AC ServiceAir FilterAlignmentAlternatorAuto AxlesBatteryBrakes Compressed Natural GasDiesel ServiceEngine LightExhaustOil ChangesShocks and StrutsTire Rotation and BalancingTune Ups
AC Service
We Have latest Snap-On technology
Don’t take air conditioning for granted or settle for uncomfortable driving through the long and hot months in Alabama – stop by Melton Automotive for your vehicle air conditioning service!
From the refrigerant to the compressor, our certified technicians will inspect every component of your air conditioning system to find the right solution for your vehicle.
A refrigerant recharge and replacement often solves issues with the air conditioning. Refrigerant flows through your vehicle’s A/C system to cool and protect moving parts. Over time, this fluid becomes less effective and corrosive, causing friction and wear on the components. A/C system leaks can also accelerate this process and leave your vehicle with low refrigerant levels.
Just like the other systems in your vehicle, air conditioning is subject to normal wear and tear. When you first notice an issue, come in as soon as possible for an inspection! Catching issues early means our technicians can fix problems quickly – but if left too long, the entire system may need replaced. Save the hassle, time, and money by coming in early!
Look for the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, or call our technicians at 205.663.6088.
Air Filter
Just like you, your engine needs to breathe. Dirty air filters prevent your engine from getting the air it needs, making it difficult to perform efficiently.
Changing your vehicle’s air filter is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to maintain your car’s performance. Even if the filter doesn’t look dirty, hidden debris may be slowly choking the engine.
We recommend replacing the filter at set mileage, according to the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. This is the minimum standard – in fact, you should replace the filter anytime it is dirty. Local conditions in Alabama, including dust, pollution, and pollen floating in the air, mean the air filter traps these contaminants more frequently and becomes dirty faster.
Dirty air filters are not a small service to put off – they mean poor performance, reduced fuel economy, lower miles per gallon, and spending more at the pump.
Every time you bring your vehicle into Melton Automotive for a full-service oil change, our ASE Certified technicians will inspect your air filter and show you its condition. When it’s time to replace it, we’ll take care of you quickly – all during the time of your normal oil change. Learn more or schedule your next oil change by calling 205.663.6088.
Alignment
We Use Hunter HawkEye Elite tire aligner.We can do 12 inch trailer tires to 19.5 inch medium duty truck tires.
If you struggle to keep your vehicle moving in a straight line, chances are your wheels are out of alignment. From bad roads to potholes and accidental curb hits, threats to your tires and alignment fill the roads you travel.
Even under normal driving conditions, your vehicle needs an alignment check periodically. Misaligned wheels can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle – uneven tire wear means you’ll need to replace your tires sooner, and damage to your suspension leaves your vehicle susceptible to every bump on the road.
Come to Melton Automotive – our certified technicians will help you determine if you need a two wheel alignment or a four wheel alignment. With the latest equipment, we precisely measure the alignment of each wheel to bring it back to the correct position. Our experts perform a complete inspection, looking for wear or damage to every component affecting steering and suspension.
You’ll leave with full confidence that your wheels are precisely and expertly aligned, your vehicle is in good condition, and you’re ready to hit the road for a smooth and straight drive! Call or stop by Melton Automotive in Alabaster, AL, for your alignment inspection and service: 205.663.6088.
The alternator recharges your car battery as you drive to generate electricity and keep your vehicle running. It even powers your vehicle’s accessories, including the radio, fan, lights, power seats, and more. If the alternator isn’t charging the battery properly, you’ll notice issues.
Signs that your alternator may be failing include accessory power issues, blinking gauge lights, dim headlights, a burning smell, or a dead battery. It can even mean you won’t have enough power to start your vehicle!
Like other systems in your vehicle, the alternator and its components wear out with age and miles. Check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance and pay attention for signs of an issue. If your dashboard battery warning light stays on, you know you have a problem.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded on the side of the road. Call Melton Automotive at the first sign of an issue and our certified technicians will diagnose and fix the issue quickly.
Auto Axles
Just like the other major components in your vehicle, the axles occasionally need attention and servicing to help you stay safe on the road. Regular maintenance can prolong their life, but axles eventually need to be repaired or replaced.
Regular maintenance for your vehicles axles include cleaning and lubrication of the axle, shaft, CV boot and seals. But with age and miles, these parts may wear out and leave your vehicle at risk for bigger issues.
From leaking seals to gear damage, small problems with the axles can mean big issues for your vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no warning light to easily identify this issue. Instead, you may notice strange noises.
Clunking and groaning, especially when turning, signal a problem with the vehicle’s axles. At the first sign of an issue, bring your vehicle to Melton Automotive!
Our certified technicians will inspect all of the system components that might be causing the problem, including the axle, shaft, CV boot, and seals. With this thorough inspection, our team of certified technicians will find the issue and recommend repair, replacement, and installation of new parts if it is necessary.
Don’t ignore strange noises – these changes may indicate a problem with the axles in your car. Bring your vehicle into our Alabaster, AL auto repair shop for diagnosis, repair, service, and maintenance. Our technicians will get your vehicle driving smoothly and safely again!
Battery
We use high end Midtronics technology
A dead car battery can be a frustrating start to your morning. Whether you left your lights on overnight or your battery has lost power, the inconvenience of jump starting your vehicle takes away precious time from your day.
If the problem persists, it may indicate a bigger issue. It could be as simple as corrosion buildup or a loose connection, or as extensive as a failing battery that needs replacing.
Most batteries can last their expected lifetime (usually 5 years) with proper care and use. Unfortunately, the heat and weather in central Alabama can take an additional toll.
Many days, especially during the summer, extreme temperatures are much higher than the normal range recommended for batteries. This means your car battery is more prone to failure and risks a shorter lifespan during the extremely hot summer weather.
How you drive can also impact the lifespan of your car battery. Frequent, short trips reduce the battery’s performance. The alternator may not have enough time to fully re-charge the battery in short distances between work and home, or the grocery store, and running errands.
The certified technicians at Melton Automotive can help you get the longest life out of your vehicle battery! Regular care, including cleaning cables, terminals, and clamps, keeps your car battery free from corrosion and harmful material that reduce the performance and life of the battery.
When it is time for a new battery, we can assess your driving habits and vehicle needs to recommend the best battery for your car or truck. Don’t settle for the hassle of frequent jump starts and poor performance – come to Melton Automotive to get the right battery for your vehicle and keep it performing its best.
Brakes
Your vehicle’s engine keeps you moving on the road, but your brakes are vital to helping you avoid accidents and the dangers of the road. From the shoes and pads to disks, rotors, and drums, the brake system components need periodic service and maintenance to keep you safe.
If you notice noises like squeaking, squealing, and grinding, have your brakes inspected right away.
As you use your brakes to stop the weight and momentum of your vehicle, the brake pads become worn down until there is no material left – metal grinding on metal can cause serious problems and lead to more costly repairs and replacements, including cracked or warped rotors and damaged brake drums.
Come in at the first sign of an issue with your brakes to avoid unnecessary damage and expensive repairs! From the calipers and bearings to the smallest seals, our ASE certified technicians will perform a thorough inspection of all brake components to recommend services and repairs as needed. Call today for your brake inspection and service: 205.663.6088
CNG
We help Alabama fleets cut their fuel expenses by performing EPA-compliant CNG conversions on new or nearly new vehicles. Melton Automotive is the leading authority for compressed natural gas and propane conversions in the state of Alabama, and routinely convert fleet vehicles to CNG for clients out of State, based on our expertise and quality of work.
Converting a vehicle to compressed natural gas helps save on gas costs and helps the environment. Natural gas burns cleaner than gas, so fewer harmful emissions are produced. Most CNG vehicles can be refueled at home or at special filling stations. The Clean Air Act approves EPA-certified conversions for vehicles converted on clean fuel, which means your warranty cannot be voided.
We install CNG conversion kits on individual consumer passenger vehicles and fleets of vehicles for businesses, municipalities, and other organizations. Every conversion we do is optimized for your safety, convenience, aesthetics, performance, and fuel savings.
Give us a call today at 205-663-6088 and let us show you the kind of quality service that individuals and businesses from Alabama and surrounding states count on from us, time and time again.
Diesel Service
We service a wide variety of diesel engine brands, including Duramax, Power Stroke, Cummins and Isuzu for your Chevy, GMC, Ford, Dodge, Ram, or Sprinter vehicles.
Diesel engines are powerful, efficient, and durable, making them an increasingly popular choice among drivers here in Alabama. If you drive a diesel vehicle, you definitely want experts working on your engine and Melton Automotive has both the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to get the job done in an efficient, timely manner.
At Melton Automotive, your diesel is in good hands! Our technicians are ASE certified and well-trained to check your diesel for any potential issues that you may not be aware. We always provide a thorough analysis of our findings and then will work with you to help prioritize any repairs based on your budget and safety. We are dedicated to helping you identify concerns to avoid inconvenient and costly repairs if left unattended.
We also encourage our customers to have the recommended routine maintenance performed to prevent issues and ensure that your diesel works efficiently for many years ahead.
We service Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax, as we regularly see Ford, Dodge, Ram, Chevrolet and GMC trucks all the time. Whether it is diesel engine repairs, fuel injection maintenance, performance upgrades, or even transmission, or alignment, we are well-prepared and skilled for your needs.
Give us a call today at 205-663-6088 and let us show you the kind of quality service that has helped to make us one of the most trusted names in diesel maintenance and repair services throughout the Alabaster area.
Engine Light
Warning lights give you important updates about the components in your vehicle. All of these lights appear when you first start your car, then switch off again for the drive – unless there’s an issue. When the Check Engine light stays on, you know you have a problem.
The Check Engine light can signal a variety of issues, from a loose gas cap to a serious engine issue. This small light can instantly grab your attention. Instead of being afraid not knowing what it means, bring your vehicle to Melton Automotive right away!
Our ASE Certified technicians will inspect your vehicle, using expertise combined with sophisticated diagnostic tools, to identify the issue. The thorough inspection covers all major components from spark plugs to the transmission. Up-to-date technology and scanners retrieve codes from the engine computer to signal potential problems.
Don’t ignore a check engine light! Have it inspected right away. If the light is flashing, immediately pull over and have your vehicle towed to our shop. A flashing light indicates a serious problem in the engine, and your vehicle may not be safe to travel on the road.
Exhaust
Your vehicle’s exhaust system keeps your engine running clean and efficient. As gases are burnt in the engine, the combustion in the engine expels them out of the vehicle through exhaust pipes.
Various components, including the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and muffler, make up the exhaust system and allow the engine to run efficiently, cleanly, and quietly.
If your vehicle sputters and makes lots of noise as you drive, or you notice a decrease in engine performance or a fall in miles per gallon, consider having the exhaust system inspected. These issues can signal a problem in the exhaust system.
You also have the option to upgrade your vehicle’s exhaust with aftermarket options. For increased power and efficiency, or if you simply want the noise of a custom exhaust system, ask our technicians about the options for your vehicle.
To help your engine breathe easy and get the best performance, visit Melton Automotive for exhaust system services! From exhaust system repair to installing aftermarket components, our experienced technicians will help you select the best service for your vehicle. Call for more information: 205.663.6088.
Oil Change
Every car owner knows that oil changes are necessary to keep your vehicle running properly and safely on the road. The rule of thumb many drivers follow is having an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Our technicians keep track of manufacturer recommendations, so you know the best times to have the oil changed for your vehicle.
We also track the appropriate type and weight of oil (for example, 5w20 or 10w30). These numbers relate to the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil, and are determined by the engine properties and external factors, like temperature. We’ll help you understand your options, including conventional or synthetic oil, and determine what is right for your vehicle.
When you bring your vehicle in to Melton Automotive for an oil change, our technicians take care of you! We understand the manufacturer recommendations and get to know your vehicle, so we can provide the best service and the right oil for your vehicle.
If you wait too long between oil changes, the oil thickens and looks like sludge. As it moves through the engine, it can clog passages and cause premature wear of engine components. To avoid added engine stress and damage, don’t put off getting your oil changed.
Our full service oil change includes an inspection of hoses, belts, air filter, and fluids. We’ll also top off your windshield washer fluid. As part of your regularly scheduled oil changes, our service advisors will help you keep track of other scheduled maintenance and inspections for your vehicle.
To schedule your next full service oil change and inspection, call us at 205.663.6088.
Shocks and Struts
No road is perfectly smooth. Even the best maintained roads have imperfections, bumps, cracks, and even potholes. That’s why your vehicle comes equipped with shocks and struts!
Shock absorbers keep your vehicle from bouncing up and down as your tires drive along uneven roads. But if your shock absorbers become worn or broken, you’ll immediately notice every small bump and jar while driving along seemingly smooth roads.
If left unattended, problems with your vehicle shocks and struts can cause further and costly damage to the suspension system. The increased impact from the road will also cause your tires to wear unevenly, causing bald spots that reduce the life of your tires. You’ll need to replace the tires prematurely, an expense that could have been avoided for several months.
Vehicle manufacturers often recommend replacing shocks and struts at 50,000 miles (check your owner’s manual or call Melton Automotive at 205.663.6088 for the exact recommendation for your vehicle). Our experienced technicians recommend having all four replaced at the same time for optimum performance. (If this isn’t an option for you, we’ll help you determine the best alternative, like replacing either front or rear first).
If you notice every bump on the road or are approaching the recommended mileage, come to Melton Automotive! Our independent auto shop in Alabaster, AL, uses only the best shocks and struts for reliable repair and performance for your vehicle, including heavy-duty shocks for your truck, SUV, towing, and hauling vehicles. Call for more information or to schedule your next appointment: 205.663.6088.
Tire Rotation and Balancing
For the most efficient and smooth ride, all four tires should hit the road in exactly the same way – from tire pressure to rotation and balance.
Low tire pressure has a negative impact on the fuel economy of your vehicle and shortens the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires have more surface area on the road, causing more resistance and drag which reduces your miles per gallon.
Low tire pressure also means your tires will wear faster, are more prone to going flat and having bald spots, and will need replacing sooner. Most modern cars have tire pressure monitoring systems that detect under-inflated tires. You can also check your tire pressure manually using an inexpensive pressure gauge, or simply bring your vehicle into our shop for a quick check. If you have questions, call our certified technicians at 205.663.6088
To get the longest life out of your tires, it is important to schedule regular tire rotations. Because tires can wear unevenly with normal driving, rotating the tires allows the wear to even out and prevent bald and worn spots. This service rotates the tires in position on your vehicle, from front to back or diagonally. Manufacturers usually recommend this service every 5,000 miles, but you may need it sooner depending on driving habits, road conditions, and tires.
Tire balancing also helps to provide a smooth ride and extend the life of your tires. Small imperfections on the wheel, including the valve stem, can affect the way the wheel and tire hit the road. A small weight on the wheel provides the additional weight needed to balance the wheel and tire. This service reduces excessive wear on your tires and creates a smooth ride for you and your passengers!
If you have questions about the condition of your vehicle’s tires, tire rotation or balance services, or the best care for your vehicle, call the expert technicians at our Alabaster, AL auto repair shop: 205.663.6088.
Tune Ups
A “tune-up” involves a variety of services for your vehicle and is an important part of your preventative maintenance plan. Our certified technicians will replace, repair, flush, or top-off components to keep your vehicle running at its best.
From spark plugs to fluids, our certified technicians keep track of the various services recommended by your manufacturer so you don’t have to. We’ll keep you aware of the maintenance services and milestones you need to know to take care of your vehicle.
Changing spark plugs and wires are important to avoid performance issues. But not all spark plugs are the same – your vehicle will require a specific kind to meet the specifications of the car maker.
While a “tune-up” is a dated term, these services are still important for your vehicle. Stop by our Alabaster, AL repair shop or call the expert technicians at Melton Automotive to learn about the best maintenance services for your vehicle.
From inspections to spark plugs to fluids and more, Melton Automotive is here for all your vehicle maintenance needs: 205.663.6088.
When you bring your vehicle to Melton Automotive, you trust the care of your vehicle to a team of auto repair and maintenance experts with your best interest at heart! From preventative maintenance to major engine repair, our knowledge and expertise extends from bumper to tailpipe, windshield to gasket – we know your vehicle inside and out!
Melton Automotive offers all of the services listed below and many more. If you have any questions, please call 205.663.6088
We don’t just fix your car – we help you get the longest and healthiest life out of your vehicle on the road! Your service advisor will help you craft a preventative maintenance plan that offers the best service options for your family and your vehicle, based on your needs, budget, driving habits, and more! You get more than an auto service – you get a trusted advisor who can answer any of your questions and help you make the best decision for your vehicle!
Melton Automotive is a full service auto repair and maintenance center. If you have any questions about the care of your vehicle or the services we provide, call us at 205.663.6088.
718 Fulton Springs Rd Alabaster, AL 35007
(205)663-6088