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Prime Buyers Guide Auto Air Conditioning Repair Shops

How to Find the Best Auto Air Conditioning Shops in the Napa Valley Area

High-quality auto air conditioning service is important in the warm summer months in Napa County. Car air conditioning shops in the Napa Valley Area can fix your broken car air conditioning or install a new automobile A/C system. Whether you need your air conditioning recharged or repaired, use the following articles that have been provided by The Prime Buyer's Report to find good auto air conditioning shops in American Canyon, American Cyn, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Yountville. more »

Updated October 15, 2008

Top 10 Auto Air Conditioning Repair Shops in Napa Valley Area

M C M Jobe's Test & Repair
(707) 252-8802
1824 Yajome St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa CA, Calistoga, Pope Valley, St Helena, Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville

B & B Foreign Car
(707) 255-7588
1750 Tanen St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa Valley, Pope Valley, Saint Helena, Calistoga, Angwin, American Cyn, Rutherford

Autohaus Automotive
(707) 252-1141
480 Soscol Ave
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa County, incl. Napa CA, Yountville, Calistoga, Angwin, Yountville, Rutherford

British Auto Repair of the Napa Valley
(707) 226-3244
1630 Action Ave
# B
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa CA, Calistoga, Angwin, Pope Valley, St Helena, Rutherford, Yountville,

Lopez Auto Services
(707) 252-8194
1898 W Imola Ave
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa County, Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, Rutherford, Pope Valley, American Canyon

Young's Automotive Repair
(707) 226-3320
186 S Coombs St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa Valley, Napa, Calistoga, Angwin, Pope Valley, Rutherford, St Helena, American Cyn

Updated March 12, 2008

How to Find the Best Auto Air Conditioning Shops in the Napa Valley Area 

Automotive Air Conditioning Specialists in the Napa Valley Area Perform Numerous Services
Auto A/C technicians in the Napa Valley Area diagnose and fix problems with your car, truck, SUV, crossover, or minivan's air conditioning system. Many auto air conditioning shops will be able to service high performance vehicles, off-road vehicles, classic or restored vehicles, in addition to late model vehicles, depending on their A/C units. Other air conditioning specialists will offer factory-recommended or custom automotive A/C checks and diagnoses. They can evacuate and flush your A/C system, recharging it to ensure performance. Automotive air conditioning specialists can also repair switches, sensors, and controls in the interior of the vehicle. Some automotive air conditioning experts will happily service your older vehicle's air-conditioning system, converting it to CFC-free R-134a and repairing it to as-new condition. Some will even service your radiator and cooling system, performing coolant flushes and water pump replacements. Other A/C specialists in the Napa Valley Area will perform heating and minor electric service as well. If you're shopping for a used car, then these A/C experts can perform pre-purchase inspections. In the Napa Valley Area, automotive air conditioning specialists can quickly and accurately identify the problem, getting you on the road with a cool breeze in your hair.

Air Conditioning Shops Are Up on the Latest Technology
Top quality automotive air conditioning shops in the Napa Valley Area utilize a variety of equipment to get you on your way. Since the days of "old" CFC-based R-12 freon, much advancement has been made in auto refrigerants. There is ES-22 for older cars, the ubiquitous R-134a, R-502, Es-502a, R-12, R-142b, and a few environmentally-safe alternatives, which are hydrocarbon-based, have better performance and are more efficient than typical R-134a. Auto A/C specialists also supply A/C clutches, compressors, condensers, driers, refrigerants, evaporators, evaporator cores, blower motors, expansion valves, o-rings, compressor oil, orifice tubes, hoses and valves, retrofit kits, thermal expansion valves, receiver-driers, cooling fans, accumulators, and cabin air filters. Air conditioning specialists in the Napa Valley Area can also replace and repair the switches, buttons, and controls for the air conditioner, even if your vehicle has advanced multiple-zone climate control systems automated by sensors and electronics.

Check Out the List of Automotive Air Conditioning Shops in the Napa Valley Area
The Prime Buyer's Report lists the top 10 automotive air conditioning specialists in the Napa Valley Area as M C M Jobe's Test & Repair, B & B Foreign Car, Autohaus Automotive, British Auto Repair of the Napa Valley, Lopez Auto Services, Young's Automotive Repair. Other automotive air conditioning specialists who might still serve the Napa Valley Area are .

It's Beneficial to Credential Technicians, No Matter How Good
It is wise to go to agency Web sites that show the automotive air conditioning technicians with excellent reputations and credentialing and compare them with those that are affordable. This avoids the problem of choosing a technician based solely on his estimate (a common mistake). To see a full list of associations and media, go to the article "Key Resources for Automotive Air Conditioning," below.

Updated October 15, 2008
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How to Choose an Auto A/C Shop in Napa Valley 

Step 1: Do Some Research on Automotive Air Conditioning
You're no mechanic, but you've noticed something funny about the way you're A/C is working. Explain abnormalities as clearly as possible. What are the observable symptoms? Are there any sounds? Are there any odors? Is your car's power down? Is your fuel efficiency worse than usual? Describe the symptoms clearly, accurately, and consistently.

Since informed consumers make better decisions, you'll want to do some preliminary research before visiting an automotive air conditioning specialist in the Napa Valley Area. First, know the basics: make model, engine, and A/C type. If you can narrow it down to a few possibilities, you might be able to use the internet to find specific part numbers, suggested prices and even average labor times.

Step 2: Ask & Answer Questions - You and Auto Air Conditioning Installers
You'll learn a lot by the questions each automotive air conditioning center representative asks. Take note of what concerns each has about your job. How detailed are his questions? Remember, the more involved and informed the Napa Valley Area automotive HVAC expert is, the better the results.

Then, select the most appropriate questions from the list below to augment what you've already learned. Make sure you are speaking with the most senior professional available. Take notes, not just on the answers to questions, but also how you feel about the auto air conditioning expert. Remember, how you get along with the professional will impact your satisfaction with the work.

  • How long have you been operating in Napa Valley Area?
  • Do you charge a diagnostic or inspection fee before installing air conditioning?
  • Do you often install air conditioning in my particular kind of car?
  • Have you had other instances of this type of car needing air conditioning service?
  • Will my vehicle pass smog after the repair?
  • Do you use original equipment (OE) parts, new parts, or used parts when putting in an air conditioning system?
  • Will work performed by your shop affect my manufacturer's warranty?
  • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate for the auto air conditioning installation?
  • Will you provide a written contract for auto air conditioner installation?
  • What process do you go through to price the air conditioning installation work?
  • What type of warranty for your work will you provide on my car's new air conditioner?
  • How long should it take to complete the work on my car's air conditioning system?
  • Do you provide courtesy cars while my new air conditioner is being installed?
  • If the repair work involves a damaged component, what was the failure of my old air conditioner?
  • What action would you take if this had happened to your own car's air conditioning system?
  • Always ask to see damaged or worn parts that need replacement.


Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision on an Air Conditioning Installation Shop
After you've questioned various automotive air conditioning shops serving Napa Valley Area, it's time to narrow the field. Review your notes and assess which automotive air conditioning service center will be your best provider.

Step 4: Final Research Before Installing Your New Air Conditioner
After you've selected your first-choice Napa Valley Area auto A/C specialist, it's time to do some final research. What credentials does the automotive air conditioning center have? What about the employees? Does the company have a good reputation? It is time to verify licensing, insurance, and other certifications.

Step 5: Making the Final Decision on an Air Conditioner Mechanic
Now you can feel comfortable with the Napa Valley Area auto air conditioning service you've selected. Call for any final questions and then ask your representative to provide a written and signed pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.

Updated October 6, 2008
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Key Resources for Automotive Air Conditioning Repair in the Napa Valley Area 

Industry Associations
AAA American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com)
AAAM Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine
(www.carcrash.org)
AASA Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org)
AASP Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (www.autoserviceproviders.com)
AIAG Automotive Industry Action Group (www.aiag.org)
APAA Automotive Parts & Accessories Association (www.apaa.org)
APRA Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (www.apra.org)
ASA Automotive Service Association (www.asashop.org)
ASE Automotive Service Excellence (www.asecert.org)
ASPA American Salvage Pool Association (www.aspa.com)
ASQ American Society for Quality (www.asq.org)
BAR Bureau of Automotive Repair (www.autorepair.ca.gov)
BBB The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CAAT Council of Advanced Automotive Trainers (www.caat.org)
CAPA Certified Auto Parts Association (www.capacertified.org)
CSAA California State Automobile Association (www.csaa.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
MACS Mobile Air Conditioning Society (www.macsw.org)
MEMA Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (www.mema.org)
NARSA National Automotive Radiator Service Association (www.narsa.org)
NATEF National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (www.natef.org)
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers (automobile.sae.org)
SEMA Specialty Equipment Market Association (www.sema.org)

Internet Media and Publications
www.aircondition.com
www.ahanw.org
www.autocareforum.com
www.autoguide.net
www.autopia.org
www.autorepair.about.com
www.carforums.net
www.car-forums.com
www.enginemanufacturers.org
www.familycar.com
www.shoptalkforums.com
www.trustmymechanic.com
www.vehicletip.com

Automotive News
Autoweek
Autofan
Automotive News
Automotive Rebuilder
Counterman
Car and Driver
Car Mechanics Magazine
Detroit News
Engine Masters Magazine
Import Car
Motor Age
Motor Trend
Rebuilder Direct
Road And Track
Rod and Custom Magazine
Super Chevy
Street Rodder
Sport Compact Car
Today's SUV
Turbo And High Performance Magazine
Underhood Service
US Auto News
VW Trends
Vette

Need an auto A/C shop? The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 automotive air conditioning mechanics in Napa Valley Area within the following zip codes.

94503, 94508, 94515, 94558, 94559, 94562, 94567, 94573, 94574, 94576, 94581 and 94599

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 automotive air conditioning mechanics in Napa Valley Area within the following cities.

American Canyon, American Cyn, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Yountville
Updated October 15, 2008
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10 Tips on Auto Air Conditioning Repair in the Napa Valley Area 

Take Time Choosing Your Automotive A/C Center.
Don't choose the first automotive air conditioning and heating specialist that you see in the phone book. Take a little time to properly outline the job before deciding on an auto A/C expert in the Napa Valley Area. The better you can communicate information about your vehicle and what's wrong with it, the more satisfied you will be with the end result.

Play The Auto Air Conditioner Mechanic Field.
Besides gathering information regarding a reasonable price range, the process of getting at least three estimates from the Napa Valley Area air conditioner installers will help you determine which auto A/C specialist is trustworthy and exhibits the best attitude and aptitude. Beware of "lowball" estimates. These are estimates intended to get you in the door and then inflate "unexpectedly," usually a sign of poor assessment or questionable business practices.

Get Everything In Writing from Your Air Conditioner Installer.
Make sure that the auto air conditioning center in the Napa Valley Area that you choose provides you with a written description of the work, pricing breakdown, and timeframe for completion. Everything should be clear and concise, with an itemized list of what work will be done, how much the parts cost, and about labor rates. Ask for specifics if anything is unclear. It's your right to know exactly what happens to your vehicle at all times. An itemized, clear-cut estimate will help avoid discrepancies down the line.

Check Up On The Automotive HVAC Center.
For all automotive A/C jobs in the Napa Valley Area, be sure to check licensing, liability insurances, and any other relevant credentials before you sign. Also, examine the conditions and operations of the facility.

Write A Description Of The Job.
You'll do better in assessing who the best auto air conditioning mechanics are in the Napa Valley Area if you write down which problems you've experienced prior to contacting any automotive air conditioning center. Since each will hear the same description, you can be sure that you are comparing apples to apples.

Choose Certified Vehicle Air Conditioning Installation Companies.
Some automotive air conditioning specialists have already gone the extra mile for consumers, and it shows. Choosing any Napa Valley Area automotive A/C center that has earned Diamond Certification or is featured positively in consumer-rated publications or the Better Business Bureau will be more likely to satisfy you.

Keep In Touch with Your A/C Installer.
There is no substitute for good communication, and even with automotive air conditioning experts in the Napa Valley Area, communication can suffer. Ask when you have the slightest doubt about how a job is going. There may be a reasonable explanation for changes or delays, and you have the right to know about them. There may be decisions that you can make that will help the job go more smoothly.

You Are Your Own Quality Control.
After the job is completed, examine the detailed agreement you signed before the automotive air conditioning repair began. Have the most senior automotive air conditioning technician compare the work with the agreement. Note any work that differentiates from what was discussed and agreed upon. Changes should not have been made without your notification and consent.

Know Your Rights.
You're dealing with automotive air conditioning service providers in the Napa Valley Area, so check out the Bureau of Automotive Repairs for the state of California.

Make Sure You Feel Comfortable With Your Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic.
If your automotive A/C expert doesn't seem to value your business, don't hire him! If he seems disinterested in the job, or if you feel less-than-confident about doing business, then they may not be the one for you.

Updated October 15, 2008
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Auto Air Conditioning Shops in the Napa Valley Area of Napa County Work With Many Brands 

Updated October 29, 2008
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Diamond Certified