Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes

Thank you Griff Griffin and to your team for yet another great experience and excellent customer service!
Big Al's in Hampton is making things happen!
You guys ROCK!!🤘🤘

I took my car to Big Al’s early in August--a 2006 Acura RSX with only 100k miles. My exhaust had come loose at the flange where it joined the catalytic converter. They welded a piece with a new flange to the pipe, but said I had to have a new converter because they couldn’t use the existing flange. My converter had been working fine, and I should have had them show me to see if there was a way to save it. Anyhow I went along with what they said. Then, when they got that done, they told me my exhaust manifold had a crack and was leaking. I was suspicious of that since it wasn’t leaking before, but had no way to prove it. (Later, I took the old manifold with me and inspected it closely for cracks. I found none, and if it was leaking it must have been caused by something they did while disassembling the system.) Next they told me they couldn’t find a replacement manifold. So I got an aftermarket manifold on E-bay, which they had to drill out a bit because the holes didn’t line up right.
Anyway, after two weeks and almost $1100, I finally got my car back. But less than 1500 miles later I started hearing a tinny noise under the car. I couldn’t see anything, so I took it to my mechanic. He said it was the new converter, the bedding inside had come loose. Not to worry, I thought, the converter has a 1-year warranty. But when I took it back to Big Al’s they said it was damaged by my car not running right, causing too much heat in the converter. They refused to honor the warranty. I checked with my mechanic who has serviced the car for 2 years, and he said there was nothing wrong with my engine, it had always run well and never had any codes. I researched on the internet and found that the discoloration on the converter they claimed was proof of overheating is actually normal for stainless steel and occurs at around 840 degrees, whereas the converter itself normally heats to 1200-1600 degrees. So I’m stuck with a rattling converter that cost me almost $750.

After some confusion on the type of oil used in my oil change, I felt uncomfortable with even a small risk of running with the wrong oil. Despite being very confident that the correct oil was used, the manager offered to re-change my oil and was able to fit me in quickly on a busy weekend. I greatly appreciated the staff's dedication to making sure I was satisfied. They have definitely earned my future business!

On 7/2/14, I returned to this Big Als Muffler for the 2nd time. On both occasions I've been impressed w/ A to Z - Cust Service, Knowledge & Ability of Techs, the folks going out of their way to show you what the problem is & how to fix it, & their fairness of price. I recommend this shop to anyone needing this type service. Doug D. Hampton

From brakes, oil changes, and state inspections to water pumps, radiators and engine light codes, these guys do it right at fair prices.
Waiting room, free coffee, build a relationship, your car will appreciate it. Simply ask for Kevin, the manager. In Hampton at Pembroke & La Salle Avenue. (757)-722-0700