Tip-Top Auto

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Tip-Top Auto Tip-Top Auto is your trusted local destination for expert auto repair, diagnostics, and used car sales in Asheville, NC.

With experienced European technicians, we tackle complex repairs most shops won’t touch. From engine work and transmission repair to r

10/08/2026

Volkswagen timing job in progress.
Timing components are some of the most critical parts inside your engine. The timing chain or belt, guides, tensioners, and related components keep the crankshaft and camshafts synchronized so the valves open and close at exactly the right time.
When timing components wear out, you may notice rattling on startup, check engine lights, misfires, rough running, loss of power, or timing-related fault codes. If the timing jumps or fails completely, the result can be serious internal engine damage.
That’s why timing noise and timing-related codes should never be ignored.
At Tip-Top Auto, we work on Volkswagen and other European vehicles regularly, including timing repairs, engine diagnostics, oil leaks, cooling-system repairs, suspension, brakes, and major engine work.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
Volkswagen making noise on startup or showing timing codes? Call or text us before a timing problem turns into engine damage.

10/02/2026

European performance deserves the right care. 🇩🇪

This red Porsche Macan GTS is exactly the kind of vehicle we love working on at Tip-Top Auto. European cars require proper diagnostics, quality parts, the right equipment, and attention to detail — and that’s what we provide.

We service Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo, MINI, Volvo, Jaguar, and other European vehicles, including maintenance, diagnostics, brakes, suspension, cooling systems, oil leaks, timing repairs, engine work, and more.

Whether you need routine service or help tracking down a difficult problem, we’re here to keep your European vehicle performing the way it should.

📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM

European car in Asheville? Call or text Tip-Top Auto to schedule service.

09/28/2026

BMW oil pan gasket replacement — definitely not your average gasket job.
This BMW came in with an oil leak from the oil pan gasket. On many BMW models, getting to that gasket is a major part of the repair. There simply isn’t enough clearance to remove the oil pan normally, so we had to support the engine and lower the front subframe to gain access.
That’s why what looks like “just a gasket” can involve quite a bit of labor on a European vehicle.
Oil leaks should never be ignored. Over time, they can lead to low engine-oil levels, oil contamination on suspension or other components, burning-oil smells, messy undercarriage buildup, and potentially serious engine damage if the oil level gets too low.
At Tip-Top Auto, we work on BMWs and other European vehicles regularly and understand the extra steps required to repair them properly. From oil leaks and maintenance to suspension, diagnostics, cooling systems, timing repairs, and major engine work — we’ve got you covered.
📍 Tip-Top Auto
620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
BMW leaving oil spots in the driveway? Don’t wait for the leak to get worse — call or text us to schedule an inspection.

09/23/2026

VOLUME UP 🔊 — this is why safety inspections matter.
This customer came in for a North Carolina safety inspection, and during the inspection we found serious play in a ball joint. The movement was excessive enough that the vehicle could not safely pass inspection.
A ball joint is a critical part of the suspension that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle and allows the wheel to move while staying securely attached. When it wears out, you may notice clunking, loose steering, uneven tire wear, vibration, wandering, or popping noises over bumps.
If a ball joint gets bad enough and separates, the wheel can collapse out of position and the driver can lose control of the vehicle. That’s why excessive play is not something we can overlook during an inspection.
At Tip-Top Auto, we perform NC safety inspections, suspension diagnostics, ball joint replacement, control arm repair, steering repair, and alignments.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
If you hear clunking or your steering feels loose, don’t wait for inspection time — have the suspension checked before it becomes dangerous.

09/18/2026

Infiniti Q50 transmission replacement — done the right way.
This Q50 came in needing a transmission, so we replaced the failed unit with an OEM remanufactured transmission. After installation, we went through the proper checks, verified fluid level and operation, and finished the job with a test drive to make sure the transmission was shifting and performing the way it should.
Transmission problems can show up as:
slipping
hard or delayed shifts
shuddering
loss of gears
warning lights
delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse
abnormal noises
When a transmission is already beyond repair, a quality remanufactured unit can be a solid solution — but proper installation and post-repair testing matter just as much as the transmission itself.
At Tip-Top Auto, we handle transmission diagnostics, replacements, valve body repairs, fluid service, and major drivetrain repairs in Asheville.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
Transmission acting up? Call or text us before it leaves you stranded.

09/16/2026

2021 Dodge Durango 6.4L HEMI — engine removal and teardown after a rod knock.
This Durango came in with a serious knocking noise from the engine, and the warranty company requested a full teardown to determine the exact cause of the failure before moving forward with coverage.
After removing the 6.4 HEMI and opening it up, we found the problem: the connecting rod bearing on cylinder 8 had spun.
A spun rod bearing is a major internal engine failure. Once the bearing loses its proper position, oil clearance is compromised and the rod can start contacting the crankshaft incorrectly. That can quickly lead to:
loud rod knock
low oil pressure
crankshaft damage
metal contamination throughout the engine
connecting rod damage
and complete engine failure if it continues running
This is exactly why an engine knock should never be ignored. Once you hear a deep metallic knock from the bottom end, shut the vehicle down and have it diagnosed before the damage spreads even further.
At Tip-Top Auto, we handle major engine diagnostics, engine removal, internal teardown, warranty inspections, and complete engine repairs in Asheville.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
Hearing a knock, tick, or abnormal engine noise? Don’t keep driving it — call or text us and have it checked.

09/10/2026

Skipping oil changes can get expensive fast.
For this reel, we removed the valve cover and showed exactly what happens when an engine goes too long between oil changes or spends its life on cheap, low-quality oil — heavy varnish, sludge, and carbon buildup inside the engine.
Engine oil does much more than lubricate. It also helps control heat, suspend contaminants, protect moving parts, and keep oil passages clean. When oil is neglected or breaks down, deposits start building up and can contribute to:
restricted oil flow
sticking or noisy valvetrain components
timing and VVT problems
accelerated engine wear
low oil pressure
overheating of internal components
and eventually major engine damage
A quality oil change is cheap compared with repairing an engine full of sludge.
At Tip-Top Auto, we use the proper oil specification for your vehicle and recommend service intervals based on how the car is actually driven — especially for turbocharged, European, and modern direct-injection engines.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
Don’t wait until we have to remove the valve cover to show you what missed oil changes did. Schedule your oil service today.

09/08/2026

Mercedes-Benz brake service in progress.
Luxury and performance mean nothing without safe, responsive brakes. This Mercedes-Benz came in for a complete brake pad and rotor replacement, restoring proper braking performance and giving the customer confidence on the road.
Brake components wear gradually, so it’s easy to get used to reduced braking performance without realizing how much it has changed. Common warning signs include squeaking or grinding, steering-wheel vibration, pulsation in the brake pedal, longer stopping distance, uneven braking, or a brake warning light.
Here in the Asheville mountains, brakes work especially hard. Constant hills, curves, and downhill braking create additional heat and wear, which makes regular inspections even more important.
At Tip-Top Auto, we service Mercedes-Benz and other European vehicles, including brake pads and rotors, calipers, brake fluid service, suspension, diagnostics, maintenance, and major repairs.
If your Mercedes needs brakes, don’t wait until you hear metal grinding on metal.
📍 Tip-Top Auto
620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Monday–Saturday | 9 AM–7 PM
Mercedes-Benz or European vehicle? Call or text us to schedule your service.

08/28/2026

Do you see the oil drain plug? No? It’s there — completely glued over with epoxy.
This vehicle came in for service, and we found that during a previous oil change, someone had apparently decided that epoxy was the solution to a damaged drain plug.
Unfortunately, that turned a simple oil change into a much bigger repair.
Because the drain plug had been sealed over and the oil pan was no longer serviceable the proper way, we had to replace the entire oil pan.
A damaged or stripped drain plug should be repaired correctly. Covering it with epoxy can lead to:
oil leaks
damaged threads
impossible or unsafe future oil changes
contamination around the sealing area
and a much more expensive repair later
This is a perfect example of how a shortcut on basic maintenance can cost a lot more down the road.
At Tip-Top Auto, we do oil changes and engine maintenance the right way.
📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM
Need an oil change or have an oil leak? Call or text us today.

08/27/2026

Tesla suspension noise diagnosis — because not every EV problem is electrical.

This Tesla came in with a concern about a weird noise coming from the suspension. On electric vehicles, suspension noises can actually be easier to notice because there is no loud engine masking what is happening underneath the car.

A clunk, knock, creak, pop, or vibration can come from a number of different components, including:

- Control arm bushings
- Ball joints
- Sway bar links
- Strut mounts
- Shocks and struts
- Wheel bearings
- Tie rod ends
- Subframe components
- Loose hardware
- Worn suspension joints

The important part is not to guess.

During suspension diagnostics, we inspect the vehicle for excessive play, torn bushings, loose joints, worn mounts, damaged components, abnormal tire wear, and anything else that could affect handling or safety.

In this case, the problem was in the control arms — specifically worn control arm bushings. Once those bushings deteriorate, the control arm can move more than it should, creating noise, vibration, alignment changes, and unstable suspension behavior.

Tesla vehicles are heavy, powerful, and deliver instant torque, which means suspension and steering components still work hard even though the drivetrain is electric. Worn suspension parts can cause more than just an annoying sound — they can lead to poor alignment, uneven tire wear, unstable handling, vibration, and eventually serious safety issues.

If your Tesla is making noises over bumps, feels loose, pulls, vibrates, or simply does not drive the way it used to, have it inspected before the problem gets worse.

At Tip-Top Auto, we service Teslas and other electric vehicles in the Asheville area, including suspension diagnostics and repair, brakes, steering, alignments, electrical diagnostics, maintenance, and more.

📍 620 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC
📞 Call: 828-882-9095
💬 Text: 828-882-9068
🕘 Mon–Sat | 9AM–7PM

Tesla or EV suspension making noise? Call or text us and let’s find the real cause.

Address

620 New Leicester Highway
Asheville, NC
28806

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm

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