Frequently Asked Questions

Six Star no longer accomidates vehicles older than 1996, there are many reasons for this specific year. Software and support for vehicles in the late 80s and early 90s is extremely sparce and slow. Parts availablity for vehicles this old is also exceedingly lacking in regards to the standards we hold. Since 1996, vehicles had to be equipped with OBD II systems. This system is still in use today, which affords us easier access to the information we need from vehicles without the need to test each circuit individually. This makes us more efficient in how we operate which keeps costs down. Lastly, our warranty is very long. Vehicles made in this era were not given warranties like ours brand new. They were not designed to last as long, or seal against leaks as well as they were afterward. Newer designs have (in part) allowed us to offer a longer warranty.

The oil change service is one of the most critical and yet often neglected vehicle maintenance item. At Six Star Automotive, we strongly discourage cutting costs on this essential service. Unlike many shops, we do not offer a standard, cost-focused oil change because we believe it is not in the best interest of our customers. Instead, we provide our “Minor K” service, which is a more comprehensive and involved approach to oil changes. Oil Quality- Six Star Automotive does not offer low-cost, conventional mineral oil. Our base offering is a synthetic blend enriched with additives that help control deposits, prevent sludge, and protect against wear. High-quality oil not only flows better at lower temperatures but also maximizes the life of catalytic converters and reduces engine wear, which slows the aging process and keeps engines running longer. Oil Filters- We prioritize stocking or ordering Original Equipment (OE) oil filters whenever possible to ensure maximum reliability. Cheaper oil filters often have fewer pleats and lower quality internal components, which reduce costs but can pose a liability. Using higher-quality filters is part of our commitment to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Labor Standards- It is common practice in the industry to reduce costs by paying technicians less for oil change services. However, Six Star Automotive rejects this approach. We believe this practice encourages corner-cutting and often results in less experienced technicians performing the work. At Six Star, we ensure that our skilled technicians are adequately compensated, which in turn ensures that your vehicle receives the best possible care. Comprehensive Inspections- Six Star invests in advanced digital inspection equipment and cloud-based support services to provide our customers with the most thorough and convenient inspections possible. This commitment to technology ensures that your vehicle is inspected with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Facility Costs- To maintain a safe and efficient work environment, Six Star incurs significant costs. These include liability insurance, the purchase and maintenance of commercial-grade equipment and lifts, and oil distribution, containment, and disposal systems. These investments are essential to delivering high-quality service. Why Cutting Costs Can Be Risky- In our experience, opting for lower-cost options in oil change services can lead to significant risks and potentially much higher costs if things don’t go as planned. Less experienced technicians are more prone to mistakes, cheaper parts are more likely to fail, and using low-quality or incorrect oil can be detrimental to the longevity of your engine.

Six Star absolutely values diagnosis and we charge for it in order to pay our technicians. Their job is harder and more involved than most people understand. It takes years of study and practice to be able to accurately diagnose NVH, electrical, and drivability related issues (just to name a few). We have a slogan, “Diagnosis is the cornerstone to automotive care”. This is a reference to a saying in the medical community, our jobs are not all that different if you break it all down. One of our goals is to educate our customers (if they are interested) in an introduction to the complexity we face in the form of transparency during their visit, and free Ladies Night car care classes.

Six Star Automotive does not offer the installation of customer supplied parts due to the fact that these parts present issues with warranty policies, liability and the financial security of this business. LIABILITY Even when a customer knows the origin of a part, has purchased it themselves, and signs a release of liability agreeing not to hold the business responsible, the professional technician—and the business—are still held liable for the part’s quality and warranty. Although we are well-trained professionals with extensive knowledge of vehicles, we cannot always determine, within a reasonable timeframe, whether a customer-supplied part meets the standards required for company warranties or if it will function correctly once installed. Given the wide variation in manufacturing techniques, quality, and origin, incorrect or sub-par quality parts are not reliable. We require that all parts we use meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards. WARRANTY AND FINANCIAL SECURITY As a business, we are not inclined to revoke the warranty we offer to all customers, regardless of situation and do so only with heavy consideration. Without a manufacturer’s warranty, the business would be forced to cover the cost of replacement parts and any associated losses out of pocket, even if the defect is not our fault. Additionally, to maintain a stable financial position and continue serving our customers, we must generate profit from both parts and labor. Without the profit margin from parts, the financial stability and future of the business would be jeopardized, making it difficult for us to continue taking care of our customers and their vehicles.