Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
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573-449-4171 | 1204 N College Ave Columbia, MO 65201

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine maintenance is vital to keep your car or truck operating at peak performance. It also impacts the longevity of your vehicle's engine. Trust the experts at Walt's Service Inc. to help you protect your investment. Call us at 573-449-4171 or visit our shop in Columbia 65201.

These are some of the engine maintenance services we offer.

Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Walt's Service Inc., we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 573-449-4171 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.

Diesel
Although diesel engines don't require tune-ups and tend to last longer than gasoline engines, they do require regular maintenance. Typical maintenance tasks include:

  • Changing the oil & filter
  • Changing the air filter
  • Changing the fuel filter
  • Bleeding the fuel system
  • Draining the water separators
  • Refilling the urea injection system

You can count on the experts at Walt's Service Inc. to help your diesel engine last a long time.

Fuel Injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an engine. Since 1990, fuel injectors have completely replaced carburetors as the primary means of getting gasoline into the engine. A fuel injector atomizes the fuel by forcibly pumping it through a small nozzle (under high pressure). Failure of the fuel injection system means poor performance and ultimately destroys the engine.

Ignition
Your vehicle's ignition system is responsible for starting the engine by delivering an electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Issues can involve a worn ignition switch, a faulty ignition coil or broken or corroded wiring. These problems can lead to symptoms like the engine failing to start, intermittent stalling, dashboard warning lights, or even complete power loss while driving.

Ignition Wires & Cables
These vital parts transfer the spark from the ignition coil to spark plugs that ignite the mixture of fuel and air. The mixture starts the engine. Over time, ignition wires and cables get weak and break down. This makes it impossible for the spark to reach the engine cylinders. This results in the engine misfiring. Common symptoms of faulty ignition cables and wires are: poor gas mileage, engine misfires, engine light is on, and engine vibration.

Oil, Lube, and Filter
To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 5,000 miles). When it is time for a lube, oil, or filter change, take your vehicle to Walt's Service Inc. in Columbia, MO 65201.

Spark Plugs
A spark plug delivers electric current to the combustion chamber from the ignition system. Spark plugs that haven't been changed for a long time can cause ignition problems. At Walt's Service Inc., we have automotive experts who will check and replace your spark plugs. For all your spark plug repair or replacement needs, call 573-449-4171 or visit Walt's Service Inc. today.

Spark Plug Related FAQs


How do you know when a spark plug needs to be replaced?

The most common sign that a spark plug needs replacing is an engine that hesitates during acceleration. Other warning signs may include engine misfires during startup, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy, and engine knocking.

What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?

If you're considering having your vehicle's spark plugs replaced, there's a good chance the spark plug wires should be replaced as well. Ignition wires become brittle over time, and worn wires can lead to engine misfires, poor performance, and reduced fuel economy.


Check Engine Light FAQs


What could cause a check engine light to come on?

Come by Walt's Service Inc. and we can diagnose the reasons for a check engine light turning on. It can range from something serious like a faulty catalytic converter or potential engine failure to something simple like a loose gas cap or the need for a routine 50,000- or 100,000-mile manufacturer maintenance service.

Is it okay to drive with the engine light on?

The short answer is no. The longer explanation is that the light may indicate a serious engine problem, and continuing to drive as if nothing is wrong could result in much more expensive repairs. A check engine light means you should have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a professional at Walt's Service Inc. in Columbia.

What is the most common problem with my check engine light?

A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons a check engine light comes on. However, the best way to determine the exact cause is to have a technician at Walt's Service Inc. read the diagnostic code stored in your vehicle's onboard OBD computer.

What does a solid check engine light mean?

A steady check engine light generally indicates a non-emergency issue that still needs attention. Come by Walt's Service Inc. and we'll help diagnose and resolve the problem before it becomes more serious.

What does an intermittent flashing check engine light mean?

A flashing check engine light is a warning of a potentially severe problem that requires immediate attention. Get your vehicle to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible, or safely park it and arrange for a tow to your preferred repair facility to avoid further engine damage.



To learn more about our Engine Maintenance services, call us at 573-449-4171 or request a quote by clicking below:


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Discover More About Engine Repair Services At Walt's Service Inc. in Columbia

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Auto Maintenance Services
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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Was driving from NY to LA when my Bus started dying on the highway. Lookup the nearest VW mechanic and come here. Walt is great! He took a look at my Bus, even though it was late and he was busy-and told me the last guy who rebuilt the engine screwed up. I trusted Walt to rebuild the engine, and he did it cheaper and quicker than the first mechanic, and much better! I now have 10-15mph higher top speed and it runs a lot smoother. Driving from MO to LA I went from losing 1qt/1000 miles to losing no oil! Superb job, honest guy, nobody knows more about air-cooled VWs than he.

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My daughter, a MU student, and her used 2007 high mileage Audi A4 broke down, the car was towed to Walt's. Walt called me the next day and went over his diagnostics and recommendations. He only recommended what needed to be done and did not recommend useless/costly repairs. When the car was complete, he called me with the final bill which was totally reasonable. He was timely and great to work with! I highly recommend this repair shop, it is so hard to find honest and qualified technicians and mechanics these days and Walt is truly one of the best I have ever worked with. I will definitely be back, thank you so much!

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I have an old (2001) high mileage (155k+) VW Golf, and I only take it to Walt's. The staff is friendly, honest, fair, and fairly quick with repairs. They give you options and explain the pros and cons of optional repairs. They keep my old Golf running well, with fair costs for repairs. I would (and have) recommended to anyone with a VW or similar German car.

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I had my MINI Cooper serviced here. These guys are great. They showed me everything about my car (as I know nothing about cars). The Baron MINI in Kansas City told me I needed new front and back brakes and rotors. After showing me how much brake pad I had left on the back brakes, the guy at Walt's said "that's nuts and these should last at least another year". They also did quality work and cost a couple hundred bucks less! I am very pleased!

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I would not take my car anywhere else. They are honest, friendly and work with you to make the best/most cost effective repair solutions.

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Great people and service. They went above and beyond in order to help me resolve a problem with my 2011 Audi S5. Definitely plan on going back.

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  • Call Us For Service: 573-449-4171