Nelson's Services, Inc.

07/01/2026

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Nelson's Services, Inc!
As we celebrate this special holiday, we want to wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and relaxing Independence Day.
We will be open Friday, 7/3/26, 8am to 12pm.

06/30/2026

What to Do if You Have a Flat Tire

A flat tire can happen at the worst time. You might be driving to work, picking up kids, heading down Ogden Avenue, or getting on I-88 when the tire pressure light comes on or your car starts pulling to one side. If you are in Naperville and you get a flat tire, the most important thing is to stay calm, get to a safe place, and avoid making the damage worse.

A flat tire is not always just a tire problem. It can also point to a slow leak, rim damage, valve stem issue, pothole damage, or worn tread. Around Naperville, we see flat tires from nails, road debris, cold weather pressure drops, and potholes after winter. Here is what you should do next.

Flat Tire Warning Signs Before It Goes Completely Flat
Sometimes a tire goes flat fast. Other times it gives you warning signs first.

Watch for these signs:

Low tire pressure light on the dash
Car pulling left or right
Thumping sound while driving
Steering wheel vibration
Tire looks low or soft
Hissing sound near the tire
Car feels heavy or hard to steer
If you notice any of these, slow down and find a safe place to stop. Driving too far on a low tire can damage the sidewall, wheel, and suspension.

What to Do First if You Get a Flat Tire in Naperville
If you think you have a flat tire, do not slam on the brakes. Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down slowly. Turn on your hazard lights. Look for a safe place to pull over.

Good places to stop include:

A parking lot
A side street with room to park
A gas station
A wide shoulder away from traffic
Try not to stop on a narrow road, curve, hill, or busy shoulder if you can avoid it. Naperville traffic can get heavy, especially near Route 59, Ogden Avenue, Washington Street, and I-88 ramps. Your safety comes first.

Do Not Drive Far on a Flat Tire
This is one of the biggest mistakes drivers make. If the tire is fully flat, driving even a short distance can ruin it.

Driving on a flat tire can cause:

Sidewall damage
Bent wheel or rim damage
TPMS sensor damage
Brake and suspension stress
Loss of control
A more expensive repair
If the tire is only slightly low, you may be able to add air and drive carefully to a nearby shop. But if it is flat to the ground, do not keep driving on it.

Check the Tire Pressure and Look for Damage
Once you are safely parked, look at the tire if it is safe to do so. Do not stand near traffic.

Check for:

A nail or screw in the tread
A cut in the sidewall
A bubble on the tire
A bent rim
A tire that came off the bead
A missing valve cap or damaged valve stem
If the sidewall is damaged, the tire usually cannot be repaired. If the puncture is in the tread area, it may be repairable depending on the size and location.

Should You Use a Spare Tire?
Many vehicles still have a spare tire, but some do not. Some newer cars only include a tire repair kit or inflator.

If you have a spare tire and know how to install it safely, it can help you get to a repair shop. But remember, most spare tires are temporary. They are not meant for long drives or high speeds.

A temporary spare usually has limits like:

Drive under 50 mph
Drive only a short distance
Avoid highway speeds when possible
Replace or repair the main tire soon
Before using a spare, check that it has air. A lot of people do not realize their spare tire is flat until they need it.

Flat Tire Repair Kit: When It Helps and When It Does Not
Some vehicles come with a sealant and air compressor kit. This can help with small tread punctures, but it is not a permanent fix.

A tire repair kit may help if:

The puncture is small
The leak is in the tread
The tire is still on the rim
There is no sidewall damage
A tire repair kit will not help if:

The sidewall is torn
The tire is shredded
The rim is bent
The hole is too large
The tire came off the wheel
Sealant can also make tire repair messier later. If you use it, tell the repair shop so they know what is inside the tire.

Can a Flat Tire Be Repaired?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

A tire may be repairable if the puncture is in the main tread area and is not too large. A proper tire repair usually includes a patch and plug from the inside of the tire. This seals the hole and helps keep air from leaking again.

A tire usually needs replacement if:

The puncture is in the sidewall
The tire was driven on while flat
The tread is too low
There is a bubble or bulge
The tire has multiple punctures
The damage is near the shoulder of the tire
At Nelson’s Service Inc., we can inspect the tire and let you know if repair is safe or if replacement is the better choice.

Naperville Flat Tire Causes We See Often
Flat tires in Naperville happen for many reasons. Some are random, but some are tied to local roads and weather.

Common causes include:

Nails and screws from construction areas
Pothole damage after winter
Low tire pressure from cold weather
Road salt corrosion around wheels
Valve stem leaks
Old tires with dry rot
Uneven tire wear from alignment problems
Potholes can cause more than a flat. They can bend a wheel, knock the alignment out, or damage suspension parts. If your flat tire happened after hitting a pothole, it is smart to have the wheel and suspension checked too.

Why Your Tire Pressure Light May Come On Before a Flat
Your TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, watches tire pressure. If one tire gets too low, the light comes on.

Do not ignore this light. It may be warning you before the tire goes completely flat.

The tire pressure light can mean:

One tire is low
Several tires are low from cold weather
There is a slow leak
A TPMS sensor is failing
The tire was recently repaired or rotated and needs a reset
If the light comes back after you add air, there is likely a leak or sensor issue.

What to Keep in Your Car for a Flat Tire Emergency
A small emergency kit can make a flat tire much easier to handle.

Good items to keep in your car:

Tire pressure gauge
Portable air compressor
Flashlight
Gloves
Reflective triangles or safety lights
Phone charger
Small towel or blanket
Owner’s manual
Roadside assistance information
In winter, also keep a warm coat, hat, and blanket in the car. A flat tire on a cold Naperville morning is much easier to handle when you are prepared.

Should You Call Roadside Assistance or a Repair Shop?
If you are on a busy road, do not risk changing the tire yourself. Call roadside assistance. It is not worth standing next to traffic.

Call for help if:

You are on the highway
The shoulder is narrow
It is dark or raining
The car is on uneven ground
You do not have the right tools
You are not sure the spare is safe
The tire is badly damaged
Once the spare is on, schedule tire repair or inspection right away. A spare is only a short-term solution.

How Nelson’s Service Inc. Can Help With a Flat Tire in Naperville
If you have a flat tire, Nelson’s Service Inc. can inspect the tire, check for leaks, test the TPMS sensor, and look for wheel or suspension damage. We can tell you if the tire is safe to repair or if it should be replaced.

We can also check tire pressure, tread depth, alignment wear, and other signs that may have caused the flat in the first place. If you are not sure what happened, start with a vehicle inspection so we can find the real issue and help prevent it from happening again.

Schedule Flat Tire Help With Nelson’s Service Inc.
A flat tire is stressful, but the next step does not have to be confusing. If your tire is low, leaking, damaged, or your tire pressure light keeps coming on, bring your vehicle to Nelson’s Service Inc. We will inspect it, explain your options clearly, and help you get back on the road safely.

For Naperville flat tire help, tire inspection, TPMS testing, or a full vehicle checkup, contact Nelson’s Service Inc. today.

05/24/2026

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend

05/06/2026

Nelson’s Services Inc. is looking for a reliable and skilled Auto Mechanic/Technician to join our team. We are a small, family-owned shop that has provided reliable, affordable auto repair services to motorists throughout the Naperville, IL, area since 1935. We only focus on auto repairs, not auto parts. We are looking for a skilled technician who values quality over speed. We are looking for a well-trained, highly organized professional who takes pride in their work and can perform customer service duties as required throughout the day.

Position Details

· Full Time

· 40 hours a week

· Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm. No weekends

· $20-$50 an hour (based on experience)

Benefits

· Paid holidays

· Paid time off

· Weekly pay

· Opportunity for raises



Responsibilities

· Diagnose and repair a wide range of vehicle issues

· Perform routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc.)

· Use diagnostic tools and equipment effectively

· Follow safety procedures and shop standards

· Keep workspace clean and organized

· Communicate clearly with team members and customers

Qualifications

· High School diploma or equivalent

· Valid driver's license a MUST

· 3+ years of automotive repair experience

· Must supply own tools

· Strong mechanical knowledge and problem-solving ability

· Ability to use hand tools and shop equipment

· Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently

· Good communication and listening skills

· ASE certification or additional training is a plus, but not required

Please email only; Phone calls will not be accepted.

Email at [email protected]

05/05/2026

We are looking for an Auto Mechanic/Auto Technician to maintain and repair vehicles at our Naperville shop.
High school diploma or equivalent. Valid Driver's License.
Additional education, certifications, or experience is generally preferred.
Valid certification (e.g., ASE) is a definite plus.
Proven ability to diagnose and repair vehicles and follow safety instructions and directions.
Proficiency with hand tools and other equipment.
Excellent active listening, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Self-motivated, independent, and reliable with a strong work ethic.
If interested, email me at [email protected]. Ask for a job application, and I will email one to you. Thank you!
Please share.

Send a message to learn more

04/05/2026

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter filled with faith, family, and joy.

03/31/2026

Spring Maintenance Checkup for your Car

Spring is the time when a lot of hidden winter damage shows up. Potholes open up, road salt keeps eating at metal parts, and your fluids and filters have been working overtime. A spring maintenance checkup helps you catch problems early, before they turn into bigger repairs when summer heat hits and you start taking longer drives.

At Nelson Auto Repair, we see the same spring issues every year around Naperville and the western suburbs. Tire wear from rough roads, brake rust from salt, weak batteries from cold mornings, and coolant leaks that start small then get worse. Here is a practical spring car maintenance checklist that covers what matters most.

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist for Tires and Tire Pressure
Winter temperature swings and potholes can mess with your tires fast. Start your spring maintenance by checking:

Tire pressure: Set it to the door jamb sticker, not the max number on the tire sidewall. Cold weather usually leaves tires a little low.
Tread depth: Uneven wear can mean alignment problems.
Sidewall damage: Look for bubbles, cuts, or cracks from pothole hits.
Wheel vibration: If you feel shaking at highway speeds, you may need a balance check.
If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel feels off-center, that is a sign your alignment may be out. That can chew up a set of tires in one season if you ignore it.

Spring Alignment and Suspension Check After Pothole Season
Spring is pothole season in Illinois. Even if your car feels okay, a hard hit can bend a wheel or knock your suspension angles out of spec.

Things to watch for:
Steering wheel not centered
Car drifting left or right
Clunking over bumps
Bouncy ride or nose dive when braking
Uneven tire wear like feathering or cupping
A spring suspension and alignment check helps you catch worn parts like ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, and struts before they get dangerous. If you are already coming in for service, it is smart to add a full inspection using our vehicle inspections page as your starting point.

Spring Brake Inspection and Brake Rust from Road Salt
Road salt and winter moisture can cause rust buildup on brake hardware, rotors, and calipers. Some surface rust is normal, but sticking calipers and seized slide pins are common in spring.

Spring brake warning signs:
Grinding or squealing
Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
Car pulls while braking
Vibration when braking
Burning smell near a wheel after a short drive
A quick brake inspection in spring can save you from replacing rotors early or dealing with a caliper failure later.

Spring Oil Change and Fluid Checks for Warm Weather Driving
Spring is a great time for an oil change and a full fluid check, because summer driving puts more heat into the engine and transmission.

Key fluids to check:
Engine oil: fresh oil helps cooling and protects the engine.
Coolant: low coolant or old coolant can lead to overheating in summer.
Brake fluid: moisture in brake fluid can cause poor braking and corrosion.
Transmission fluid: helps shifting and cools the transmission.
Power steering fluid: low fluid can cause noise and wear.
Windshield washer fluid: you will use it more with spring pollen and rain.
If you are due for service, a spring oil change plus a quick inspection is a simple combo that keeps things reliable.

Cooling System Spring Checkup to Prevent Summer Overheating
Cooling system problems love to show up in late spring and early summer. You sit in traffic with the A/C on, and suddenly the temp gauge starts climbing. That is usually not a surprise issue, it has been building for months.

What to check:
Coolant level and condition
Radiator hoses for cracks or soft spots
Leaks around the radiator, thermostat housing, and water pump
Cooling fans turning on when the engine warms up
Heater output (it can hint at low coolant or air pockets)
If your car runs hot at idle or you smell something sweet under the hood, get it checked before summer. Overheating can turn into a big repair fast.

Battery and Charging System Spring Test After Winter
Winter is hard on batteries. A battery can get weak over the cold months, then you start having random no-start problems in spring.

Signs you need a battery test:
Slow crank in the morning
Dim headlights
Electronics acting weird
Battery light on the dash
Spring is the right time to test the battery and alternator so you do not get stranded in a parking lot when life is busy.

Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter Spring Replacement
Spring brings pollen and dust. If your cabin air filter is clogged, you may notice weak airflow, musty smells, or more sneezing inside the car. The engine air filter matters too. A dirty engine filter can hurt fuel economy and power.

If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving around town, filters clog faster than people think.

Wipers, Washer System, and Visibility Checks for Spring Rain
Spring rain in Illinois is no joke. Visibility matters.

Check:
Wiper blades for streaking and chattering
Washer nozzles for clogs
Windshield chips that can spread with temp changes
Defroster performance
If wipers are streaking, replace them. It is a cheap fix that makes a big difference fast.

Underbody and Rust Check After Winter Salt
Salt keeps working even after the snow is gone. Spring is the best time to wash the undercarriage and check for rust.

Common rust areas:
Brake lines and fittings
Exhaust hangers and clamps
Suspension mounting points
Rocker panels and wheel wells
Catching rust early can prevent expensive repairs later. A lot of people never look under the car, but winter does its damage down there.

Spring Maintenance Checkup for Road Trips and Summer Driving
If you plan any spring or summer road trips, do this checkup a week or two before you leave:
Tires and spare tire pressure
Brakes and brake fluid
Oil and coolant levels
Battery health
A/C performance
Lights and wipers
That gives you time to fix anything without stress.

Schedule Your Spring Maintenance Checkup at Nelson Auto Repair
A spring maintenance checkup is a simple way to reset after winter and keep your car reliable through summer. If you want us to look it over, start with our vehicle inspections and we will build a clear plan based on what your car actually needs. Nelson Auto Repair works with drivers all over the Naperville area, and we see the same spring issues every year. Let us help you catch them early and keep your car running strong.

10/18/2024

Thank you to our neighbors and customers! We are honored to be voted a 2024
Neighborhood Fave again this year. This award means so much for our business and helps us continue to grow in our community!

09/19/2024

We are looking for an Auto Mechanic/Auto Technician to maintain and repair vehicles at our Naperville shop.
High school diploma or equivalent. Valid Driver's License.
Additional education, certifications, or experience is generally preferred.
Valid certification (e.g ASE) is a definite plus.
Proven ability to diagnose and repair vehicles and follow safety instructions and directions.
Proficiency with hand tools and other equipment.— looking for recommendations.
Excellent active listening, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Self-motivated, independent, and reliable with a strong work ethic.
Let me know if you are interested or know of someone who would be interested. Please share.

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2024

Another happy customer. Thank you Kenny for the great review and 5 stars!

★★★★★ "Hi this is Kenny to everyone, I recently had my car serviced at this mechanic center(Nelson's ) and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of work done on my vehicle. The staff was friendly and professional, and they took the time to explain everything that needed...