Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
settings

573-449-4171 | 1204 N College Ave Columbia, MO 65201

INSPECTIONS

Some states require regular safety inspections on cars and trucks. At Walt's Service Inc., we are well-equipped and trained to perform these inspections. Our technicians can also perform multi-point inspections on your vehicles as needed.

These are some of the inspection services we offer.


MO State Inspection Station
MO state inspection stations are privately owned, but government certified, inspection stations throughout MO. Walt's Service Inc. is a MO state inspection station. For your state inspection needs visit or call our auto shop at 573-449-4171.

Exhaust Related FAQs

What is a rough idle?
A rough idle describes a vehicle's engine with spark plugs that are not firing correctly when the vehicle is in park, with no gas applied. Most vehicles idle between 600 and 1,200 RPM and should hold their idle speed consistently.

Can you put any exhaust on any car?
Not every exhaust will fit every car. Compatibility isn't just about car make and model; engine specs, optional extras, and even trim levels can influence the fit. Make sure you consider not just the make and model, but also engine details, fancy extras, and even trim levels before getting your heart set on a shiny new system.

Why is smoke coming out of my tailpipe?
The most common reason for thick smoke coming out of your car's exhaust pipe is the fuel to air ratio in your engine is too rich. This means that the fuel injectors are either adding too much fuel or that the intake valves aren't letting enough air in. This is caused by a cracked or leaking fuel injector, a failing O2 sensor, or air filter that needs replacing.

Catalytic Converter FAQs

Can I drive with the catalytic converter light on?
A bad catalytic converter can increase your car's exhaust emissions, but it does not prevent you from driving. At Walt's Service Inc. we know this is true. A clogged catalytic converter will eventually affect the performance of your vehicle in Columbia, Jefferson City, Marshall and Stephens College. Exhaust gases will not escape easily and create an increase in exhaust gas pressure. The buildup in pressure can lead to high-cost repair bills in the future.

What can cause a catalytic converter light to come on?
A catalytic converter helps reduce harmful engine emissions from entering the air by breaking down the harmful byproduct of internal combustion into less-harmful compounds. If your catalytic converter isn't working properly the check engine light will come on. The most common causes for a catalytic convert warning light to display are a clogged, cracked or melted converter. Sometimes the problem isn't the catalytic converter at all but an exhaust leak letting gases out of the system before it reaches the converter.

What happens to your car after the catalytic converter gets taken?
Removing the catalytic converter has a dramatic impact on your vehicle's acoustics. A deep, loud roar replaces the engine's usual hum, intensifying as you accelerate. Additionally, expect rough transitions and sputtering sounds when shifting gears, indicating impaired performance and potential engine damage.

To learn more about our Inspection and Emission services, call us at 573-449-4171 or request a quote by clicking below:


Request Quote



What Our Customers Are Saying

reviewicon

Was driving from NY to LA when my Bus started dying on the highway. Lookup the nearest VW mechanic and come here. Walt is great! He took a look at my Bus, even though it was late and he was busy-and told me the last guy who rebuilt the engine screwed up. I trusted Walt to rebuild the engine, and he did it cheaper and quicker than the first mechanic, and much better! I now have 10-15mph higher top speed and it runs a lot smoother. Driving from MO to LA I went from losing 1qt/1000 miles to losing no oil! Superb job, honest guy, nobody knows more about air-cooled VWs than he.

reviewicon

My daughter, a MU student, and her used 2007 high mileage Audi A4 broke down, the car was towed to Walt's. Walt called me the next day and went over his diagnostics and recommendations. He only recommended what needed to be done and did not recommend useless/costly repairs. When the car was complete, he called me with the final bill which was totally reasonable. He was timely and great to work with! I highly recommend this repair shop, it is so hard to find honest and qualified technicians and mechanics these days and Walt is truly one of the best I have ever worked with. I will definitely be back, thank you so much!

reviewicon

I have an old (2001) high mileage (155k+) VW Golf, and I only take it to Walt's. The staff is friendly, honest, fair, and fairly quick with repairs. They give you options and explain the pros and cons of optional repairs. They keep my old Golf running well, with fair costs for repairs. I would (and have) recommended to anyone with a VW or similar German car.

reviewicon

I had my MINI Cooper serviced here. These guys are great. They showed me everything about my car (as I know nothing about cars). The Baron MINI in Kansas City told me I needed new front and back brakes and rotors. After showing me how much brake pad I had left on the back brakes, the guy at Walt's said "that's nuts and these should last at least another year". They also did quality work and cost a couple hundred bucks less! I am very pleased!

reviewicon

I would not take my car anywhere else. They are honest, friendly and work with you to make the best/most cost effective repair solutions.

reviewicon

Great people and service. They went above and beyond in order to help me resolve a problem with my 2011 Audi S5. Definitely plan on going back.

  • Bosch
  • Car Care Aware
  • Call Us For Service: 573-449-4171