Professional Engine Maintenance
Engine maintenance is vital to keep your car or truck operating at peak performance. It also impacts the longevity of your vehicle's engine. Trust the experts at Reliable Automotive to help you protect your investment. Call us at 314-733-5455 or visit our shop in St. Louis for expert engine maintenance.
Engine Maintenance Services
Below is a comprehensive list of the engine maintenance services we offer
Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Reliable Automotive, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 314-733-5455 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.
Diesel
Although diesel engines don't require tune-ups and tend to last longer than gasoline engines, they do require regular maintenance. Typical maintenance tasks include:
- Changing the oil & filter
- Changing the air filter
- Changing the fuel filter
- Bleeding the fuel system
- Draining the water separators
- Refilling the urea injection system
You can count on the experts at Reliable Automotive to help your diesel engine last a long time.
Fuel Injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an engine. Since 1990, fuel injectors have completely replaced carburetors as the primary means of getting gasoline into the engine. A fuel injector atomizes the fuel by forcibly pumping it through a small nozzle (under high pressure). Failure of the fuel injection system means poor performance and ultimately destroys the engine.
Ignition
Your vehicle's ignition system is responsible for starting the engine by delivering an electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Issues can involve a worn ignition switch, a faulty ignition coil or broken or corroded wiring. These problems can lead to symptoms like the engine failing to start, intermittent stalling, dashboard warning lights, or even complete power loss while driving.
Ignition Wires & Cables
These vital parts transfer the spark from the ignition coil to spark plugs that ignite the mixture of fuel and air. The mixture starts the engine. Over time, ignition wires and cables get weak and break down. This makes it impossible for the spark to reach the engine cylinders. This results in the engine misfiring. Common symptoms of faulty ignition cables and wires are: poor gas mileage, engine misfires, engine light is on, and engine vibration.
Oil, Lube, and Filter
To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 3,000 miles) in order to function optimally.
Spark Plugs
A spark plug delivers electric current to the combustion chamber from the ignition system. Spark plugs that haven't been changed for a long time can cause ignition problems. At Reliable Automotive, we have automotive experts who will check and replace your spark plugs. For all your spark plug repair or replacement needs, call 314-733-5455 or visit Reliable Automotive today.
Spark Plug Related FAQs
How do you know when a spark plug needs to be replaced?
The most common sign that a spark plug needs replacing is an engine that hesitates during acceleration. Other warning signs may include engine misfires during startup, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy, and engine knocking.
What else should I replace when replacing spark plugs?
If you're considering having your vehicle's spark plugs replaced, there's a good chance the spark plug wires should be replaced as well. Ignition wires become brittle over time, and worn wires can lead to engine misfires, poor performance, and reduced fuel economy.
Check Engine Light FAQs
What could cause a check engine light to come on?
Come by Reliable Automotive and we can diagnose the reasons for a check engine light turning on. It can range from something serious like a faulty catalytic converter or potential engine failure to something simple like a loose gas cap or the need for a routine 50,000- or 100,000-mile manufacturer maintenance service.
Is it okay to drive with the engine light on?
The short answer is no. The longer explanation is that the light may indicate a serious engine problem, and continuing to drive as if nothing is wrong could result in much more expensive repairs. A check engine light means you should have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a professional at Reliable Automotive in St. Louis.
What is the most common problem with my check engine light?
A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons a check engine light comes on. However, the best way to determine the exact cause is to have a technician at Reliable Automotive read the diagnostic code stored in your vehicle's onboard OBD computer.
What does a solid check engine light mean?
A steady check engine light generally indicates a non-emergency issue that still needs attention. Come by Reliable Automotive and we'll help diagnose and resolve the problem before it becomes more serious.
What does an intermittent flashing check engine light mean?
A flashing check engine light is a warning of a potentially severe problem that requires immediate attention. Get your vehicle to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible, or safely park it and arrange for a tow to your preferred repair facility to avoid further engine damage.
To learn more about our Engine Maintenance services, call us at 314-733-5455 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Discover More About Engine Repair Services At Reliable Automotive in St. Louis
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what our customers say
My 2000 BMW 323i broke down and would not start near St. Louis, MO during my drive from Cincinnati, OH to Los Angeles, CA. They towed my car to the auto shop and replaced the alternator. Although the shop closes at 5:30 pm and my car arrived after closing hours, they stayed until 8:00 pm to complete the job. I found the shop to be honest trustworthy and they changed a reasonable price for the work. I was able to continue my trip with only a two-hour delay. I consider myself lucky to have my car breakdown near this shop. I highly recommend this shop. They did an outstanding job.
Honest and professional repair shop! I can't say enough positive things about the crew and owner of this shop. If I could add an extra star I would.... This is the type of shop you look for to regularly service your vehicle. On a recent road trip from PA to Colorado we had a mechanical issue that required immediate assistance. We were able to limp the vehicle into the shops parking lot on a Friday night at closing time. The owner and his son didn't shoo us away but instead put the vehicle on a lift to determine if they could get us back on the road. After about an hour, they made the necessary repair and we were on our way. The price was fair... actually better than fair considering our circumstance. Great guys with integrity and an exceptional sense of humor. Make this your "go to" shop.... I would if I weren't 600 mile away. Thanks again guys!
