In-house workshops are rarely found in most auto repair shops. But for those who do, mechanics can go far beyond diagnosing and maintaining vehicles by repairing, reengineering, or remanufacturing auto parts. Special equipment in an auto shop with an in-house machine shop allows for specialized cutting, sanding, drilling, grinding, knurling (cutting into patterns to allow for a better grip), and welding of parts for customization or repair. Own machine shops are also used for the manufacture of parts in metal or plastic.
With this technology, mechanics can provide the fully functional parts they need to complete a repair, customers receive a faster repair, and comprehensive service often saves them money.
Reconstruction of main parts
For vehicles, machine shops are used to modify vehicle parts for repair, create custom add-ons, or improve performance by fine-turning a part. They are used in parts for brakes, clutches, transmissions, drive lines, and engines. Examples include engine rebuilding, which is much less expensive than buying another car and can double the life of the car while improving performance and mileage. Carsdirect.com points out another option auto shops can handle: modifying your vehicle to install a lower-mileage engine.
The same reasoning applies to rebuilt transmissions. It’s a cost-effective way to get a vehicle back on the road without having to buy a new car. Transmission rebuilds are an important service in most in-house machine shops.
Replacement and upgrade of parts and systems
Auto repair shops may also replace many parts on a vehicle with stronger ones to improve performance, such as replacing manufacturer torque converters with more powerful ones that improve transmission strength and help improve fuel economy.
Clutch replacement is a popular service for drivers who want to switch from an automatic to a manual for a more exciting driving experience or simply to save gas. With manual shifting comes clutch repair, especially for drivers learning to use a clutch.
If you want to follow the car at Bruce Springsteen’s street racing, Auto repair shops can install a fuel head, but not for your ’69 Chevy – fuel heads are for Corvettes and only for the ’57 Chevy. Apparently the 396 engines were too big for them, but a good shop can rebuild the heads.
Popular Mechanics points out that today’s manufacturers have done a good job of redesigning many car and truck systems to meet more stringent fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Still, there are upgrades that can increase performance and are best done in a machine shop to handle the necessary modifications:
- Adjustable upper strut mounts and chassis clamps replace rubber mounts and improve alignment.
- Larger noise reduction rear exhaust catalyst
- Stiffer engine mounts to improve engine response and precise handling
- Less restrictive cold air intake to increase engine efficiency at higher speeds
- Stainless steel braided brake lines for quicker response and less breakage