Frequently Asked Questions

Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM. We are closed on weekends.

129 Ossipee Trail West (Route 25), Standish, ME 04084. Right on the main road, easy to find.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Call (207) 648-4747 to schedule.

Cash, all major credit cards, and debit cards.

We don't offer towing directly, but we can recommend reliable local tow companies that bring vehicles to us regularly.

Jon has been working on cars for over 30 years. Up Front Auto Repair has been serving Standish and surrounding towns with honest, quality work.

$40–$80 depending on oil type (conventional vs synthetic) and vehicle. Includes filter replacement.

Brake pad replacement: $150–$300 per axle. Pads + rotors: $250–$450 per axle. We give exact quotes before starting.

Yes. We're a licensed Maine inspection station. Inspections are $12.50 (state-set fee).

Usually 30–45 minutes.

Yes — domestic and import, cars, trucks, and SUVs. We see everything from Honda Civics to Ford F-350s.

Yes, from diagnostics to full rebuilds. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your vehicle.

We offer affordable diagnostic scans. We'll read the codes and explain what they mean in plain English before recommending any repairs.

Brakes, tires (minimum 2/32" tread), lights, horn, wipers, exhaust, steering, suspension, windshield condition, and emissions (OBD-II test for 1996+ vehicles).

Yes. We'll explain exactly what failed and what it costs to fix. No pressure — we'll give you the facts and let you decide.

Check battery, antifreeze, tires (consider snow tires), brakes, wipers, and heating system. We offer a winter prep checkup.

Yes. Maine road salt corrodes brake lines, exhaust systems, suspension components, and body panels. Regular undercarriage washes help, and we inspect for salt damage during service visits.

Every 3,000–5,000 miles for conventional oil, 5,000–7,500 for synthetic. Maine's cold starts and short trips can be hard on oil — stick to the shorter intervals if you do mostly town driving.

Maine inspections are due based on your birth month (for personal vehicles). Commercial vehicles follow different schedules.

A steady check engine light means something needs attention but isn't an emergency. A flashing check engine light means pull over — continued driving can cause serious engine damage. Either way, get it scanned soon.

Usually warped brake rotors or worn brake pads. Common in Maine due to salt, potholes, and temperature swings. Get it checked — it's usually a straightforward fix.

Grinding when braking = worn brake pads (metal on metal). Grinding when turning = CV joint. Grinding at speed = wheel bearing. All of these need attention.

Most likely a weak battery. Maine cold reduces battery power significantly. Call us for a battery test. If you need a jump, make sure to get the battery tested after — a jump start is a temporary fix.

If it's steady and the car seems to run normally, you can drive to the shop. If it's flashing, do not drive — have it towed. A steady light can still indicate problems that worsen over time.

The penny test: insert a penny head-first into the tread. If you see all of Lincoln's head, it's time. Maine law requires minimum 2/32" tread depth for inspection. We recommend replacing at 4/32" for Maine winters.