Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

Throughout our history at Mike's, we've earned many accolades. With every new award comes a sense of pride and a reminder that we are in the business of helping people. Earning our most recent award has elevated us to a category of distinction that no other Boston auto repair shop can claim.

Mike's Automotive Services has been awarded the 2014 Angie's List Super Service Award! Why is that such a big deal? Well, allow me to explain....

We've written about winning the Super Service Award before. But winning the 2014 award marks a special time in our history. You see, we were the first and only automotive shop in the entire state of Massachusetts to win the Super Service Award - that was back in 2005. That's right - no dealerships, no chain shops and no other independents - just Mike's! And we've won it every year since!

Angie's List is not some run-of-the-mill review site - it's a site that people pay to belong to, knowing that they can trust their fellow subscribers to provide honest and useful reviews. Earning their respect and admiration for a decade is something to proud of.

We're honored to accept the 2014 Angie's List Super Service Award. It's not only a testament to our hard work, but reminds us that we're fulfilling our core mission: helping people.

Here's to a decade of excellence! We're looking forward to another!

It's that time of year again: winter! With recent low temperatures dropping below zero, the bitter cold has officially set in. And as most New Englanders know, we have a long way to go!

Around this time of year, we consistently receive the same question from many of our customers: "How long should I warm up my car?" The answer? Not as long as you think. You see, vehicles needed to be warmed up for a considerable amount of time back when they had carburetors. Modern vehicles are all fuel-injected, so you don't have to warm them up for very long.

Our friends at the Car Care Council put it best: “Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In most cases, idling longer than 30 seconds is unnecessary. The best way to warm up your car’s engine is to drive gently at the start. Remember, a vehicle gets zero miles per gallon when idling and the result is lower fuel economy and wasted money.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it has several negative effects, such as increasing air pollution unnecessarily, wasting fuel and money, and causing excessive wear or even damaging a car’s engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and the exhaust system. Contrary to popular belief, idling isn’t an effective way to warm up most car engines.”

That information comes as a surprise to most people. So, unless you've got a sheet of ice on your windshield, excessive idling isn't necessary and can do more damage than good.

At Mike's, you can always feel free to ask us anything about your vehicle. Remember, a little Boston auto repair talk can save you a whole lot of time - and money!

Have you noticed that Boston gas prices are dipping? Many of our customers ask how they can maximize their MPG. Well, with lower gas prices at hand, it's a great time to focus on maintaining and repairing your vehicle in order to maximize your gas savings! Our friends at the Car Care Council have put together a great infographic that illustrates how you can increase your gas savings even further!

With such great information, you're bound to save some money!

Have any questions about how to properly maintain your vehicle? Just ask - we're always here to help!

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!

At Mike's, we think your service experience here should be a fun one. And if you follow us then you know that along with Boston car repair, we love social media. Besides blogging, we're always tweeting and sharing what we can on Facebook.

Recently, we decided it was time to venture even further into the land of social media. Our next step? Bring on the check-ins! Come one - come all! Whether it be Foursquare, SCVNGR, Facebook, Yelp or Gowalla - your check-in is welcomed at Mike's!

We're hoping to make this a fun experience by giving a little something to everyone. While in for service, check-in at Mike's and you'll receive a free Taza chocolate bar! Just show us your check-in and get Taza-fied!

Taza chocolate is a locally made, stone-ground, organic chocolate. Delicous, local, and sustainable - how can you go wrong?

And if you become the Mayor of Mike's - you receive a free oil change of your choice - including our Boston green oil change!

So, the next time you're looking for quality Boston car repair, head to Mike's and check-in. Then sip on a cup our organic coffee or tea and enjoy your Taza!

Got any other great check-in ideas? Drop us a comment and let us know!

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