Where is a decent priced mechanic? (San Antonio, Hollywood Park: shop, deposits, used car)

[beto26]

Looking for a mechanic to check out a water leak under my car. Chevy cobalt 05.

Pepboys is expensive for me right now, anyone know of a mechanic shop I can take my car to that won't charge me an arm and a leg?

I'm new in San antonio so any input is greatly appreciated.

[Primo]

Nesloney Auto Repair:

2719 Vance Jackson Road
San Antonio, TX 78213-3429
(210) 349-3747

It is by La Fogata - It is a independent Father & Son shop that has been around since the 70s. They are probably father, Son, Grandson shop by now. That it he only place my parents take their cars. They did lots of work for me when I was younger and had used cars.

[kevcrawford]

I use Hollywood Park Automotive and have for 18 years. The owner is incredibly fair on pricing and realistic on what repairs you need and what would just be wasting your money. They've saved me thousands over the years. Honest as they come. They're on the 281 access road at Thousand Oaks (southbound)

[SnappyBob]

Stay away from Pep Boy's, Walmart or any place resembling those places for any outo repair.

[SabresFanInSA]

I hate to ask the silly question, but have you checked it yourself?

Cars dont have "water" in them to leak. Is it anti-freeze that is leaking? If it is clear water it might just be the AC draining out. If it is really humid the puddle under the car will be more pronounced.

[kevcrawford]

The majority of cars here are running water in their radiator. May have a slight mix of antifreeze in there too, but by and large we don't need antifreeze in our cars.

[SabresFanInSA]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

The majority of cars here are running water in their radiator. May have a slight mix of antifreeze in there too, but by and large we don't need antifreeze in our cars.

I was figuring on the fact that most people dont flush their radiator when they are supposed to so being an '05 it probably has the factory antifreeze in it.

That plus anywhere you take it is going flush and fill with antifreeze (most are premixed with the right amounts of water) since most people dont have distilled water and tap/hose water will rust out the radiator.

[Primo]

GM/Chevy uses its own Antifreeze called Dex Cool...it is a dark orange/brownish color (Almost like rust -go figure). It should last 100K miles.

If you do have a leak it could be:
- Hose - very cheap to fix about $10-$30 for the part and can be replaced easily. It will take longer to drain the radiator than to replace the house
- Radiator, new radiator can cost $100-$300 and can be replaced in about 15 minutes, again, it will take longer to drain the radiator than to actually fix it.
- Bad water pump - worst case - this can take hours to replace and the part will not be cheap - I would say minimum $500 job. This is a mechanics least favorite job to do.

So if they are going to drain it and you plan to keep your it, given the age of your car, I would have them put new antifreeze/water.

And yes you need to use antifreeze/mix in Texas according to the jug or manufacturer. We have all seen it get into the teens and SA lowest recorded temp was 0 back in 1949. So it can get that cold here again.

[Primo]

Originally Posted by SabresFanInSA

That plus anywhere you take it is going flush and fill with antifreeze (most are premixed with the right amounts of water) since most people dont have distilled water and tap/hose water will rust out the radiator.

BTW Distilled water causes rust too - the purpose of it is to avoid calcium deposits. You are even suppose to flush you stem with distilled water and very few people do it.