
Delivery: Ibadan

http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=LCS&partNumber=10042 N5,741

A far as shipping, only shop can quote that support@radautoworks.com part number 10042 line code LCS

Powerexpert:
Kindly help with the quote for gear oil for Toyota corolla 06.
Delivery: Ibadan

radautoworks:

http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=LCS&partNumber=10042 N5,741

A far as shipping, only shop can quote that support@radautoworks.com part number 10042 line code LCS

Aunty Radu, gear oil for naija term na ATF oh.. You are quoting 85w-140 manual trans fluid

radautoworks:


Hi,

I've kind of been ignoring Nairaland since my mom is in town and I'm spending time with her and the baby but I couldn't ignore your post and the thought that went into it.

1) because of location of leak, no it cannot be managed without wasting a lot of coolant. You have two options. Take to radiator man to replace tank (top) or
Radiator http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=RDR&partNumber=433995 will give you a 2 year warranty N90,534

labor 3 hours= 15k

2a) valve cover gasket yes http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=FEL&partNumber=VS50530R 6 month warranty N12,500

labor 0.7 hours= N3,500

b) rings makes no sense unless the spark plugs have oil fallout and you're smoking. You would have to take apart the whole engine for that.

c) valve oil seal have to see ourselves labor 13 hours = 65k (which is why we prefer to see first)

Under no circumstances should you change the grade of oil from what manufacturer says. It's a slippery slope from there. Doing so will reduce the symptoms but the underlying problem will be there getting worse and engine will go kaput. As far as rings go, it is not a death knell if done right but I'm curious who diagnosed the rings? Run far away from second mechanic who told you to manage and change grade.

Recommend changing valve cover gasket and see what happens.

Thank you very much for your response. I really appreciate it.

I learnt another lesson today. When I informed my colleague about the leaking radiator, he asked if I added the coolant to the radiator when it was hot. I then remember that was exactly what I did. Never remembered that such could be a problem.

I remembered draining the radiator of the water which was already hot at that point and immediately adding coolant which probably excerbated any latent problem. He further advised that since my dashboard as not indicated an overheating engine, that I should save money by sealing the leak of at best, change the top.

As for the diagnosis of the rings, the mechanic workshop I usually take my car to usually suggest changing parts if it could be afforded by the client. I did not ask them why they suggested a change of rings but I will when I get back there next time. Although I suspect that since it is a very common issue with Camry 07 - 09, which necessitated an extended warranty from Toyota, Re-ringing of the engine was a fairly common solution.

Once again, thanks for the engagement.

Can I get an estimate labor cost for replacing/fixing the following at the same time:
- front lower arms
- front and rear stabilizer linkages
- front brake pads
- front and rear abs sensors
- front and rear disc plates
- front and rear brake wear sensors
- coolant expansion tank replacement
- steering wheel controls (fixing). The volume controls etc, stopped working. And when it works it fails or presses wrongly.

I already have the replacement parts. So just labor costs.

thebigkendo:



Aunty Radu, gear oil for naija term na ATF oh.. You are quoting 85w-140 manual trans fluid

See me see trouble. I blame the thebigkendo for not translating

These are the ones we carry. None in stock in Lagos will have to be brought in. Any preference?