Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

We're always humbled when our Somerville auto repair services are recognized with an award. We received another one this month that we're extremely proud of - The Scout's Honored Award from Scout Somerville.

What's the best part about receiving this award? We're the first! You see, auto repair is a new category and we're the first shop to receive the award. Now that's something to be proud of!

At Mike's, we love firsts. We were the first shop in the entire State of Massachusetts to receive the Angie's List Super Service Award, back in 2005 - and we've won it every year since! It's nine years later and we're just as excited to receive this award from Scout.

All the winners were gathered this week at the Somerville Theater for an awards ceremony. The house was packed with the area's finest from Somerville and Cambridge. A common thread of all the award winners: socially concious businesses. Every business that won an award doesn't just offer great products or servivces - they truly care about our community as well.

We hope that winning the Scout's Honored Award gives you one more reason to try Mike's. And we hope you check out all the other winners too!

Which Scout's Honored Award winner is your favorite? We'd love to know!

At Mike's, we get a lot people who come in because their car has a certain smell. They're always baffled by what the smell could be and if they should be concerned. As a qualified Somerville auto repair shop, we always figure it out. But you can now have a head start - our friends at the Car Care Council put together a neat infographic that that will provide some more insight on what that smell may actually be - and why you do need to be concerned.

Hopefully, with this information in hand, you'll have a better idea of what may be going on with your vehicle the next time a strange smell arises. Have you had any other funky smells that aren't on this list? Let us know - we'd love to hear what else is brewin' out there!  

It's that time of year again - when we get to announce something that we worked tirelessly for all year long. Mike's has been awarded the 2013 Angie's List Super Service Award!

This marks the ninth year in a row that Mike's has received the most coveted Boston auto repair award. Now, that's no easy feat! Angie's List customers are the most discerning of all, as they expect nothing but the very best service provided to their vehicles - and by friendly, helpful people.

Announcing that we have won the Super Service Award is one of our favorite posts every year! The award is something that every shop dreams of attaining, but most seldom do. And as some of you already know, Mike's has been receiving this award for a very long time. In fact, back in 2005, we were the first auto shop in the entire state of Massachusetts to receive the award - and we've won it every year since!

You don't have to take our word for it - take Angie's! Along with throngs of loyal customers, she has attested to the quality service you'll receive at Mike's.  

So, when the conversation moves to car repair, rest assured that both Mike and Angie have got you covered! Afer all - they're both super!

Well, it's that time of year again - time for New Year's resolutions! At Mike's, we're urging our customers to include their vehicles when setting goals for 2014.

Our friends at the non-profit Car Care Council, explain why resolving to spend a little time on your car now, can lead to a great year ahead.

“Regular auto care shouldn’t be one of those New Year’s resolutions that goes by the wayside,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Preventative vehicle maintenance pays off all year, every year.”

To be car care aware, the council recommends incorporating the following service interval schedule items as part of your New Year’s resolution:

• Perform monthly checks of tire pressure and the condition of tires, lights and windshield washer fluid. The vehicle should also be cleaned monthly.

• Every three months or per the owner’s manual, check the engine oil and filter, check the levels of other fluids including automatic transmission, power steering and brake, and check the battery and cables, belts and hoses. The exhaust and fuel filter should also be checked at this interval. 

• Every six months or 6,000 miles, the chassis lubrication should be checked and windshield wipers should be replaced.

• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, coolant and steering and suspension should be checked.

As a local Somerville auto repair shop, we're happy to pass on these tips. We hope you'll keep up this resolution a lot longer than the one you made for going to the gym!

Like most Boston auto repair shops, when you come to Mike's, you can expect to pay for diagnostics. Our friends at the Car Care Council put together a quick video explaining why paying for diagnostics is normal and essential.

At Mike's, we always answer any questions you have in regard to diagnostic services. And we always obtain customer approval before any work is performed on a vehicle - including diagnostics. That's just one more way we're different here at Mike's!

At Mike's, we get a lot of questions about why specific services need to be performed on a vehicle at certain mileage intervals. This video clip from the Car Care Council does a great job of explaining preventive maintenance:

So, if you're in ned of Boston auto repair, or have any questions regarding preventive maintenance, come into Mike's! We'll make sure you understand everything!

It's been a busy spring here at Mike's, so we haven't had a chance to share some great news with you. We're honored to have received the 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award!

This marks the eight year in a row that Mike's has received the award. We were the first auto shop in the entire state to win it back in 2005 - and we've won it every single year since! The Angie's List Super Service Award is the most coveted of all the Boston auto repair awards. It is truly an award that must be earned, one satisfied customer at a time.

Everyone in the business community places a lot of stock in Angie's List because the site has real reviews from real customers. And the users of Angie's List pay a subscription fee in order to participate - so the people writing the reviews aren't out to promote or slander anyone - they're as honest as can be!

We're honored and humbled to win the Super Service award and couldn't wait to share the news with everyone.

So, please spread the word. We love it when someone tells us they heard about our accolades. Tell your friends and family to give Mike's a try. And if they're reluctant, tell them they don't have to take your word for it - they can take Angie's!

What are your thoughts on Angie's List? Do you subscribe? Drop us a comment - we would love to know!

It seems to happen after the start of every new year: People come into Mike's and ask about preventative maintenance. They want to know what to do on a regular basis, in or to protect their cars.

Although each vehicle has its own manufacturer maintenance schedule, there are certain things for you to do in order keep your car in running smoothly. Our friends at the Car Care Council have put together a handy tip list of 13 actions for you to take:

1. Get regular oil changes since they are your best investment toward the longevity of the engine.
2. Get regular brake inspections which are the best way to ensure safe and reliable breaking and minimize the cost of repairs when break service is needed.
3. Make sure your gas cap is secure and tight. A loose gas cap can trigger the “Check Engine” or “service Engine Soon” light.
4. Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent when maintained regularly.
5. Get regular alignment checks — they are your best way to maximize tire life and ensure that your car performs on the road as originally designed.
6. Get routine tune-ups and engine performance checks — they can be your best assurance of good performance and fuel economy. A healthy running engine maximizes the life of expensive emission system components.
7. Frequent washing and polishing is the best way to protect your car’s finish from the damaging effects of acid rain.
8. You should check the condition of the coolant each spring and fall to make sure the additives that protect against corrosion still function.
9. Have any suspicions of a leak checked out at once. Carbon monoxide from your car’s exhaust is odorless, colorless-and lethal.
10. Try to replace your car’s fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles for best results.
11. During normal driving, you may not notice a light that isn’t working; inspect your car’s lights at every oil change.
12. You should test your battery every fall. If your car’s battery is three years old or more, consider replacing it since the chances of failure increase.
13. Improper ride height of your car can impact alignment angles and cause premature wear of some steering and suspension parts.

These tips make great sense. And of course, when you bring your car to Mike's, we'll have all of this taken care of for you! We continuously inspect and advise you on all of these items. 

So, whether you're a local person looking to keep your car in tip-top shape, or a company looking for vehicle fleet maintenance services - Mike's has got you covered!

Want to know more about what we can offer your fleet? Click the button below to get started!

Here at Mike's, we had a fantastic MLK Day (of course, we were open as usual). But while in the midst of providing the finest Somerville auto service, we made our way by the annual Maple Syrup Brunch - to benefit our friends at Groundwork Somerville.

The brunch is held every year right here in Union Square, across the street at the Independent, which graciously donates the proceeds of the event to help fund Groundwork Somerville's Maple Syrup Boil Down Project.

This year's event came with a twist - for the first time it was held on MLK Day, rather than a Saturday. And what a great idea that was! The Indo was slammed! With so many people having the day off, the event was a major draw. Who wouldn't want brunch on a day off from work?

A special menu was created for the Maple Syrup Brunch. From traditional items, to vegan options, to specialty cocktails like the Jack Rabbit - there was something for everyone.

It was great to see the event be a major success - knowing that Groundwork Somerville would benefit. The Maple Syrup Boil Down has become vital to the children of our city and is now qutie a tradition.

So next year, don't forget that you've got something planned on MLK Day - brunch! We'll see you there!

But you don't have to wait until next year to help - donate to Groundwork Somerville Now!

Here at Mike's, we wanted to do something special for the Holidays. We wanted to give away something not just good, but great! And then it hit us - a new TV! Not just a new TV. A new Toshiba 40" LED TV!

During the month of December, anyone that came in for service was entered into a drawing to win the TV. And on December 22nd we congratulated Linda Thorsen for winning the TV. Check out this great pic of Mike presenting the TV to Linda:

It felt great to give such a special gift to someone in our community. And it's something that we Somerville auto repair guys will definitely do again! Happy New Year!