Engine Repairs

Your Engine’s Best Friend – No Ifs, Ands, or Sputters!

We all know the feeling of seeing that dreaded engine light turn on. As annoying as it can be, most of us don’t know the next step to take after detecting that light. 

However, if you care about your vehicle, it’s best to know the exact procedures it takes to keep it in good health. And we’re talking about more than just routine maintenance and detailing. Knowing how to diagnose your vehicle’s engine performance problems helps you protect your car and avoid getting ripped off at the repair shop. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you about all the engine repairs your vehicle may need in its lifetime. 

Engine Maintenance

First, let’s talk about the routine checkups your vehicle needs. Preventive engine maintenance may seem unnecessary at the time, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

Engine Oil Analysis

An engine oil analysis gives you an overview of the engine’s health. Experts recommend checking engine oil every couple of weeks or 1,000 miles. It’s the first step of our routine maintenance at Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, where we’ll check your engine for contaminants and signs of stress. 

Engine Cooling System Checks

Checking the engine cooling system means making sure the coolant levels and hose integrity are as they should be. More importantly, it warns you against overheating, which can show up as cracked blocks or warped cylinder heads. 

Fuel System Service

This service involves getting your fuel system cleaned. This way, there won’t be any clogs in the fuel filters or injectors, and your engine will keep getting a consistent fuel supply.

Spark Plug Replacement

Ideally, you should get your spark plugs replaced every 80,000 miles. This simple engine repair has a huge impact on the engine's performance. If your spark plugs are left worn or fouled for too long, you’ll be dealing with bigger problems like higher emissions, less power, and misfires. 

Valve Adjustment

Many vehicle owners overlook this step, but valve adjustment is an unskippable step of your routine maintenance every 1,000–3,000 hours. By skipping it, you’re increasing the risk of valve damage and reduced engine efficiency.

Timing Belt Replacement

A broken timing belt can end up being your worst nightmare. It can lead to a major engine failure, which will damage the valves, pistons, and many other aspects of the engine. Get it replaced the second you notice signs of damage.

Decoding the Check Engine Light

The dreaded "Check Engine Light" tends to be the first sign of trouble, but what’s the next step? Investing a little time in learning engine diagnostics will help you figure out exactly what’s wrong with your vehicle.

Compression Test

When you first bring the vehicle in, our team at Hi-Tech Auto Specialists will perform the compression test. This will help us understand the condition of the engine's cylinders and find problems like worn piston rings or leaking valves.

Ignition System Service

If your car has been struggling with hard starting, poor performance, or misfires, it could also benefit from an ignition system service. We’ll use scan tools and oscilloscopes to find the root of these problems and get started on fixing your ignition system right away.

Emission System Service

Depending on the engine diagnostics code, your vehicle could also need an emission system service. This is the service you should ask for if you have a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.

Major Engine Repairs

Finally, let’s talk about major engine repairs that your mechanic should perform when an engine rebuild becomes necessary.

Cylinder Head Repair

Our team at Hi-Tech Auto Specialists will perform a cylinder head repair if your vehicle has recently had a blown head gasket. You’ll know if the head gasket is damaged if you notice white smoke, overheating, or coolant loss.

Exhaust System Repair

You should take your car in for an exhaust system repair if your engine is leaking or the catalytic converter is faulty. Our team will weld the damaged pipes to stop the leakage and replace the catalytic converter if needed.

Fuel Injector Cleaning

A fuel injector cleaning will make sure your engine is receiving enough fuel by getting rid of any clogs in the injectors. Experts recommend getting this done every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Get Your Engine Firing on All Cylinders With

There you have it — these are all the engine repairs your vehicle will need in its lifetime. By staying on top of these maintenance checks and repairs, you can make sure to get the most out of your vehicle and maximize its longevity. If you’re in the Oak Lawn & Westchester, IL area, look no further and visit  for your next tune-up!