Patriot Veteran Auto | Veteran-Owned Auto Repair in Orient, Ohio | Carvana & SilverRock Approved
When your vehicle needs expert care, trust the team that understands service, dedication, and getting the job done right. Patriot Veteran Auto is your locally-owned, veteran-operated automotive repair shop serving Orient, and surrounding Ohio communities with honest, affordable, and professional auto repair services.
Founded by veterans who bring military precision and integrity to every repair, we've built our reputation on delivering dealership-quality service without the dealership price tag. Whether you're driving a daily commuter, a classic restoration project, or managing a fleet of commercial vehicles, our ASE-certified technicians have the expertise and equipment to keep you moving forward.
Your Local Veteran-Owned Auto Repair Experts
At Patriot Veteran Auto, we're more than just another repair shop – we're your neighbors, fellow veterans, and automotive enthusiasts who genuinely care about your vehicle and your experience. Our Orient (9180 St Rt 62) are strategically positioned to serve Pickaway County and the greater Columbus area with fast, reliable service.
Our veteran ownership means we understand the value of trust, communication, and follow-through. When we give you an estimate, that's what you'll pay. When we promise a completion time, we deliver. And when we complete a repair, we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties and ongoing support.
Every service begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment using state-of-the-art equipment. Our technicians don't guess – they diagnose precisely, explain clearly, and repair efficiently. From routine oil changes and preventative maintenance to complex engine rebuilds and transmission repairs, we handle every job with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Comprehensive Automotive Services for Every Need
Our full-service capabilities cover virtually every aspect of automotive repair and maintenance. We provide complete diagnostic services, engine and transmission repairs, brake system service, electrical troubleshooting, heating and cooling system repairs, and suspension work. Our preventative maintenance programs are designed to extend your vehicle's life, improve safety, and save you money by catching potential problems before they become expensive repairs.
For customers seeking performance upgrades or custom modifications, our aftermarket mods services transform your vehicle to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for improved performance, enhanced appearance, or specialized functionality, our experienced team can design and implement the perfect solution.
Carvana & SilverRock Approved Warranty Service
As a Preferred Partner IN-Network vendor with both Carvana and SilverRock, Patriot Veteran Auto provides seamless warranty repair services for vehicles purchased through these popular platforms. Our Carvana and SilverRock partnerships mean faster claim processing, direct billing, and guaranteed coverage for eligible repairs.
When your Carvana or SilverRock warranty requires service, simply bring your vehicle to either of our locations. We handle all the paperwork, communicate directly with the warranty provider, and use only OEM or quality equivalent parts for all repairs. Our warranty coverage typically includes engine and transmission repairs, electrical and mechanical components, heating and cooling systems, and steering and suspension work.
This partnership eliminates the hassle of warranty claims while ensuring you receive professional service from certified technicians who understand the specific requirements of warranty work. No upfront payments, no lengthy approval processes – just fast, professional service that gets you back on the road quickly.
Classic Car Restoration and Specialty Services
Car enthusiasts and collectors throughout Ohio trust Patriot Veteran Auto for expert classic car repair and restoration services. Our passion for vintage automobiles matches our technical expertise, making us the preferred choice for owners who demand the highest standards of craftsmanship and authenticity.
From complete frame-off restorations to targeted repairs and upgrades, we treat every classic vehicle with the respect and attention it deserves. Our team understands the unique challenges of working with older vehicles – sourcing hard-to-find parts, maintaining original specifications while improving reliability, and preserving the character that makes these vehicles special.
Whether you own a muscle car from the 1960s, a classic pickup truck, or a vintage daily driver, our restoration services include engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, bodywork, paint, electrical system updates, and interior restoration. We work closely with owners to understand their vision and deliver results that exceed expectations while staying within budget.
Fleet Services for Commercial Success
Local businesses and commercial operators rely on our comprehensive fleet vehicle services to maintain their operational efficiency and control costs. We understand that vehicle downtime directly impacts your bottom line, which is why we prioritize quick turnaround times and preventative maintenance programs that keep your fleet running smoothly.
Our fleet services include scheduled maintenance programs tailored to your specific vehicles and usage patterns, emergency repair services with priority scheduling, detailed reporting and record-keeping, and bulk service discounts for multiple vehicles. We work with everything from light-duty pickup trucks and delivery vans to medium-duty commercial vehicles.
Our fleet medium duty and fleet light duty specialists understand the unique demands of commercial vehicles and can develop maintenance schedules that maximize uptime while minimizing costs. We also provide DOT inspections, safety certifications, and regulatory compliance services to keep your fleet legal and operational.
RV and Trailer Services
Adventure seekers and commercial operators count on our specialized RV and trailer services to keep their mobile investments in top condition. From routine maintenance and seasonal preparation to complex repairs and custom modifications, we provide comprehensive care for recreational vehicles, horse trailers, cargo trailers, and specialty hauling equipment.
Our trailer hitch installation services ensure safe, secure towing capability for any vehicle. We install and service Class I through Class V hitches, complete wiring harnesses, brake controllers, and auxiliary cooling systems. Every installation meets manufacturer specifications and includes thorough testing to ensure reliable performance.
No Credit Check Financing and Special Offers
We believe everyone deserves access to reliable transportation and quality automotive service, regardless of their credit situation. Our no credit check financing program provides approval in less than five minutes without impacting your credit score. This innovative financing solution allows you to get the repairs you need today while spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments.
Current customers can take advantage of our "Buy 3 Get One Free" tire promotion on qualifying tire sets. We stock a complete selection of brand-name tires for passenger cars, light trucks, commercial vehicles, and specialty applications. Our tire services include mounting, balancing, rotation, and alignment to ensure maximum performance and longevity.
Digital Shop Technology and Transparency
As a digital shop , we leverage modern technology to provide unprecedented transparency and communication throughout your service experience. Our digital inspection process includes detailed photos and videos of your vehicle's condition, allowing you to see exactly what our technicians see and understand the necessity and urgency of recommended repairs.
You'll receive real-time updates on your repair progress, detailed estimates with clear explanations, and digital records of all work performed. This technology-enhanced approach builds trust, eliminates surprises, and helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle's care.
Why Choose Patriot Veteran Auto
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond technical expertise to encompass the values that define us as veterans and community members. We treat every customer with respect, provide honest assessments and fair pricing, and stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties and ongoing support.
Located conveniently in Ashville and Orient, we serve customers throughout Pickaway County, including South Bloomfield, Circleville, Grove City, Lancaster, and the greater Columbus area. Our facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and staffed by ASE-certified technicians who receive ongoing training in the latest automotive technologies.
Ready to experience the Patriot Veteran Auto difference? Contact us at 888-464-5439 or visit either of our locations for honest, professional automotive service that puts your needs first. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, from classic restorations to fleet services, we're here to keep you moving forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Trust your vehicle to the team that understands service, values integrity, and delivers results. Choose Patriot Veteran Auto – where veteran ownership meets automotive excellence.
If you own a RAM truck with a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, there's a ticking time bomb under your hood that could cost you thousands in engine repairs. It's called the "killer grid heater," and it's earned that nickname for good reason. Don't worry though – with the right knowledge and a proactive approach, you can turn this potential disaster into a performance upgrade that'll make your truck run better than ever.
What Exactly Is a RAM Grid Heater?
Your RAM's grid heater is essentially an electric heating element that sits in the intake manifold. Think of it like a giant toaster coil that heats up the incoming air before it reaches your engine's cylinders. This heated air helps your Cummins diesel start more easily in cold weather and run smoother during those first few minutes after startup.
The grid heater automatically kicks in when temperatures drop, typically activating when ambient temperatures fall below about 59°F. When you turn the key, you might notice the "WAIT TO START" light on your dashboard – that's your grid heater doing its job, warming up the intake air so your engine fires up cleanly.
The Problem That's Costing RAM Owners Big Money
Here's where things get scary. The stock grid heater in 2007-2024 RAM trucks with the 6.7L Cummins has a serious design flaw. Inside your intake manifold, there's a small bolt and nut that carries about 200 amps of electrical current every time the grid heater operates. That's enough juice to power most homes!
Over time, this connection deteriorates from the intense electrical load and constant heating and cooling cycles. The bolt starts to corrode, the threads weaken, and eventually – snap! When that bolt and nut break free, they don't just disappear. They fall directly into your engine's intake runner, where they get sucked into the combustion chamber.
Imagine dropping a metal bolt into a blender running at 2,000 RPM – that's essentially what happens to your pistons, cylinder head, and valves. We've seen engines that needed complete rebuilds, with repair bills reaching $15,000 or more. That's why diesel techs call it the "killer grid heater."
Warning Signs Your Grid Heater Is Going Bad
Your RAM will usually give you some warning signs before the grid heater fails catastrophically:
Extended Cranking in Cold Weather: If your truck takes longer to start than usual when it's cold, your grid heater might not be heating efficiently.
Rough Cold Starts: When the grid heater isn't working properly, you'll notice rougher idle and more white smoke during cold starts.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Sometimes you'll get check engine lights or other electrical warnings related to the grid heater circuit.
Visible Corrosion: During routine maintenance, experienced techs can sometimes spot corrosion around the grid heater connections before they fail completely.
Electrical Issues: Intermittent electrical problems or blown fuses in the grid heater circuit are red flags that shouldn't be ignored.
The tricky thing is, many grid heaters fail without much warning. That's why most diesel experts recommend upgrading proactively rather than waiting for problems.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Grid Heater
Upgrading your grid heater isn't just about preventing catastrophic failure – though that's reason enough! Modern grid heater upgrades offer several performance benefits that make your RAM a better truck overall:
Massive Airflow Improvement: Removing the restrictive stock grid heater can increase airflow by over 80%. Your engine literally breathes easier, which translates to better throttle response and improved performance across the RPM range.
Better Fuel Economy: With improved airflow comes more efficient combustion, which can lead to modest improvements in fuel economy, especially under load.
Reduced Maintenance: The stock grid heater creates hot spots that contribute to carbon buildup in your intake system. Upgrading reduces this buildup, meaning fewer cleanings and less maintenance down the road.
Enhanced Performance Potential: If you're planning other modifications like tuning or turbo upgrades, eliminating the intake restriction of the stock grid heater gives you more headroom for performance gains.
Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, you'll never have to worry about that bolt dropping into your engine and causing a catastrophic failure.
When Should You Upgrade?
The short answer? As soon as possible, especially if your truck has significant miles or is several years old. But here are some specific scenarios where upgrading becomes especially important:
High-Mileage Trucks: If your RAM has over 100,000 miles, the risk of grid heater failure increases significantly. The electrical connections degrade over time, and older trucks are more likely to experience problems.
Fleet Vehicles: If you're running multiple RAM trucks for business, the cost of unexpected downtime from a grid heater failure can be enormous. Preventive upgrades make financial sense for fleet operators.
Performance Modifications: Planning to tune your truck or add other performance mods? Upgrade the grid heater first to maximize the benefits of your other modifications.
Mild Climate Operation: If you operate primarily in warmer climates where cold starts aren't a major concern, the performance benefits of upgrading outweigh the minimal loss of cold-start assistance.
Why Professional Installation Matters
While some grid heater upgrades might look straightforward, this isn't a job for weekend warriors. Here's why professional installation at Patriot Veteran Auto is the smart choice:
Emissions Compliance: Many aftermarket solutions need to be carefully selected and installed to maintain emissions compliance. Our technicians know which systems are legal in your area and how to install them properly.
Electrical Expertise: Working with 200-amp circuits requires specialized knowledge and tools. Improper electrical work can create fire hazards or damage expensive engine control modules.
Complete System Integration: Modern trucks have complex computer systems that monitor grid heater operation. Professional installation ensures all these systems continue to work properly after the upgrade.
Warranty Protection: Professional installation often comes with warranties on both parts and labor, protecting your investment.
Diagnostic Capabilities: Our digital shop capabilities allow us to properly diagnose any existing issues and ensure the upgrade addresses all problems.
Popular Upgrade Options
Two main approaches dominate the grid heater upgrade market:
Complete Replacement Systems: Products like the Banks Monster-Ram replace the entire grid heater assembly with a high-flow intake system that includes an updated heating element design. These systems eliminate the problematic bolt while maintaining cold-start capability and dramatically improving airflow.
Electrical Circuit Upgrades: These kits upgrade the dangerous electrical connection while keeping the stock heater design. They're less expensive but don't provide the same airflow benefits as complete replacement systems.
Both options effectively eliminate the risk of catastrophic failure, but complete replacement systems offer additional performance benefits that make them popular among RAM owners who want the best of both worlds.
Don't Wait for Disaster
The grid heater problem isn't a matter of "if" – it's a matter of "when." Every day you drive with the stock system is another day you're risking a catastrophic engine failure that could leave you stranded and facing a massive repair bill.
At Patriot Veteran Auto, we've seen too many RAM owners learn about this problem the hard way. Don't be one of them. Our experienced technicians can help you choose the right upgrade solution for your truck and your budget, then install it properly to ensure years of trouble-free operation.
Ready to protect your investment and improve your truck's performance? Contact us today to schedule a consultation about upgrading your RAM's grid heater. Your engine – and your wallet – will thank you.
