Car Repair in South Elgin, IL
Honest1 Auto Care South Elgin is your one-stop shop for vehicle repairs
Your Local Honest1
Even if you're a seasoned technician yourself, fixing your car or truck is never fun. Luckily, the team at Honest1 can guide you through any vehicle repair. Our Roadworthy Experts™ are ready to tackle anything from diagnosing to fixing or replacing. With every visit, they arm you with the what, why, and what next—how car repairs should be.
What Drivers are Saying
jake peterman
The team at honest1 is a group of absolute rockstars. From providing world class customer service. A complete digital vehicle inspection, that removes all of the hesitation in making decisions about my vehicles health. Then they take this tremendous customer service and multiply it by having a plethora of snacks for customers. A comfortable waiting area for short repairs. They even offer a local shuttle service so you can focus on your busy day while they handle getting your ride back on the...
slodziak120
I can’t say enough great things about the team at Honest1 Automotive Repair in South Elgin—especially Ramon and Jake! From start to finish, they provided top-notch service, honest advice, and a level of professionalism that’s hard to find these days. Ramon was incredibly thorough in explaining what was going on with my vehicle, taking the time to walk me through the issues and answer all my questions without any pressure. Jake made sure everything ran smoothly and that the repairs were done...
Jennifer Miller
If you’re looking for real automotive expertise—not just part-swapping and guesswork—Jake and Ramon at Honest1 Automotive in South Elgin are in a league of their own. These guys approach vehicle service the way true professionals should: with precision diagnostics, technical mastery, and an unwavering commitment to doing the job right the first time. Jake started by scanning the vehicle’s OBD-II system and quickly identified multiple stored and pending fault codes. Rather than jumping...
Martin Stolarz
Jake and Ramon at Honest1 Automotive Repair in South Elgin are, without a doubt, the dream team. It’s rare to walk into an auto shop and feel completely at ease, respected, and genuinely cared for—but that’s exactly what you get with these two. They’ve redefined what top-tier automotive service should look like. Jake is the kind of person you trust instantly. He’s calm, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything with clarity and honesty, never once...
Maciej
Jake at Honest1 Automotive Repair in South Elgin is an absolute gem. In a world where auto repair can often feel overwhelming or uncertain, Jake is a breath of fresh air—genuine, knowledgeable, and incredibly trustworthy. From our very first conversation, he made it clear that I wasn’t just another ticket number. He took the time to listen, explain everything in detail, and make sure I felt confident every step of the way. His ability to break down complex issues into easy-to-understand...
Car repairs 101
Regular maintenance and a keen eye are the best ways to keep your ride Roadworthy™. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of common vehicle repairs can help you get ahead of expensive issues.
Look for leaks
- Yellowish-green, pastel blue, or fluorescent orange: Points to an overheating engine or a leaky cooling system.
- Dark brown or black: Could be an oil leak from a bad seal or gasket.
- Red: Might mean a transmission or power steering fluid leak.
- Clear: Likely condensation from your A/C and nothing to stress over.
Listen for trouble
- Squeal: Could be a loose or worn belt or brake system issue.
- Click: Probably the hardest to pin down; can mean a stuck valve lifter, low engine oil, brake issues, an axle issue, or something in your tire.
- Screech: May be a problem with your brake, wheel bearing, or drivetrain.
- Rumble: Often indicates worn drive-line components.
- Ping: Usually the result of using lower octane gas than recommended.
- Heavy Knocking: Might be a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings.
- Clunk: Possibly a loose shock absorber, suspension component, exhaust pipe, or motor mount.
Focus on the ride
- Trouble steering: Likely misaligned wheels or worn steering components.
- Pulling in one direction: The tendency to steer left or right could be due to under-inflated tires, a misaligned front end, or failed brake components.
- Rough ride and handling: Worn shock absorbers, suspension components, or improper tire inflation can affect cornering. A vehicle that bounces twice or more when pushed down hard at each wheel might need new shocks.
The Honest1 Difference
Free Shuttle Service
Comfy Guest Lounge and WiFi
After Hours Car Drop-off & Pickup
36/36 Roadworthy Warranty®
Locally Owned & Operated