Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services
Car and Truck Repair Services in Sarasota
At Hitchcock Automotive Repair, we deliver complete car and truck repair in Sarasota, including vital services like cabin and engine air filter replacement. These small but essential components protect your engine, improve air quality, and help your vehicle run efficiently in any condition.
Whether you drive a domestic car or an import, our team offers trusted preventative maintenance and full auto repair services to keep your vehicle operating at peak performance. We service all makes, models, and fuel systems in the Sarasota area with manufacturer-level precision.
Need to schedule a service? Call us at 941-306-1000 or email our shop today. We're happy to help with your next repair or filter replacement.
Our basic auto maintenance services include:
30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:
- Fluid replacements
- Oil and Filter changes
- Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
- Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
- With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable
Belt Replacement
Fan belts (or drive belts) dry out and crack over time. If you hear squealing or see wear, visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota for expert belt inspection and replacement using quality parts.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
It could be a loose gas cap-or something serious like a failing catalytic converter. Visit us in Sarasota for quick code reading and diagnostics. At Hitchcock Automotive Repair, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you.
Factory Scheduled Maintenance
Automakers provide a service schedule for each vehicle. Our Sarasota technicians follow this closely for gas and diesel vehicles, domestic or import, to ensure long-term performance.
Headlight and Bulb Replacement
If your bulbs are dim or out, it's time for a replacement. Our Sarasota team installs high-quality bulbs to restore visibility and safety.
Hose Replacement
Cracked, dry hoses can leak coolant and cause overheating and prevent optimum performance. We inspect and replace worn hoses to keep your cooling system in top shape.
Oil, Lube & Filter Changes
Most vehicles need oil and filter changes every 3,000 to 7,500 miles. We provide full oil, lube, and filter service at Hitchcock Automotive Repair to prevent wear and overheating.
Wiper Blade Replacement
If your blades streak or skip, it's time for new ones. We install quality wipers in minutes at Hitchcock Automotive Repair for better road visibility during rain or snow. Give us a call at 941-306-1000 for more information.
FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles
Why is my car making a squealing noise?
It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.
Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?
If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Hitchcock Automotive Repair to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Sarasota can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.
Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?
A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to Hitchcock Automotive Repair and get it replaced right away.
Leaking Fluid FAQs
Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?
The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Hitchcock Automotive Repair. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.
What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?
If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to Hitchcock Automotive Repair to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.
Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?
If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.
To learn more about our Car and Truck Care services, call us at 941-306-1000 or request a quote by clicking below:
Request Quote
Discover More About Car & Truck Care Repair Services At Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota
Undercar Services
Tire Repair Services
Tire Repair/Purchasing New Tires
Contact Us Today!
Got questions? We've got answers! Drop us a line, give us a call, or even stop by. Our team is eager to help you with any auto repair needs you have. Let's get you back on the road safely and swiftly!
What Our Customers Are Saying
Scott at Hitchcock Auto is amazing! I came in last minute & needed help with my car, he took it in upon arrival & was able to figure out the problem & fix the problem in less than an hour. Honest & reliable car shop! This is my go to!
Forgive me as it has been some time since I was there, but about a month ago I was getting ready to head over to Orlando for work training from Sarasota. I pulled out of my driveway and my power steering was gone. I immediately drove to the only auto repair shop I have been to since living out here and they were too busy to help me. I started to google shops around me and Hitchcock Automotive came up. I made my way over and they had space and time to help me out right away. Scott Sr. (I believe was his name) was super kind (which I usually find uncommon as a woman looking to get her car fixed) and he reassured me it was an easy fix. The ?o-ring? had completely broken a piece off and they got my car up and cleaned up and replaced the ring within 20-30 min. I expressed my thanks and asked how much I owed and he told me it was on them and not to worry about it. Believe me I was worried about it. I never know how much mechanics are going to charge me and I couldn?t believe he did all of that for free. It was probably an easy little fix for them, but it was a huge fix to my day and restored a part of my faith in kindness. Thank you guys seriously. You had no idea how helpful that was to me when I needed it. Many thanks and will be back for any future car troubles. I highly recommend making this your first stop with auto repairs. A trustworthy team, quality work, and a safe and clean space. 10/10 guys.
I was looking for a good auto repair shop for my Lexus when I found Hitchcock Automotive mentioned several times on Next Door. I called and brought my car in with a list of items that needed to be repaired and asked if they would give me an estimate. While I waited, they looked the car over , gave me a very good price on the repairs and offered to do the work that day or the next, based on my convenience. I am very happy with the work that was done on my car and quite impressed with the customer service of Hitchcock Automotive. What a great find! Just an update to my last review because I know people are always looking for a good auto mechanic. My husband and I have used Hitchcock Automotive several times now for my Lexus RX 350 and his Jeep and we are extremely happy with their service. Scott, the owner, is just great! He runs a very efficient shop where the work is done on time and in line with the estimate. We have never had to bring anything back for an adjustment. Scott explains what needs to be done and , just as importantly, what doesn?t need to be done. When we bring our cars in for service, we know that the work will be done correctly and that we will be treated in a professional and courteous manner.
I couldn't speak more highly of this family owned and operated shop! They were honest, reasonable, good people. I will be recommending them to everyone I know! I came in with a muffler issue, they could have looked at me and assumed they could make some good money off of me by telling me I needed an all new muffler installed. Instead they brought me into the garage showed me the exact problem along with their recommendation and were able to easily fix the problem with very little cost to me. Five stars ? Thank you for being one of the good ones!!
