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Business & Tech

Business Profile: Pinnacle Automotive

The owner shares car care tips before winter, road trips and why they were voted best in Woodridge four years in a row.

We got a chance to talk to Clarissa Lard, owner of . She explained more about her business and shared some fantastic car maintenance tips.

Patch: What services do you offer?

Lard: Anything from oil changes to brakes to suspension work, exhaust and all maintenance items, anything regarding check engine lights and emissions. We provide services on all domestic and import vehicles and specialize in Mercedes and BMW because we have the capability of diagnosing and programming them, where most shops do not. We provide a nice alternative to the dealer. We try to make our customers feel like part of our family. We are always willing to not only explain what work needs to be provided but show our customers the actual problem on the vehicle so they can see for themselves and feel like they are informed in order to make a good decision as to whether or not they would like to have the work completed.

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Patch: You were voted Best of Woodridge in the auto category for the fourth year in a row. What do you attribute that to?

Lard: We are so pleased and honored to be bestowed this award. I think it is definitely attributed to our honesty, integrity and providing a good quality product for an affordable price. We 100% back our services, and I believe this award proves that.

Patch: What's great about having a business in Woodridge?

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Lard: Woodridge is a very diverse town. It has great entertainment with its many varieties of restaraunts, and a wonderful movie theater with an IMAX. It's a safe environment for our families and having a business in Woodridge has been beneficial to us.

Patch: What are the most important things to check out before taking a road trip?

Lard: It's always a good idea to bring your vehicle in prior to leaving so that your vehicle can be properly inspected in order to avoid any unnecessary mishaps. Make sure your tires and spare tire are checked, belts, suspension and brakes inspected and battery tested. This is a service we provide as a courtesy to our customers who frequent our business on a regular basis.
 
Patch: Now that the weather is getting colder, what are some suggestions we can do to keep our cars in the best possible shape?

Lard: It is always a good idea to have your battery and spare tire checked and coolant tested to make sure it is worthy of our cold winters. It is also important to keep up with the scheduled maintenance that is recommended for your vehicle.  Changing filters and necessary fluids always helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition.  We always stress to our own daughter who lives out of state, "If you take care of your car, it will take care of you."

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