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.
Recognizing the Signs of Engine Trouble
Your vehicle often communicates issues before they lead to a breakdown. Recognizing the early signs of trouble can save you from a costly engine repair bill. Paying attention to changes in performance or sound can help you catch problems while they are still manageable.
Watch for these common indicators that your engine needs professional attention:
- Dashboard Warning Lights: A steady or flashing check engine light or oil pressure warning should never be ignored.
- Strange Noises: Knocking, hissing, or squealing sounds often indicate internal wear or belt issues.
- Colored Exhaust Smoke: Blue, white, or black smoke can signal burning oil, coolant leaks, or fuel system failures.
- Fluid Leaks: Puddles of oil or coolant under your car are clear signs that seals or gaskets may be failing.
- Poor Engine Performance: Stalling, rough idling, or hesitation when accelerating onto I-85 indicates immediate service is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Schedule an Engine Tune-Up?
The frequency of an engine tune-up depends largely on the age of your vehicle and the type of ignition system it uses. Older vehicles with traditional distributors may need a tune-up every 30,000 miles, while modern vehicles with platinum or iridium spark plugs can often go 60,000 to 100,000 miles between services. However, driving conditions in Norcross can affect this interval. If you frequently drive in heavy traffic or tow heavy loads, your engine may require attention sooner to maintain peak engine performance.
During a tune-up at Christian Brothers Automotive Norcross, we inspect the entire ignition system, fuel system, and filters. We replace worn components like spark plugs and inspect ignition coils to ensure efficient combustion. Regular tune-ups prevent misfires, improve fuel economy, and help your engine start reliably in all weather conditions. Checking your owner's manual is a good starting point, but our technicians can provide a personalized schedule based on your vehicle's current health.
What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
A check engine light that is solid usually indicates a non-critical issue that should be checked soon, such as a sensor malfunction or a loose gas cap. However, a flashing check engine light indicates a severe emergency, typically a misfire that is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust system. This can quickly overheat and destroy the catalytic converter, leading to expensive repairs. If your light is flashing, you should pull over safely and shut off the engine immediately.
When you bring your vehicle to us with engine warning lights, we perform a comprehensive engine diagnostics scan. We retrieve the specific trouble codes and verify the failure with hands-on testing. We do not just swap parts based on a code; we diagnose the root cause to ensure the repair fixes the problem permanently. Ignoring these lights can lead to decreased performance and significant internal engine damage over time.
When Is Timing Belt Replacement Necessary?
The timing belt is a critical component that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts. If it breaks while the engine is running, it can cause the pistons to strike the valves, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Most manufacturers recommend timing belt replacement for Norcross drivers between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. There are often no warning signs before a timing belt snaps, making adherence to the maintenance schedule vital.
At our engine repair shop, we inspect the timing belt for signs of cracking, fraying, or oil contamination during major services. We also recommend replacing the water pump and tensioners at the same time, as they are accessed during the same labor-intensive process. This preventative measure saves you money on future labor costs and ensures the entire timing system is reliable for the next 100,000 miles.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace My Engine?
Deciding between engine repair Norcross services and a full engine replacement Norcross installation depends on the extent of the damage and the value of the vehicle. If the issue is isolated, such as a blown head gasket or a worn camshaft, repair is often the most cost-effective option. However, if the engine has suffered catastrophic failure, such as a thrown rod or a cracked block, replacement might be the smarter financial choice.
We help you weigh the costs and benefits of each option. We look at the overall condition of the rest of the car, your budget, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Installing a remanufactured engine can give an older car a new lease on life with a warranty that matches or exceeds a new car's powertrain warranty. We provide all the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.
How Does Engine Overheating Damage My Car?
Engine overheating is one of the fastest ways to cause severe mechanical damage. When an engine gets too hot, metal components expand beyond their tolerances. This can warp the cylinder head, cause the head gasket to fail, or even crack the engine block. Driving the vehicle while it is overheating can turn a minor cooling system repair into a major engine overhaul requirement.
If your temperature gauge spikes, it is crucial to stop driving immediately. At Christian Brothers Automotive Norcross, we test the entire cooling system, including the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and hoses, to find the source of the issue. Preventative maintenance is key; flushing your coolant and inspecting belts and hoses regularly can prevent the failures that lead to overheating in the first place, keeping you safe on the road.
Schedule Your Engine Service in Norcross Today
Your vehicle is essential to your daily life, and reliable engine performance is key to your peace of mind. At Christian Brothers Automotive Norcross, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer service to deliver the best engine services in Norcross, GA.
We are dedicated to keeping your car running stronger for longer, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Don't wait for a warning light to become a major problem.
Schedule your appointment online or call us at (770) 285-1788 to experience the difference in working.
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 liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.