When it comes to auto repair in San Marcos, Texas, Reliable Automotive offers dealership quality service without the high prices or long waits. With our team of expert auto mechanics, we are able to handle any auto repair, preventative maintenance, car ac repair, tire repair, or other service that you need done. We value both service and dependability and will do everything we can to keep you safe on the road.
Auto Mechanics You Can Trust
Our San Marcos ASE-certified mechanics and everyone on our team work hard to provide exceptional quality and service every time you bring in your car or truck. We will make sure you thoroughly understand any issues we identify, how we will solve those issues, and how much it will cost. Anytime you have questions, we will be more than happy to answer them.
Auto Diagnostic Services
It’s not always easy to know why your check engine light has come on or why your car or truck isn’t running just like it should. Here at our San Marcos auto repair shop, we can quickly diagnose the problem and advise you on any repairs or service that may need to be done to correct it. Our years of mechanical experience and advanced diagnostic equipment enable our team to identify any issue that may need attention. We’ll outline the best path forward and discuss your options so you always have all the information up front.
Oil Changes and Other Preventative Maintenance
Maintaining the parts and systems on your vehicle helps you be sure to get the most out of the life of your car or truck. Many drivers think that preventative maintenance is just keeping up with your regular oil changes and filter changes—which is an important part of maintenance—but there’s more that goes into the upkeep of the condition of your vehicle. These include items such as belts and hoses being inspected, tires rotated and balanced, fluids being topped off, all lights and signals checked, and the brakes being serviced.
With so many things to keep up with, it is best to have a team of expert auto mechanics to help you handle all of it. Our master auto mechanics can perform complete preventative maintenance on your vehicle and help you avoid a more costly auto repair or a mechanical failure in the future. Schedule an appointment today and let our years of experience help keep you on the road.
Engine Diagnostics and Services
Whether your check engine light is on or you just need to have your engine looked at and serviced, our crew can help you diagnose and repair any part of your engine. Arguably the most important component of your vehicle, your engine needs to be serviced and repaired by an experienced auto mechanic and should be brought into a car repair shop at the first sign of engine trouble.
Though your check engine light may be illuminated, it does not necessarily mean that a major auto repair needs to be performed. If you are experiencing any issues with your engine, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle into our car repair shop in San Marcos.
Transmission Service
The transmission in your vehicle is a vital component of your vehicle. As the transmission is composed of many different moving and shifting parts, when a repair becomes necessary, it needs to be handled by a professional auto mechanic with the tools and experience to do the job right the first time. Though a transmission repair can be one of the more costly auto repairs performed by auto repair shops, it is essential to bring your vehicle into an auto shop at the first sign something is not working correctly with your transmission.
Some of the signs you need a transmission repair are:
- Trouble shifting from one gear to another.
- Grinding or clunking noises.
- Failure to upshift or downshift.
- Gears slipping or skipping.
- A burning smell.
If any of these issues are occurring with your vehicle, bring in your vehicle to have an auto mechanic look at your transmission. Come see our ASE-certified auto mechanics in San Marcos today for a full transmission check.
Electrical System Service
With the progression of technology in automotives, newer models of cars and trucks have a massive and intricate electrical system that runs through the entire vehicle. We can service these complicated systems and make any repairs or replace any wiring, relays, fuses, or other electrical components that you may need.
Schedule an Appointment for Auto Repair or Service
No matter what you need done on your vehicle, our team of experienced auto mechanics can help you through the entire process with excellent work and personal service. You can check out all the services we offer and see how our auto repair shop can help you stay on the road. If you are having any issues with your vehicle or just need to have some preventive maintenance performed, schedule an appointment today.
San Marcos Auto Repair Shop FAQs
Most auto experts say that brake pads should be changed every 50,000 miles, but there’s more to consider than that. For more information, check your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation, and then discuss it with one of Reliable Automotive’s ASE-certified mechanics. They will consider:
- The type of brake pads
- Your driving style
What you use the vehicle for - The climate and terrain where you drive
Set an appointment for a brake inspection today at your local San Marcos auto repair shop, Reliable Automotive.
The brake rotors work in tandem with the brake pads to bring a vehicle to a stop. The rotors and the pads clamp together, creating friction when the driver steps on the brake, so over time these parts wear down. The rotors can also warp from the heat generated while braking. During your car’s brake service, the rotors will be checked to determine if there is enough metal left for them to still work properly. If so, the technician will put each rotor on a lathe and smooth the existing surface with a sharp bit (this resurfacing is often referred to as “turning” the rotors). If not, the rotors will need to be replaced.
When you suspect brake problems, find your way to the best auto repair in San Marcos, TX: Reliable Automotive! Early intervention means lower costs in the future.
The transmission shifts the gears of the car when the speed increases or decreases. In manual transmissions, the driver chooses when to shift, while in automatic transmissions, the system itself makes that determination based on the speed of the car.
In a more technical sense, the transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels by sending torque to each wheel when it’s needed. When you step on the brake pedal, the transmission helps disengage the engine.
The transmission is one of the most important parts of a vehicle and also one of the most expensive to repair or replace. Ask one of the Reliable Automotive technicians to add a regular transmission inspection, as it’s to your advantage to identify small transmission problems and correct them early.
In some newer vehicles, the fluid may never have to be changed. Check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your make and model. A general rule is to change the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but Reliable Automotive can help you determine whether it’s needed based on how you use your vehicle.
Here are some indicators that your vehicle needs some attention:
Decreased Fuel Mileage: Many factors can cause this, from poor wheel alignment to problems with your engine or the emissions system. Get it checked out right away to determine the reason.
Weird or New Noises: A car is a complicated piece of machinery. If a part is broken or becomes loose, noises occur to alert you to a problem. It might be something simple, or it could be a warning of a serious issue.
Poor Braking: Brakes are constantly worn down through use. It’s often hard to tell ahead of time when you will need extra braking power or when they will fail. This is one reason preventative maintenance is so important. A Reliable Automotive brake specialist will inspect your brakes regularly to avoid brake failure on the road.
If you notice the car takes longer to brake, sponginess in the brake pedal, grinding noises, or vibrations when you brake, bring your car to Reliable right away. It’s a matter of ensuring your safety as well as the safety of others in your car. Safety always comes first.
Ignoring Warning Lights: Your dashboard warning lights will alert you that your car needs attention! Ignoring your car’s warning lights often leads to more expensive repairs than might have been necessary.
Engine Refusing To Start: This is an obvious red flag. The issue could be something simple, like a misfiring spark plug, which can be fixed easily, quickly, and without a great deal of cost. However, an engine that doesn’t start may be signaling something serious. Don’t wait to get it to Reliable Automotive for an inspection and tune-up.
The head gasket is between the engine block and the cylinder head. It provides the necessary seal between the block and the head and keeps the combustion gasses in the cylinders. It also keeps any engine oil or coolant from getting into the cylinders.
Keep in mind there is a lot of heat generated by the engine. If that heat becomes excessive, the engine block and cylinder head can expand past their capacity, and the gasket can fail or “blow.” This damages the fire rings or armors and allows the cylinder pressure to leak.
