Appointment Prep Guide
Preparing your vehicle or equipment before your appointment helps us diagnose and repair it more efficiently and ensures our team can work safely. Please review the guidelines below before dropping anything off at Backfire Barn.
1. Cleanliness Requirements
Vehicles or equipment that present health hazards or unsafe conditions may be declined for service. If service is declined, storage fees begin the same day you are notified.
Examples of unacceptable conditions include:
- Rotting food or spilled drinks
- Mold, heavy mildew, or strong odors
- Animal waste, excessive pet hair, or pest infestations
- Trash or clutter preventing access to components
- Needles, drug paraphernalia, or biohazards
If you are unsure whether your vehicle or equipment is acceptable, please review our Vehicle Cleanliness Policy.
Storage fee for declined service: $22.00 per day, starting the day of notification.
2. Fuel & Fluids
- Please ensure your equipment has at least a small amount of fuel so we can test it.
- Do not bring in equipment with fuel leaks. If leaking, repair or drain before arrival.
- For lawn mowers, ATVs, and power equipment: make sure the oil level is not dangerously low (this can cause engine damage while testing).
- If you recently changed the oil, please let us know.
3. Keys, Accessories & Attachments
- Bring all necessary keys—ignition keys, fuel cap keys, storage keys, etc.
- Remove personal items and valuables from the vehicle or equipment.
- If your equipment needs accessories to operate (bags, battery packs, chargers, blades, etc.), please bring them.
- If you are dropping off a mower, leave the deck attached unless otherwise instructed.
4. Accessibility & Mobility
Please ensure your vehicle or equipment can be moved safely. If it does not roll, steer, or run, let us know before arrival.
- Flat tires should be aired up if possible.
- Brakes should not be locked or seized.
- Provide information if the machine has electrical or ignition issues that prevent it from starting.
5. Describe the Issue Clearly
A detailed description helps us diagnose problems faster and more accurately. If applicable, please include:
- When the problem started
- Noises, smells, vibrations, or performance issues
- Any recent repairs or parts installed
- Intermittent behavior (only happens when hot, under load, at idle, etc.)
When using our online appointment form, include as much detail as possible in the description box.
6. Pick-Up Window & Storage Fees
After repairs are completed, you will be notified by phone or text. You will then have 7 business days to pick up your vehicle or equipment.
After this window, storage fees apply:
- Automotive: $22/day
- ATVs / SxS / Marine: $20/day
- Outdoor Power Equipment (Outdoor): $20/day
- Outdoor Power Equipment (Indoor): $30/day
For declined vehicles (per the cleanliness policy), storage begins immediately at $22/day.
7. Bring Only the Equipment Being Serviced
Please do not bring additional equipment, parts, or accessories unless they are directly related to the repair. Space is limited, and unrelated items may not be stored.
8. Communication
We will contact you if we need additional approval, information, or if anything changes during diagnosis or repairs. Please ensure the phone number you provide is reachable during business hours.
Ready for Your Appointment?
Following these steps helps us diagnose and repair your equipment efficiently and safely.
Request an Appointment