Auto Repair Services
Engine Repair in Houston
Rudy repairs engines that overheat, leak oil, misfire or make noise. He finds where the problem starts and gives you a price before the engine comes apart.
What to Expect
How We Handle It
Overheating: radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses, cooling fans and coolant leaks
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets and seals
Head gasket testing and repair
Timing belt and timing chain replacement
Misfires traced to the plug, coil, injector, vacuum leak or low compression
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car overheating?
The usual causes are low coolant from a leak, a stuck thermostat, a failing water pump, a clogged radiator or a cooling fan that isn't coming on. Less often it's a head gasket. Rudy tests the cooling system to find which one.
Is it safe to drive an overheating car?
No. Pull over and turn the engine off when the gauge heads into the red. Driving it hot can warp the cylinder head and blow the head gasket.
How do I know if my head gasket is blown?
Common signs are sweet-smelling white smoke from the exhaust, coolant that disappears with no visible leak, milky oil, bubbles in the coolant reservoir, and overheating. A few cheaper problems look similar, so Rudy tests for combustion gas in the coolant before he calls it a head gasket.
When does a timing belt need replacing?
Most manufacturers call for it somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Your owner's manual has the number for your engine. On many engines a broken belt bends the valves, so do it on time. Timing chains last longer but can stretch, and a rattle at startup is the usual warning.
Why is my engine leaking oil?
Most oil leaks come from a valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket, the oil filter or drain plug, or a crankshaft or camshaft seal. Rudy finds the source and tells you whether it needs fixing now or can be watched.
Related Services
Other Ways We Can Help
Engine Diagnostics & Check Engine Light
Check engine light on? Rudy reads the code, then tests until he finds the failed part. Steady or flashing, call (713) 937-2400. Northwest Houston.
Learn moreGeneral Maintenance
Tune-ups, filters, belts, hoses and timing belts on the schedule your car needs. Rudy tells you what's due now and what can wait. Houston, (713) 937-2400.
Learn moreHelpful Reads
From Rudy’s Blog
What That Sound Your Car Is Making Actually Means
A grinding noise under braking isn't always brake pads. A clicking on turns might not be your CV joint. Learn what your car is actually telling you.
6 min read →DiagnosticsWhy Those Cheap OBD2 Scanners Tell You Nothing
A $30 code reader gives you a code, not a diagnosis. P0301 doesn't tell you which cylinder misfired or why. Find out why throwing parts at codes wastes money.
6 min read →MaintenanceDo You Really Need That Repair? How We Decide.
The dealer says you need everything. We're here to tell you what you actually need, what can wait, and what you can skip.
6 min read →Get Started
Engine Running Hot or Leaking?
If the temperature gauge climbs, pull over and shut it off. Then call (713) 937-2400.