We Diagnose
Before We Quote.

Marcus called from the breakdown lane south of Exit 47. He described a metallic rattling that had started three days earlier — intermittent, louder on acceleration. By 10 PM it had become a sustained roar. The check engine light had been on for two weeks.

Tow arrived at 11:34 PM. By midnight the car was on our lift. The OBD-II scanner pulled a P0420 — catalyst system efficiency below threshold — alongside a P0430 on bank two. The heat shield had separated and the substrate inside the converter was fragmenting.

We quoted before we touched anything further: one aftermarket direct-fit catalytic converter for his 2017 Accord, two hours labor. Total: $680. He approved by text at 12:18 AM. Car was ready at 7:15 the next morning.

Sandra's CR-V made a single loud snap and died mid-turn into a parking spot. No warning lights — timing belts don't announce themselves. She had 112,000 miles on a belt Honda recommends replacing at 90,000.

This is an interference engine. When the timing belt snaps, pistons and valves occupy the same space. We towed her in and did a compression test before quoting anything. Cylinders 1 and 3 showed zero compression. Bent valves confirmed.

We gave her two options with written estimates: timing belt, water pump, and tensioner replacement ($820) if the valves had cleared — which they hadn't — or a cylinder head rebuild ($1,650 parts and labor, 2-day turnaround). She chose the rebuild. Picked up Monday afternoon.