Smith Specialty Automotive

12/21/2020

6 Safety Tips for Winter Driving

Is your car ready for winter? We can give it a seasonal tune up to make sure it stays safe and reliable.

Here's a look at six safety tips for winter driving.

11/17/2020

Common Reasons that Vehicles Don't Start

Car won't start? We can tell you why! Come see us for expert diagnostics and accurate repairs.

Here's a look at six common causes of no-start.

10/19/2020

Stay Up to Date with these 7 Important Maintenance Tasks

Is your vehicle up to date with its maintenance needs?

Here's a look at seven types of auto maintenance provided by a reputable auto shop in Olathe, KS.

09/18/2020

7 Possible Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

Is your vehicle's check engine light on? Come see us for fast and accurate diagnostics and repair.

Here's a look at seven common check engine light triggers.

08/19/2020

Expert Auto Repair in Olathe, KS

We are proud to be your source for professional car repair in Olathe!

Here's a look at six types of auto repair offered by a reputable auto shop in Olathe, KS.

07/21/2020

Watch Out for these 7 Signs of Alternator Trouble

Is it time for alternator repair? Read our new blog to learn the signs of trouble.

Here's a look at seven common signs of a failing alternator.

06/24/2020

What are common symptoms of transmission trouble?

Is your car due for transmission service? These signs point to yes!

Here's a look at seven common signs of transmission trouble.

05/21/2020

What are common signs of suspension trouble?

Could your car benefit from suspension repair? Our latest blog outlines a few common signs of trouble.

Here's a look at six signs that you need suspension repair.

04/17/2020

7 Simple Tips for Improving Gas Mileage

Get the most out of your gas tank with these simple tips!

Here's a look at seven easy ways to increase fuel-efficiency.

03/20/2020

5 Common Signs of Brake Trouble

Be sure to follow our new blog for great auto repair and maintenance tips and tricks. Today we dive into the top signs of brake trouble! If you notice any of these issues be sure to come see us immediately!

If you choose to delay diagnostics and repairs, you're not only putting yourself at risk of an accident, but also those you share the road with.

06/28/2017

6 Things You Need to Get Your Car Running Smoothly » AutoGuide.com News

6 Things You Need to Get Your Car Running Smoothly » AutoGuide.com News

Get the most horsepower out of your engine and the best fuel economy too. Here are six items to replace to get your car running smoothly again.

06/28/2017

Lower Gear vs. Riding the Brakes: What's Best

Lower Gear vs. Riding the Brakes: What's Best

Joe's daily commute includes a steep mountain road. What's better for his Ford Explorer Sport Trac-using the brakes all the way down or relying on lower gear? Car Talk's answer here.

06/05/2015

Here's a notice from the BBB urging 'caution' about an engine supplier in case anyone is wanting to purchase their own engine or transmission. We at Smith Specialty only use suppliers we know will provide a quality product because we have had some bad experiences also:

Kansas City, MO, June 5, 2015 - Quality Used Engines, a company that claims to operate out of a Leawood, KS office building, appears to be part of a multistate auto parts business that has generated hundreds of Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints nationwide.

BBB advises caution when considering doing business with Quality Used Engines, which lists an address at 4745 W. 136th St. Mail sent by the BBB to that address was returned as undeliverable.

Quality Used Engines appears to be tied to several similar companies in Wisconsin, Michigan, Eastern Missouri and Oklahoma. They include Engine Shopper LLC and Engine and Transmission World of Cudahy, Wis.; Quality Used Transmission or Quality Used Transmissions of Grand Rapids, Mich.; SW Transmissions orSouthwest Transmission of Saint Louis, MO; and Southwest Engines or SW Engines of Tulsa, Okla.

Consumers report similar complaints, alleging that the companies shipped wrong or broken engines or transmissions, delayed or refused to give refunds, failed to honor warranties and seemed to intentionally frustrate and confuse customers who called with problems.

"I am done with those people," said a woman from Nashville, Tenn., who said she has given up trying to recover $1,600 she spent buying and installing a broken transmission from SW Transmissions. "I don't have the time or the money to deal with them."

Consumers have filed ten complaints against the company, most alleging sales of defective automobile motors. Officials of Quality Used Engines registered the company with the Kansas secretary of state as Quality Used Engines LLC on June 4, 2012. The original organizer listed for the company is Robert J. deJong, an attorney in Milwaukee. The company's annual report, filed on January 15, 2015 was authorized by Alfred Talyansky.

DeJong also is listed as an organizer with Southwest Transmission with the Missouri secretary of state when that company was registered on June 4, 2012. Talyansky authorized a name change for the company with the Kansas secretary of state in February 2015.

DeJong's name also appears as an organizer of Quality Used Transmissions with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in documents filed June 4, 2012.

In addition to the similarities in state registration information, much of the information on the companies' websites is strikingly similar. All of the websites list virtually identical warranty information and very similar information on the sites' Frequently Asked Questions page. Most of the sites include an identical contact, email and phone number.

Customers have filed more than 380 complaints against the companies. Engine Shopper (which also uses the names Engine and Transmission World and Got Engines) has recorded more than 180 of the complaints; Southwest Engines has had about 160 complaints.

Wisconsin BBB issued alerts about Engine and Transmission World in 2010 and 2011. The 2011 alert said complaints had come from 40 states. Wisconsin BBB's business review on the company said the company still "has failed to correct the underlying reason for complaints."

Consumers say their dealings with the various companies have left them angry and frustrated. "They sent me a bad engine and no one will answer the phone," a Carrollton, Tex., consumer said in a complaint against Southwest Engines.

"They have taken $1,840 from me stating this was a complete and running engine which it is definitely not," a consumer from Pembroke, N. C., said of Engine Shopper. A man from Annandale, Va., said he paid more than $3,400 for a 2006 Dodge Magnum engine, but instead received a damaged engine for a Dodge 1500 Ram truck.

A couple from St. Clair, Mo., who paid $2,000 for what was advertised as a working engine from Engine and Transmission World said they instead received an engine that was inoperable. The wife said they were ridiculed when they phoned the company for help. "Everything was a big joke," she said. They ultimately were able to recover most of their money, but only after contacting BBB, the Wisconsin attorney general's office, the local police department in Cudahy and filed a lawsuit in federal court.

A woman from Ashland, Mo., was not as lucky. She said she cancelled her order shortly after paying $1,700 in January for a motor from Engine and Transmission World, but the motor was shipped anyway. She said she has been unable to recover any of her money.

BBB has been unable to determine the owners or top managers of the company, but several consumers report dealing with a Dale Jones. BBB believes that name is likely a pseudonym. The BBB requested a comment from the company who referred it to an attorney. The BBB did not receive a response.

BBB offers the following tips when buying merchandise online:
Research the business and owners carefully before paying any fees.
Check the company's BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org or by calling 816-421-7800.
•Ask for references and contact them.
•Read all terms and conditions carefully before completing a purchase. Make sure to read and understand all warranty information. Know your options in the event you receive an item that was not as advertised.

04/21/2015

Howdy All, Thursday we have several openings for appointments please call or stop by 913-393-0700.

03/31/2015

Smith Specialty Automotive

Smith Specialty Automotive

Please join our great family of customers for trouble-free motoring

03/26/2015

Make an Appointment - Smith Specialty Automotive

Make an appointment today!
http://smithspecialty.com/make-an-appointment/

03/24/2015

Need a Oil Change and Tire Rotation? Come on by or schedule an appointment! Call 913-393-0700

09/18/2014

New Toy Teaches Kids Basic Auto Repair

Filed under: Weird Car News Hammacher Schlemmer, a catalogue specializing in unusual and unique toys and gifts, is selling The Car Lover's Engine Repair Set for the budding car enthusiast.It can be tough to find the perfect gift for the budding car …

09/18/2014

Steering Wheel, Gas Pedal to Disappear by 2035: Survey

Steering Wheel, Gas Pedal to Disappear by 2035: Survey The future of the automobile looks very different from what we know today, and one survey predicts that even the steering wheel will be gone by 2035. Most respondents agree that rearview mirrors, …

03/07/2014

Stolen '57 Chevy Returned To Owner After 30 Years

Filed under: Car Theft, Weird Car News Three decades after it was stolen, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has been returned to a Northern California man - in better shape than when he originally owned it. Three decades after it was stolen, a 1957 Chevrolet …

02/27/2014

Potholes Can Put a Hole in Your Wallet

Don’t look now, but you’re probably about to hit another pothole. This year’s brutal winter weather has resulted in an unprecedented number of potholes appearing on roads and highways across the country, causing considerable damage and unexpected, …

02/19/2014

Using tracking device can cut cost of insurance premiums

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a trusted resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home improvement to automotive repair . Follow Angie on Twitter @Angie-Hicks. • Read more articles by ANGIE HICKS OF ANGIE'S LIST · Order …

02/12/2014

Show Your Car a Little Love

Your car doesn’t want flowers, balloons or candy this Valentine’s Day – it just wants a little love in the form of an oil change, tune-up and basic service. A little extra care now can lead to happily ever after with your car for many years to come, …

02/05/2014

We got here bright and early today. How did your car do? We hope everyone is safe and sound. If you found out yesterday that your tires aren't quite as good as you thought, we can help you take care of that! One thing to be aware of is that snow packed wheels WILL throw your tires out of balance and cause the vehicle to shimmy on days like this. It's the #1 phone call we get on the day after a heavy snow. Don't worry, it's safe. Just knock that snow off your wheels. Be safe, and call us if you need anything! 913-393-0700

02/04/2014

Six More Weeks of Winter: Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Unexpected?

With six more weeks of winter on the way, according to Punxsutawney Phil, you can’t predict if you’ll find yourself stranded like motorists recently were in Atlanta. It’s best to be ready for the unexpected and make sure your vehicle is performing …

01/30/2014

How to determine if your auto needs immediate attention

-Sputtering, rumbling or rattling exhaust system: May indicate a needed repair or adjustment. If your car ... Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a trusted resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home improvement to automotive …

01/24/2014

Man Arrested For Holding Speed Trap Warning Sign

Filed under: Speeding Tickets, Driving Laws Florida police charged a man with violating city ordinance after he held a sign warning drivers of an upcoming speed trap. Florida police charged a man with violating a city ordinance after he held a sign …

01/22/2014

Another cold day!! Did you know that your anti-freeze CAN actually freeze once it gets too old? When was the last time you had it checked? Stop by and see us. Checking your coolant takes seconds. Let's make sure you get the most out of your vehicle. Call us to set up ANY service you might need! 913-393-0700

01/16/2014

How To Spot And Survive Black Ice

Filed under: Driving Black ice is tricky. It hides in shade and shadow, causing spin-outs before drivers know what hit them. Accuweather.com came up with a helpful guide on how to spot black ice and how to avoid crashing when you find it. Black ice …

01/10/2014

What is the Most Fuel Efficient Minivan?

What is the Most Fuel Efficient Minivan? Nothing screams “commitment” or “responsibility” louder than a minivan, well, maybe a saggy pair of elastic-waist mom jeans but who’s counting? Love ‘em or loathe ‘em these versatile vehicles are designed to …

01/07/2014

Well we've had quite a few people coming through with weak, dead and even frozen batteries now. If your vehicle is having trouble starting, keep us in mind, or if someone you know is having issues with their battery, make sure you refer them to someone you trust! Call today to set up your appointment. 913-393-0700

01/04/2014

Is everyone ready for the impending deep freeze on Monday? Better yet, is your vehicle ready?? The battery in your car is susceptible to these extreme temperature changes. Let us check it for you to make sure you don't get stranded somewhere! Call us today to set up your appointment! 913-393-0700

01/02/2014

Intelligent Snowplows Aim to Make Roads Safer

Intelligent Snowplows Aim to Make Roads Safer The U.S. Department of Transportation has teamed up with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to design a system that will make snowplows more intelligent, making winter roads safer. Known …

12/26/2013

Technology Can't Save Us From Locking Keys In Cars

Filed under: Weird Car News Nothing spoils a good day like getting locked out of your car. It's an annoyance that costs 3.3 million Americans time and money every year.Nothing spoils a good day like getting locked out of your car. It's an annoyance …

12/17/2013

A Resolution You Should Keep: Be Car Care Aware

Why not resolve to be car care aware in the coming year? By spending a little time now on preventive maintenance, drivers can save a lot of headaches in the long run and make for a great year on the road, says the non-profit Car Care Council. …