At the first sign of engine trouble, it’s best to alert the mechanic. If you delay, the underlying issue could soon escalate and cause bigger problems. At Auto Check Complete Car Care, we provide expert engine diagnostics and repair in the greater Katy area. Here’s a look at five common signs of engine trouble. Check Engine Light Illuminates One of the most obvious signs of an engine problem is when the check engine light on your dashboard illuminates. This light doesn’t automatically mean that your engine is on the verge of failing, but you should still get to the shop for diagnostics ASAP. Common reasons the check engine light gets triggered include issues with catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and spark plugs. Unusual Noises Abnormal noises arising from your engine should never be disregarded. Rattling, knocking, hissing, or squealing sounds could indicate a range of issues, from loose components to worn-out bearings or belts. Ignoring unusual engine sounds could lead to more significant problems. Discolored/Excessive Smoke from the Exhaust Discolored exhaust smoke can provide hints about the underlying issue based on the hue. Blue-tinted smoke typically suggests burning oil. White smoke may indicate coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, possibly from a blown head gasket. Black smoke often signifies excessive fuel being burned. Engine Overheating An engine that is running hotter than normal is a clear indication of a problem. Overheating can be caused by a variety of issues, including coolant leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty water pump, or a damaged radiator. Ignoring engine overheating can lead to severe damage, such as warped cylinder heads. If you notice your temperature gauge creeping into the red zone or steam coming from under the hood, pull over safely, let your engine cool, and consult the mechanic. Unusual Smells Strange odors coming from your engine or exhaust system can be a sign of trouble. A sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak, while a burnt odor might suggest an oil leak onto hot engine components. A strong smell of fuel could mean there’s a leak in the fuel system. Ignoring these smells could risk further damage to your engine and may even pose a safety hazard. Engine Repair in Katy, TX When you need engine repair in Katy and the surrounding area, contact Auto Check Complete Car Care at  (281) 815-2351  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

At Auto Check Complete Car Care, it’s our mission to consistently outperform our customers’ expectations by providing top-quality repairs at fair rates. As proud members of the Katy business community, we aim to earn our customers’ trust by meticulously completing each job to the highest standards. And we’re always thankful when our customers offer feedback. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “My first time here and the service was EXCELLENT! I was in and out in a timely manner. I will definitely be returning. Thank you so much for your kind service.” — LaJuanna B. “By far the most honest car people I know and very reasonably priced. I travel about an hour to use them and I will continue to do so.” — Erin A. “Fast and professional service, with good customer service and attitude. Will definitely use this place again and recommend to others.” — Adil S. “They were fast, kind, and accommodating to myself and my kids for our car inspection. I will definitely be going back to them!” — Tayler H. “Honesty, integrity, speed and efficiency. That sums up Auto Check. Everyone is super friendly and Sandy is lightning quick and does excellent work.” — John W. “Great service! Fast and clean, strongly recommended.” — Luciano C. “The front end guys are very nice and informative. They are busy so that says lots of people use them. I have had good reports from neighbors which is why we tried them.” — Vicki K. “Highly recommend, very friendly and professional team. Thanks Bruce and all the team.” — Rodrigo M. “I have been going to Auto Check Katy for over 10 years and have found them to be very professional and quick. Highly recommended.” — Bill D. Auto Repair in Katy, TX When you need auto repair in Katy and the surrounding area, contact Auto Check Complete Car Care at  (281) 815-2351  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

You just never know when you’ll cross paths with a drunk or distracted driver. When an unexpected safety threat suddenly emerges, it’s critical that your brakes work flawlessly. This makes it important to get to the shop when you first notice a sign of brake trouble. At Auto Check Complete Car Care, our local mechanics provide expert brake repair in the greater Katy, TX area. Here are five symptoms of a brake problem. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most noticeable signs of brake trouble is unusual sounds when applying the brakes. If you hear a high-pitched squealing or grinding noise, it could indicate worn-out brake pads. As brake pads wear down, the metal backing can come into contact with the brake rotor, causing concerning noises. Addressing this issue promptly can minimize the risk of damage to rotors. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed could be due to air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. In the event that your car is leaking brake fluid, you’ve got a major safety issue. With this problem, you shouldn’t drive your car. Instead, you should get towed to the shop for the necessary repairs. Vibrating If you notice vibrations or pulsations when applying the brakes, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Warped rotors can result from overheating and cause decreased braking efficiency. Warning Light If your brake warning light illuminates, it's a clear signal that your vehicle's braking system needs attention. This warning light may indicate problems with brake fluid levels, wheel speed sensors, or other components. Pulling to One Side If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it may indicate a caliper issue. In some cases, a caliper will stick due to corrosion, causing the car to veer while braking, which creates a major safety hazard. Brake Repair in Katy, TX When you need auto repair in Katy, TX and the surrounding area, contact Auto Check Complete Car Care at  (281) 815-2351  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

If you notice that your car isn’t firing up quite as smoothly as usual, then it’ll be best to get to the shop as soon as you can. By being proactive, you’ll have the best chance of identifying and addressing the issue before it escalates and prevents your engine from starting at all. At Auto Check Complete Car Care, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and fixing issues that cause hard-starts and no-start. Here are five common issues that prevent vehicles from starting. Dead Battery A common culprit behind a non-starting engine is a dead or weak battery. Batteries have a finite lifespan, and if yours is old, it might not have enough power to crank the engine. Other issues that cause batteries to die include a faulty alternator, loose/corroded connections, and leaving on headlights. Fuel System Issues A clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump can restrict fuel flow to the engine, preventing it from starting. As problems develop in the fuel system, you may notice symptoms such as sputtering and poor acceleration. Ignition System Problems The ignition system plays a crucial role in starting the engine. A faulty ignition switch, ignition coil, or spark plugs can disrupt the ignition process. To prevent such issues, it’s important to replace ignition system components, such as spark plugs, as necessary during regular maintenance. Failing Alternator A malfunctioning alternator can result in a drained battery, leading to starting issues. Signs of an alternator problem include flickering/dimming headlights, as well as issues with electrical accessories such as power seats and the radio. Faulty Starter Motor If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, it could indicate a problem with the starter motor. The starter motor is crucial to turning the engine over. As it ages, wear and tear can affect its performance, eventually causing it to fail. Auto Repair in Katy, TX When you need auto repair in Katy and the surrounding area, contact Auto Check Complete Car Care at  (281) 815-2351  . Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!