What to Expect With Engine Services
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Frequently driving your car with little fuel can harm your engine over time because the gasoline at the bottom of your tank is usually the dirtiest. When this part is used for fuel, you run a higher risk of dirt reaching your fuel line and engine.
Signs Your Engine Requires Professional Attention
Your car often communicates problems before they turn into major failures. Recognizing these warning signs early allows for targeted engine repair rather than costly replacement.
Watch for these five key indicators:
- Check Engine Light: A steady or flashing light indicates an issue with the emissions or engine management system.
- Excessive Exhaust Smoke: Blue, white, or black smoke signals internal leaks or combustion issues.
- Knocking or Tapping Noises: Unusual sounds often point to low oil pressure or worn internal bearings.
- Loss of Power: Sluggish acceleration or stalling suggests fuel delivery or compression problems.
- Fluid Leaks: Puddles of oil or coolant under the car are immediate red flags for engine integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Get an Engine Inspection?
It is generally recommended to have a basic engine inspection performed with every oil change, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, a more in-depth diagnostic check is advisable annually or if you notice any changes in performance. Regular monitoring allows technicians to spot leaks, cracking belts, or fluid degradation before they cause breakdowns.
In San Antonio, where heat accelerates wear on rubber and plastic components, vigilant inspections are even more vital. If you drive an older vehicle or one with high mileage, consider scheduling engine services more frequently. Prevention is always more affordable than a major overhaul or engine replacement.
What Causes a Head Gasket to Blow?
A head gasket typically fails due to extreme temperature stress caused by engine overheating. When the engine gets too hot, the metal components expand beyond their limits, crushing or warping the gasket seal. This allows coolant and oil to mix or enter the combustion chamber, leading to white exhaust smoke and rapid fluid loss.
Other causes include pre-ignition or detonation (knocking), which creates pressure spikes that damage the gasket armor. Ensuring your cooling system is in top shape and using the correct fuel octane can help prevent this major repair. If you suspect a failure, immediate car engine repair is necessary to save the engine block.
Is Engine Replacement Worth It for an Older Car?
Deciding on engine replacement depends on the overall condition of the vehicle and your budget. If the transmission, suspension, and body are in good shape, replacing the engine is often significantly cheaper than buying a new or reliable used car. A remanufactured engine can essentially reset the clock on the vehicle's powertrain.
We perform a comprehensive evaluation to help you make this decision. We look at the total cost of ownership and compare it to monthly car payments. For many customers, installing a fresh engine is a smart financial move that keeps a beloved vehicle on the road for another 100,000 miles or more.
Why is My Car Overheating in Traffic?
Overheating in stop-and-go traffic usually points to an airflow issue, such as a failing electric cooling fan or a clogged radiator. When you are moving, air is forced through the radiator naturally; when stopped, the fan must do the work. If the fan motor is weak or the radiator fins are blocked with debris, the coolant cannot release heat efficiently.
Low coolant levels or an old thermostat that doesn't open fully can also cause this issue. Because San Antonio traffic can leave you idling for long periods, these systems must be functioning perfectly. Our engine repair shop can test the fan cycle and coolant flow to resolve these temperature spikes.
Do You Service Diesel Engines?
Yes, we provide comprehensive diesel engine repair for light-duty trucks and passenger cars. Diesel engines operate under higher compression and have different fuel delivery systems than gasoline engines, requiring specialized knowledge. We handle everything from glow plug replacement to turbocharger diagnostics and injection pump repairs.
Maintenance is key for diesels, particularly regarding fuel filters and oil changes. Neglecting these can lead to expensive injector failures. Our team has the training and tools to keep your diesel engine producing the torque and reliability you expect for towing and hauling.
Schedule Your Engine Repair Service Today
Don't let engine trouble leave you stranded or compromise your safety. At Christian Brothers Automotive Hill Country Village, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer care to deliver the best car engine service in the area. We are ready to restore your vehicle's performance and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Take the first step toward a reliable vehicle. Call us at (210) 960-9763 or schedule your appointment online to get started with our expert team.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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Q. "Why is my engine misfiring?"An issue with your ignition system, fuel system, or another mechanical error can cause your engine to misfire. If your engine is misfiring, it is best to have your vehicle looked at immediately. Click here to learn more about engine misfires and their causes.
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Q. "Why is my engine overheating?"The 3 most common reasons your engine is overheating are you have a cooling system leak, a malfunctioning radiator, or a loose/broken belt.
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Q. "What to do if your check engine light turns on?"We recommend heading to your local auto shop as soon as you are able. This is typically a sign that there is an abnormality within your engine.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I want to thank Christian Brother auto for their professionalism. I had my Radiator changed at Premier1 Auto instead of Christian Brothers Auto because Premier1 quoted me $200 less. However, when I received my vehicle back it was leaking radiator fluid exc"
- Richard Adkins Jr