Heinold & Feller FAQ
At Heinold & Feller, we get a lot of questions. Thankfully our team of automotive experts has a lot of answers.
Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What are your store locations and hours?
We have two locations:
Our Valparaiso location at 1707 E Lincolnway is open 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday.
Our LaCrosse location at 16 S Washington St. (Hwy 421) is open 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday and 7:45 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday.
Are you open on Saturdays?
Yes! Our Valpo store is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and our LaCrosse store is open 7:45 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturdays.
How else can I reach you?
You can reach us by phone:
The phone number for our Valpo location is: (219) 462-5191. The phone number for our LaCrosse location is (219) 754-2411.
You can also reach us by email at: info@heinold-feller.com
Why should I choose Heinold & Feller?
Heinold & Feller has been providing trusted automotive repair services and full service tire sales since 1958. As a family-owned business, we understand that our success depends on delivering quality service with honesty and integrity. Your family matters to ours, and our work reflects that belief. Every day, with every customer, we strive to exemplify the true meaning of these words in all that we do. It’s not just a tagline, it’s how we really feel, and that’s why our staff repairs and maintains each vehicle as if it were their own.
AUTO SERVICES
What auto repair and maintenance services do you offer?
We can handle all of your automotive repair and general automotive maintenance needs. We do vehicle alignments, brakes, oil changes and fluid flushes, along with transmission repairs and much more. We can also run computerized vehicle diagnostics. Our team has decades of experience working on both domestic and foreign vehicles. We are an AC Delco TSS certified shop with Master Certified ASE technicians. We are also a TechNet auto certified shop and part of the TechNet Professional Automotive Service national network.
Does the diagnostic fee go toward my repair costs?
No. The diagnostic fee pays for the time it takes for our highly qualified technicians to find the real problem with your vehicle. After that, an estimate will be given for any needed repairs.
Would my repair costs be lower if I bring in my own parts?
As a full service repair shop that offers a nationwide warranty, we don’t install parts purchased elsewhere.
Can you match competitors’ prices?
We do try to match competitor prices for comparable quality of work, parts, and warranty when we can.
Does an alignment issue cause a vibration?
Vibrations are rarely caused by an alignment problem, and fixing the alignment will not usually fix this issue. A car that’s out of alignment will eventually wear out the tires. Unless the tires themselves are rebalanced or replaced, the vibration will continue.
Why do I have to have my rotors changed when replacing brake pads?
Today’s cars have rotors that are much lighter and thinner than previous generations of automobiles. The rotor and the pads are designed to absorb the massive amount of heat generated during braking. If the rotors are not replaced, in most instances the car will develop vibration due to the rotors warping from the heat. New pads and rotors installed at the same time will wear more uniformly and usually have quieter braking performance.
QUOTES FOR SERVICES OR TIRES
How much will my repair cost?
You can get a quote for automotive services here: https://www.heinold-feller.com/quote-request/
How much for a set of new tires?
If you’re ready to start shopping for new tires, you can get a tire quote anytime by filling out our simple form – click here.
COUPONS/REBATES
Do you offer coupons for auto repair and tires?
Yes, we do! We make it easy to save at Heinold & Feller. We update our coupons frequently, so check back often. Click here to check current coupons.
RETURNS/WARRANTIES
Do you offer auto repair warranties?
Yes! When you have any service or repair over $25 performed at Heinold & Feller, the work is covered by a nationwide limited repair warranty. This warranty comes with many of the services and repairs we offer. Even better, the warranty extends across North America for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. As an added bonus, you also get free roadside assistance for one year with your qualifying service. Click here to check out our warranty details.
MAKING APPOINTMENTS
How can I make an appointment?
If you need automotive services or repairs, you can make an appointment by calling either of our locations during business hours, or scheduling online anytime by clicking here.
Can I make an appointment on Saturday?
Yes! Our Valpo store is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and our LaCrosse store is open 7:45 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturdays.
VALET SERVICE
Can you pick up my car for service?
Yes, and our Valet Service is free! Valet service is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays within Valparaiso city limits. When your car needs servicing, simply complete our online form to let us know what services you need. When it’s time for your appointment, our driver will come to your requested location to pick up your keys, bring your vehicle to Heinold & Feller for service, and return it to you safely when your service is completed. You can sign up for Valet Service here: https://www.heinold-feller.com/valet_service/
TIRES
Can you patch my tire?
We’d be happy to take a look and let you know. Please keep in mind that tires can only be repaired in certain areas of the tread area. Industry standards allow for repair of the tread area as long as the hole is not within 1 inch of the tire side wall. If the damage is to the sidewall or shoulder area, you’ll need to have the tire replaced.
How do I know when I need a new set of tires?
It’s time to replace your tires when you’re seeing low tread, tire damage, or a scalloped or irregular wear pattern. You can measure your tire’s tread by doing the penny test. Put a penny into your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. Please keep in mind, with our Northwest Indiana driving conditions we recommend a deeper tread for safer winter driving.
How do I find my tire size?
Finding your tire size is simple. Look for numbers on your tire’s sidewall. An example might look like this: 215/50R17. The first three numbers measure the millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The two numbers after the slash are the tire’s aspect ratio, and the R indicates this tire has radial construction (you may also see a B, indicating bias construction). The final number is the tire’s rim diameter.
Do I need to have my tires rotated every 5,000 miles?
Most manufacturers recommend your tires be rotated every 5-6K miles, because this is the only way to ensure uniform tire wear. It also allows the manufacturer to then guarantee that tire wear. If the rotations are not done, the manufacturer will not honor the mileage warranty.
Do I need to replace all four tires on my AWD vehicle at the same time?
Most AWD vehicles have a very limited tolerance on tire size variation because that can cause damage to the 4-wheel-drive system, usually in the transfer case. The total circumference variation between tires should not exceed a quarter inch for most AWD vehicles. There’s a lot of variation between different brands, and that is why we recommend getting all four replaced at one time. It is also very important to rotate tires consistently to keep even wear on AWD vehicles. We recommend having this done every time—or at least every other time—you get your oil changed.
Why can’t I leave my snow tires on all year round?
Snow tires are designed to maximize their wear in cold weather. They also have a softer compound that allows for better traction, but when the weather warms up that compound will wear quickly.
Do you sell tires for lawn mowers?
We carry tires for many vehicles. In addition to tires for light trucks and cars, we also carry tires for lawn mowers, tractors, scooters, and go karts.