Automotive in Ridge

After successfully running a one-pump gas station and repair shop for 15 years, husband-and-wife team Michael and Barbara knew it was time to expand. So, in 1997 they moved to a larger station in town, and began vending Gulf Gas to their loyal Yaphank customers. Today, the duo and their daughter Kimberly still helm ABM Automotive Service Center, where they oversee a crew of ASE-certified technicians, who put autos through the wringer with skillful maintenance services. They change engines’ dirty oil or diapers, toss away sullied filters, and rotate tires, all while ensuring the cars’ systems are running smoothly.

Vehicles parade through Miller Place Star Wash & Fast Lube Center's wash tunnels seven days a week for a cleaning, or stretch out on a service bay and allow a trained technician to replenish their reserves of component fluids. Wash and detail packages come with myriad treatments, including Teflon–fortified sealant and paste wax that give cars the confidence to overcome mid-odometer crises. Standard and synthetic motor oils twirl through funnels and into cars to settle the friction between dry parts. Miller Place Star Wash uses biodegradable cleaning products, and instead of discarding their old oil, they recycle it into energy that heats and powers the building and its resident transformer.

Though jets of foam and spinning brushes are effective at removing the majority of grime from cars, it takes the gentle and precise attention of the human hand to render chassis completely clean. Centereach Hand Wash & Detail Center’s technicians lend their dexterous mitts toward each visitor’s auto as they towel dry mirrors, wipe down dashes, and discreetly pick mailboxes out of grills. The shop also offers detailing services, which include such amenities as leather conditioning and chrome polishing. Active for more than 45 years, the center’s recently remodeled home invites drivers in with refreshed facades and an interior viewing area stocked with automotive necessities.

With participating locations nationwide, Auto Care Special lets customers reach out to their local garages for a grab bag of free and discounted maintenance services. Cards may be redeemed for multiple vehicles over the course of one year for services such as oil changes, safety inspections, and engine-light diagnoses. Those who move or create alter-egos over the course of the year can scan the locations page for participating garages in their new cities of residence to receive a complimentary maintenance bundle.

Heartland Jiffy Lubes enjoy the benefits of being under the Heartland Automotive Services umbrella, putting them in good company along with more than 435 Jiffy Lubes nationwide that service more than five million customers each year. They specialize in the Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, which comes standard with a fresh-from-the-box oil filter and up to 5 quarts of quality motor oil, plus a comprehensive lineup of other vehicle maintenance checkups. Highly trained technicians also perform cosmetic and mechanical services including inspections, emissions testing, transmission service, and counseling for 1960s Corvettes that are going through a mid-life crisis.