Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Auto Repair Shops in Elgin

Our Recommended Top 10

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Elgin Auto Repair Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

33

Reviewed

23

Curated

10

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
151 N Spring St, Elgin, IL 60120
  • BMW Service Center
  • Audi Service Center
  • Acura Service Center

Why choose this provider?

Martin Auto Service is open for same-day and recurring diagnostic operations for automobiles in Elgin-based communities. Its services include a wide range of repair and maintenance solutions, such as safety inspections and emission repairs, as well as engine installation, oil changes, and tire rebalancing. Its mechanics have extensive industry knowledge that they have gained through participation in ASE-directed training programs. They cover various vehicle models from domestic and foreign manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Lexus, and Dodge.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (208)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (55)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
215 W Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60123
  • ASE Certified

Why choose this provider?

Jim's Towing & Automotive serves residents of Elgin who require a variety of repair work. These solutions include diagnostics procedures that interpret data from a car's control computer to accurately detect hidden issues. The team remedies malfunctions in air conditioners, transmission systems, and electrical components. The company also has towing options available for motorists stranded on the road. It has been open since 1977 and has experience working on cars and SUVs manufactured by domestic and foreign names.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.4 / 5 (136)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (15)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
702 N Lake St, Aurora, IL 60506

Why choose this provider?

Velasquez Performance Exhaust - Aurora | Lake St. has been providing solutions to various auto service needs of residents in Elgin and neighboring areas since 2000. Its team of mechanics offers auto repair and maintenance services for different parts, including air conditioning, battery, catalytic converter, engine, tire, and exhaust. They perform emission tests, engine checks, oil changes, tune-ups, and alignment checks. The company uses products from brands like Good Year, Michelin, AC Delco, Pirelli, and Brembo when replacing parts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (173)
Facebook
4.1 / 5 (134)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (27)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
533 North State Street, Elgin, IL 60123
  • ASE Certified
  • State Inspection

Why choose this provider?

Chihuahua Tire Shop caters to the auto repair needs of vehicle owners in Elgin. It is a family-owned and family-operated business with more than 10 years of experience. Its technicians perform a variety of automotive repair and preventative work, including transmission replacement, differential diagnosis, tire rotation, engine performance checks, and cooling system repair. They install audio systems and accessories, such as subwoofers, speakers, and amplifiers. The shop also provides window tinting and vehicle towing services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 5 (351)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (70)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
217 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
  • ASE Certified

Why choose this provider?

Kellenberger Auto is a family-owned business that serves individuals and families in the Elgin metro and the surrounding areas. Its team of ASE-certified technicians maintains and repairs domestic and foreign cars and light trucks, helping clients get the most out of their investments. It fixes issues with air conditioning units, brakes, computer and electrical systems, emissions, shocks and struts, and tires. It also provides air filter inspection and oil changes. Kellenberger Auto has been serving the community since 1939.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (125)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (33)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (33)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1385 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120
  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

Why choose this provider?

Biggers Chevy Elgin offers auto repair solutions and OEM parts for customers in the metro. Its handles oil change, wheel restoration, paintless dent removal, and window tinting. Its technicians conduct car detailing services to improve and clean the interior and exterior surfaces of vehicles. They also repair damaged auto components like individual body panels and mirrors. The shop offers Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu, Traverse, and Impala vehicles. Biggers Chevy Elgin has been in the industry for over 40 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.3 / 5 (770)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (127)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (78)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
340 Production Drive, South Elgin, IL 60177
  • AAA Certified
  • ASE Certified

Why choose this provider?

Wicked Wrench Co. is a women-owned auto repair shop that has been serving vehicle owners in Elgin and the surrounding areas since 2018. Its team of mechanics handles the repair needs for faulty brakes, suspension and steering systems, air conditioning, batteries, engines, and exhaust systems. They also deliver maintenance services like oil changes, tune-ups, wheel alignments, and filter replacements. The company owners come from a family who has been repairing fleet vehicles for more than 35 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (191)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
660 N. La Fox Street, South Elgin, IL 60177
  • Smog Inspection

Why choose this provider?

Honest-1 Auto Care - South Elgin provides services to clients in Elgin and the surrounding communities. The company performs auto repairs to improve and maintain the condition of vehicles, including air conditioning and heating, exhaust systems, transmissions, and engines. It also offers timing belt replacement, wheel alignment, oil change, and tune-up services. The company implements eco-friendly auto care programs that promote recycling, conserve resources, and prevent pollution. It services cars from various brands, including Nissan, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.6 / 5 (271)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (33)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1170 N Mclean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123
  • ASE Certified
  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

Why choose this provider?

Casey Automotive has provided repair services for vehicle owners in the Elgin metro and the surrounding areas for over four decades. It offers a wide range of standard maintenance services, including check engine light diagnostics, safety and emissions inspections, suspension and steering repair, oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups. Its technicians are certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence and are capable of performing a full range of repairs on all makes and models of vehicles.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (114)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
965 N. McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123
  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

Why choose this provider?

McLean Auto Repair serves drivers and vehicle owners in Elgin. Its ASE-certified mechanics undertake repair and upkeep work for various vehicle types, including passenger cars, medium-sized trucks, minivans, and SUVs. They inspect various auto components, such as brakes, axles and CV joints, belts and hoses, and tires, to detect irregularities and determine whether they require repair or replacement. They also handle routine maintenance, which may cover battery replacement and oil changes. The NAPA AutoCare Center started as a Union 76 Gasoline service station in 1970.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (167)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (9)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Automobiles have increasingly become a necessary convenience. They can also be extremely frustrating when not operating properly. Knowing the basics of car maintenance can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

    One key point to understand is the difference between auto body and auto repair shops. Auto body shops focus only on the body, or the nonmoving parts of the vehicle. Auto body technicians repair dents in doors and fenders and replace broken windshields.

    Auto repair shops handle the components that contribute to powering the vehicle or making it stop. Auto mechanics maintain and repair components, such as electrical wiring, engines, transmissions, and brakes.
  • What maintenance does a car need annually?

    Some routine maintenance, such as an oil change, is recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and other services, such as belts, hoses, and fuel filters, should be addressed quarterly. Annual upkeep includes brake and suspension checks. Specific maintenance depends on the miles driven and the vehicle's age. Consult the car's service manual for more detailed guidelines.

  • What does it mean when your car says maintenance is required?

    The vehicle's maintenance required light comes on at specific mileage intervals. If the car's been driven more than 4,500 miles, it might illuminate to remind you that an oil change is necessary to maintain optimal performance. The maintenance required alert differs from the check engine light, which appears for specific operating issues that need to be addressed.

  • How much should I budget for car maintenance?

    While AAA recommends setting aside $1,200 a year ($50 a month to cover auto maintenance and another $50 for repairs), much depends on the make and condition of the specific vehicle. A basic oil change and filter is approximately $50. However, the same service for a Mercedes-Benz costs as much as $200, according to The Detroit Bureau.

    Keeping up with routine maintenance will help prevent some major repairs, but components such as timing belts and brakes ultimately need to be replaced, putting a $400 to $900 dent in your wallet.
  • What kind of maintenance do electric cars need?

    Monthly maintenance should comprise checking the tire pressure and windshield wiper fluid. At 7,500 miles, the battery, power inverter, cabin heater, and charger modules' coolant levels need to be checked. A visual inspection of the vehicle's other moving parts, such as the power steering and suspension, should also be included.

  • Can you negotiate car repairs at a dealership?

    Dealerships use a sales or service writer management team to estimate parts and labor repair costs. Their mechanics focus on repairing the vehicle. While it's possible to negotiate a more palatable rate with dealerships, their preset pricing systems are more structured than independent shops. It pays to be prepared with cost comparisons.

  • Is car repair insurance worth the cost?

    Car repair insurance typically covers the repair of mechanical breakdowns, such as air conditioning, electrical and fuel systems, engines, and transmissions. The caveat is that a standard car repair insurance policy only covers a vehicle up to 72,000 miles, according to Forbes. Few vehicles experience major mechanical problems under 100,000 miles, and if they do, they're usually covered under warranty.

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