By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service I have been reading up on automatic transmission fluid (ATF) lately and changes are on the horizon.  Twenty years ago, there used to be just three types of ATF—one each for Ford, Chevy and Chrysler—and transmissions only had three speeds.  Today, transmissions have up to six speeds, and… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service Last week I had the privilege once again of working the phone bank at Channel 41’s Call for Action free helpline for car repair. I fielded 30 calls alongside eight or nine other local shop owners who donated their expertise.  This time on the phone is not a… Read the Rest »

David Stainbrook is one of our shop’s certified master technicians. If he is working on your vehicle you can be sure it is getting the most accurate diagnosis and careful repair possible. When you add the fact that David is just a nice guy, it’s hard to imagine how we ever got along without him…. Read the Rest »

Our next profile features a face you may not encounter every time you stop by.  Marketing Manager Polly Rupp (who also happens to be the owner’s wife) is usually busy in the back room or offsite juggling all of the print and online advertising that goes on around here. The efforts of Polly and her… Read the Rest »

We’re starting out the new year with a series of blogs highlighting our special New Concept Auto Service team members. We are a small but energetic and mighty group, each with a highly-polished skill set. Our first profile features Service Advisor Phil Perez, who cheerfully and professionally handles the phones, walk-in customers and most of… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service We recently had a Saturn towed to our shop with very low power and an engine making a tapping noise.  The customer was referred by an existing customer who trusts us.  The customer stated he recently bought the car from a coworker who had taken great care of… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service We operate in a pretty affluent area of suburban Kansas City where, for the most part, people can afford the best of everything. Many customers assume that dealer service is the best thing for their cars. Some believe they must use dealer service centers to keep warranties in… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service An auto repair shop consists of two main parts—the front end and the back end.  The front end houses the service advisor who interacts directly with the customer and is the face of the business.  The back end is where the technicians operate.  Auto technician is the modern… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp I have learned over the last 15 years that who I decide to buy parts from simply boils down to an emotional decision. That has not always been the case. I buy all kinds of auto parts. About half come from aftermarket companies and the other half from local dealerships. When I… Read the Rest »

By Paul Rupp, New Concept Auto Service Most cars have a temperature gauge on the dash.  Some just have a warning light.  The normal reading for a gauge is usually just below halfway.  If your temperature gauge should read abnormally high, which I call near or in the red zone, there are some important steps… Read the Rest »