University Tire & Auto Center - Pantops

140 Newhouse Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA

Address:	140 Newhouse Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA
Phone:	+1 434-979-2300
Site:	universitytireandauto.com
Rating:	2.8
Working:	7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 32

Reviews 6

Alexander Black

I had to go to the shop because my alternator gave out while traveling on the highway. I told the guys at University Tire that it was probably the alternator, which it turned out to be. After they looked at my car they confirmed that the alternator was shot, but also the BG air induction must be serviced ($169) along with cleaning four other sensor services at cost of $50 a piece. I ask him if it was essential and if so would I be able to conduct the maintenance. I let him know that I have more time than money right now, and if I could take care of the services myself I would prefer that. He made me feel that it was absolutely essential that this stuff get taken care of and that it was extremely difficult. After getting home and checking on how to do the procedures on the internet (youtube), all of the cleaning services could be completed with very little supplies, experience or tools in probably under 30 minutes. By doing this I could have saved myself over $200. They also tried to charge me $39 for environmental disposal and shop supplies. Knowing that they only supplies they used was mass airflow cleaner ($8 for a bottle that probably would service 10 or more cars) and that they more than likely got paid to scrap my alternator, I pushed back and they decided not to charge me this fee. Previously I have had a good experience at another University Tire (Seminol Ct.), but I really feel like I was mistreated and taken advantage of at this University Tire and Auto (Pantops). I would be very wary about any extra services that they recommend.

Sharon Johnson

( 10 plus years Customers) My sister had her transmission flushed there. Once she drove it home she noticed the truck had a bit of a jerk to it. She took the truck back to them several times questioning the jerk every time they so called checked it of course nothing was wrong after driving it for a few months and going back for them to look at it several more times now theres a problem now she need to replace the transmission of course it not their fault but they are the ones that has ever worked on her truck/transmission. Do not recommend them for service on anything. ** Update so my sister spoke with Dave she sent him the receipt of the new transmission work like he requested, she is not pointing the entire blame on UTAC but if they had looked at this issue when she kept saying something was not right after the transmission was flushed, it could have been avoided thousands of dollars later. So at this time of course no one has gotten back to her to see if they are going the help come up with a solution to this problem, other than the response below, that they have been in contact with my sister. If you are not going to help just say so instead of avoiding this matter.

Mika Seje

I was in Charlottesville when my oil light came on (Im from out of town) late on a Friday afternoon. Even though the place was quite busy and I had no appointment, Travis offered to take a quick look at the car for me. Im ashamed to admit its been so long since I personally checked my oil that I was reading the dipstick all wrong. He pointed out that even though there was oil on the dipstick that it was essentially bone dry. He then put in some oil I had with me, and when that still didnt fill it, added more from the shops supply. He then pointed out that the battery that AAA had installed two days earlier was the wrong one for the car (the posts were in the wrong place), which was causing issues with the placement of the rod for my hood. Anyway, this was valuable information that Ill be using to get my money back from AAA hopefully. In any event, Travis kindly did all of this without accepting payment from me. I was extremely grateful for the help, and wanted to let the folks at University Tire & Auto know that his courtesy was very much appreciated (especially after just having been given obviously bad service by AAA). Id recommend them to anyone.

Tytecha Holliday

My experience at this location has been horrible on TWO separate occasions. First, I took my brothers car in on a Saturday to get his car inspected. I sat and waited for two whole hours and when they said the vehicle was ready, they actually did an oil change on the car instead of inspecting it and then made me pay for it! And then I had to wait another WHOLE hour to get it inspected only to be told that it did not pass! Now today, I called because I wanted to get tires for my fathers car and its closer to my dads house. I placed the call on Monday, July 29th and was told they had to order the tires and would call me back when they got in so that they could give me a total amount and set the appointment for Saturday. Well I never got a call and called today on August 2, only to be told that the tires were not ordered and no one seem to know what I was talking about! I looked through my call log just to make sure that I had the right branch, and guess what it was! This branch is HORRIBLE!! I will NEVER use them again! Makes you think if they cant even get the simple things right, imagine what they are doing to your car!!!!

Brian Dickert

I dropped my car off for inspection in Feb. 2015. I was informed the car had a power steering leak and would need a new rack and pinion for $1400 to pass inspection. Also 2 new belts were recommended for $600. Luckily they couldnt get the rack and pinion that day and I had time to get a second opinion. I took it to 2 other places, both said the rack boot had a small tear, which was required to be replaced for inspection, but there was no leaking power steering fluid like University stated. I had a quote of $180 at one shop, $160 at the other. I ended up paying $260 for the new rack boot and 2 belts at another shop. I had the oil changed the same day at University, and then noticed a puddle where I park my car. I decided to look under the car and discovered oil running down the filter. The filter was loose! That is completely unacceptable. How could this mechanic continue to have a job? This could have ruined my engine if I didnt catch their mistake. Do not take your care here. Go to Peacock, By Word of Mouth, or Tuffy Muffler

Barry C

I used to use University Tire for tires and oil changes all the time when I lived and worked in Charlottesville. We have moved over the mountain so I had not used them in a few years. I do still work in Charlottesville and on the way to work on June 1st I realized my inspection had expired the previous day. I dropped the car by University to have it inspected. They shuttled me to work and then about 11:00AM I got a call that I needed almost $700.00 worth of work to my car for it to pass inspection. Something did not sound right so I allowed them to reject the car. I picked it up and took it to the mechanic that works on the car but does not inspect. When I showed him the list he questioned the repairs and gave the car a quick look. He did not see the need for the repairs. He recommended I take that car elsewhere to get it inspected. I did and the car past no problem. I have read through the reviews and this seems to be a recurring theme for this shop now. It’s a shame they used to be a good shop, but I won’t be back.