Petty Auto RepairDorchester, Boston, MA 02124English and Spanish
Honest auto repair in Dorchester.
Petty Auto Repair is a local shop run by Jose Luis Baez. We find the problem, explain it in plain words, and fix it, from the check engine light to brakes and batteries. Without the runaround.
Hours Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6:30 PMSat 8:30 AM–5:10 PMSun closed
What a scan tells you
A warning light says something is wrong. A scan says what.
The light does not tell you what is going on. We plug in, read the codes, check the electrical side, and give you a fast, accurate answer so you know exactly what your car needs before anything gets replaced.
The codes shown are standard examples of what a diagnostic reports (generic OBD-II definitions, SAE J2012). A code is where the diagnosis starts. It is not a repair, and it is not a price.
Full vehicle diagnosticsDiagnostic readoutExample
- P0300Random or multiple cylinder misfire detected
- P0420Catalyst system efficiency below threshold
- P0562System voltage low
- P0171Fuel system too lean
What we do
Four things a car actually needs, done in order.
Each service has its own page with what is included and the signs to look for.
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Check engine light on? We run advanced diagnostics to detect any issue, from engine codes to electrical faults, so you know exactly what your car needs.
See diagnosticsAI illustration, not Petty's shop
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Minor repair or full rebuild. We handle leaks, misfires and power loss and get the engine back to peak performance.
See engine repair -
Pad replacement, rotor resurfacing and full brake inspections. Your safety comes first.
See brake services -
From a battery check to a replacement, we make sure your vehicle powers on every time.
See battery services
How a repair works here
Four things you get, in writing.
No slogans. Massachusetts rules for repair shops cover these four things, and they are how a repair goes here.
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01
A written estimate to approve before work starts
You see the price on paper before we begin, and you approve it. If the job needs to go past the estimate, we get your OK first.
Massachusetts 940 CMR 5.05
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02
Your replaced parts back, if you ask
Say so when you drop the car off and the old parts are kept for you to look at or take home. A part that has to go back for an exchange or warranty is shown to you instead.
Massachusetts 940 CMR 5.05
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03
Diagnosis and storage charges told up front
If there is a charge to find the problem, or to keep the car on the lot, you know before you agree to anything.
Massachusetts 940 CMR 5.05
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04
An itemized bill
Parts and labor listed line by line, so the invoice matches the estimate you agreed to.
Massachusetts 940 CMR 5.05
Massachusetts rules for repair shops (940 CMR 5.05) cover these four points for shops across the state; the regulation has its own details and exceptions. We list them because this is how a repair goes here, not because they are special.
Where we are
Right here in Dorchester.
Dorchester, MA 02124 Dorchester Center · Boston
A neighborhood shop, owned and run by Jose Luis Baez. You get a straight explanation in English or Spanish, and you are not driving across Boston for it.
Prefer Spanish? Call or write to us in Spanish. The whole site is in Spanish too: tap ES at the top.
More about where we are| Monday to Friday | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 8:30 AM – 5:10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Request a quote
Tell us what the car is doing.
A few lines about the car, sent to us on WhatsApp straight from the form. If the car cannot wait, call (857) 756-0675.
Questions people ask
Before you come in.
My check engine light is on. Can I keep driving?
If it is steady, get it checked soon; the car is telling you something is off. If it is flashing, that is an active misfire: pull over when it is safe and call us, because driving on it can damage the catalytic converter, which is an expensive part. Either way, a diagnostic tells you exactly what is going on.
How do I know if my brakes need work?
Squealing is the early warning. Grinding, pulsing in the pedal, pulling to one side or a brake warning light mean come in soon. If the pedal feels soft or sinks toward the floor, pull over safely and call us before driving further. We inspect first and tell you what actually needs replacing.
How long does a car battery last, and how do I know mine is going?
Most last about three to five years. Slow cranking, dim lights at idle, a battery warning light or needing a jump start are the usual signs. A quick test tells you for sure, and it is worth doing before winter.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. You can call, message and get your explanation in Spanish, and this whole site is in Spanish too.
Something not right with the car?
Call (857) 756-0675 or send us a message. We answer in English or Spanish.