In the Details

Treat your baby right with the best auto services in town

Brian Dukerschein and Meghan Milligan | January 25th, 2013

Once you've landed your dream car (or, lucky you, cars), you want to make sure that it's at its best. Whether you're looking for a state-of-the-art custom audio system, tinted glass or just a world-class wash or detail, the following shops are where in-the-know motorheads go to pull in, hand over the keys and get their prized possessions truly taken care of.

1. Simon's Shine Shop — You used to love washing your ride in the driveway but, these days, you're happy to let the experts take care of it. No detail is overlooked at Lincoln Park's Simon's Shine Shop, from lint-free towels to pH-balanced soap. Addressing everything from the undercarriage to cup holders, the signature "To the Nines" had wash leaves every inch of your vehicle, well, shiny.
2. Gold Coast Auto Body — It's horrifying to imagine a ding in your darling, but it does happen. The pros at this 49,000-square-foot family-owned service center are certified by manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, and have the latest technology on hand to make sure your wheels are as good as new. Rest easy with customer pickup and drop-off, 24-hour towing and a lifetime guarantee on all repair work.
3. Mid City Engineering — Attention, technofiles! MidCity Engineering has a seemingly endless list of innovative electronics accessories, from premium radar interfaces to SmartKey remote starters to custom video interface. There's no better way to Bond-out your car.
4. Cooper Technica — If vintage is your poison, head here. Specializing in prewar and early postwar sports and touring cars, owner David Cooper and his crack team are known for doing exstensive research before expertly bringing your classic back to life-even manufacturing out-of-circulation parts in their in-house machine shop.
5. Fernandez Auto Glass — Whether your Audi's windshield needs a face-lift or your Lexus could use an updated window, Fernandez Auto Glass & Repair assists on-the-go customers with any auto glass issue. WIth more than 30 years of service and a stellar repuation, this family-operated venture also offers services such as same-day repairs, oil changes and transmission overhauls.
6. Abt — Renowed for stellar customer service, electronics powerhouse Abt's broad selection of auto accessories includes navigation systems, built-in DVD players and remote starters galore. Factory-installed audio not cutting it? Abt experts can hlep you create a custom system that will have your windows vibrating.
7. Auto Detail Chicago — A regular on "Best of the City" lists, Auto Detail Chicago's appointment-only full-detail service includes a deep cleaning of your car's interior, exterior wash and a multistep buffing process. Rumor has it car fanatic Jay Leno uses the same products.
8. West Loop Auto Spa — This downtown standout offers everything from window tinting to scratch and dent repair, priding itself on its 20-minute hand wash that includes a thorough vauuming, waxing and tire shine.
9. Spotlight Automotive — One-stop service center Spotlight Automotive handles all American, European and Japanese makes and models. Head here for everything from standard maintenance and repairs to cosmetic touch-ups and detailing. Bought a part but lack the skills to install it? Spotlight's experts can handle it.
10. All-Day Tire Shop — It's all in the name. With long daily hours and quick service, this Wicker Park standout is renowned for its customercare. Its team is happy to speedily replace or repair any tire at your convenience. You'll be back to cruising the city streets in no time.

©2013 Modern Luxury