What to Expect With a Diesel Engine Repair Service
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.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my diesel engine making a loud knocking sound?
While diesel engines are naturally louder than gasoline engines, a sharp or persistent knocking often indicates a "combustion knock" caused by fuel injector issues. This happens when fuel is not atomized correctly or enters the cylinder at the wrong time. Our diesel diagnostics can pinpoint if an injector is sticking or if there is a more serious internal mechanical problem that needs to be addressed.
Ignoring a significant knock can lead to piston damage over time. It is crucial to have a professional diesel engine inspection to ensure your high-compression components are not at risk. We provide clear answers and reliable solutions to keep your engine running smoothly and quietly.
How often should I change the fuel filters on my diesel car?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing diesel fuel filters every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, but San Antonio drivers may need more frequent changes due to local fuel quality and heat. Diesel fuel is susceptible to water contamination and microbial growth, which can quickly clog filters and damage expensive pumps. During your routine maintenance, we check these filters to ensure your fuel remains clean and pressurized.
Consistent filter changes are the cheapest "insurance policy" you can buy for your diesel car service. Keeping your fuel system clean prevents the abrasive wear that leads to costly injector replacements down the road.
What causes a diesel vehicle to lose power on the highway?
A sudden loss of power, often called "limp mode," is frequently caused by a failure in the emission systems services or a turbocharger issue. If the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) becomes too clogged with soot, the computer will restrict engine output to prevent damage. Our advanced diagnostics allow us to see if a simple manual regeneration or a more involved sensor repair is required to restore your power.
We also check for "boost leaks" in the intercooler and turbo hoses. Even a small crack in a rubber hose can cause a massive drop in performance under load. Our team ensures your diesel vehicle has the air and fuel it needs to perform at its peak.
Do I really need a special oil change for a diesel engine?
Yes, diesel engines require oil with specific additives designed to handle higher levels of soot and compression. Using the wrong oil can lead to sludge buildup and poor lubrication of the turbocharger bearings. Our diesel engine service always utilizes the correct grade of synthetic or heavy-duty oil that meets your manufacturer's specific requirements.
In the heat of Bexar County, high-quality oil is essential for heat dissipation. We ensure your engine stays cool and lubricated, even during the most demanding Texas summers, by using only premium lubricants and high-efficiency filters.
Why is my diesel car smoking more than usual?
Increased exhaust smoke is usually a sign of an improper air-to-fuel ratio. Black smoke often means too much fuel (or not enough air), while blue smoke suggests the engine is burning oil. White smoke can indicate that fuel is not burning completely or that coolant is entering the combustion chamber. Our diesel engine diagnostics can quickly determine the cause and recommend the appropriate diesel repair San Antonio drivers need to pass emissions.
Regular preventative maintenance helps catch the sensor drifts that cause these smoking issues. Keeping your engine clean and well-adjusted is the best way to maintain its efficiency and reduce your environmental footprint.
Professional Diesel Care for Every Drive
Your diesel engine was built to be a high-performance machine, and it deserves the highest standard of care. At Christian Brothers Automotive Stevens Ranch, we provide the technical expertise and honest guidance necessary to keep your vehicle running like new. From routine maintenance to complex fuel system repair, our team is dedicated to providing San Antonio drivers with the most reliable diesel solutions in the region.
Maintaining your engine's health is an investment in your vehicle's future. We invite you to experience the precision, transparency, and neighborly care that define our diesel engine services. Trust our ASE-certified team to protect your power and your peace of mind.
Call us today at (210) 985-9314 or schedule your diesel engine service online to ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever the road brings.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
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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 a 3-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. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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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.
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Q. "My car is make x and model x. Can you help me?"Yes! Christian Brothers Automotive has been providing reliable car maintenance and repair for over 40 years. Over that time, our professionals and ASE-certified technicians have handled a vast range of makes and models, and they continue to navigate the forefront of the auto industry’s technologies. If you own a vehicle from a major American or foreign car maker, we are ready to service it.
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Q. "Do you offer loaner vehicles or a shuttle service?"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 and even pick you up and bring you back.. Just select the shuttle service option when scheduling or let the service writer know when you call to make your appointment. For more information on our free shuttles, click here.
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Q. "Can I bring my own parts?"Yes, although we will not be able to offer our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on these parts. Please reference this in your appointment details in the scheduler or when calling to make your appointment to ensure the shop is aware of your plans.
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.