Christian Brothers Automotive Helotes

12544 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023, USA

Address:	12544 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023, USA
Phone:	+1 210-695-4528
Site:	cbac.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 44

Reviews 5

C Hill

The Cars Problem: Wifes BMW went Lost in Space ("Danger Will Robinson!") with sudden overheating warnings and then went into limp mode, all on a hot afternoon while driving on Bandera Rd. She pulled into the closest parking lot, which happened to be near Christian Bros. Auto in Helotes (CBA-H), and called me. I came and looked at the car and concluded the water pump, which is electric, must have died. Thats bad... The Diagnosis: Called CBA-H and asked if they worked on BMWs, to which they said yes. We immediately took car there and within a few hours they confirmed the diagnosis and provided estimate for repair, which included: European diagnostic fee, new water pump+bolts, new thermostat, new coolant, "shop supplies" (towels?, soap?, sandwich?), fuel trim computer reset, and labor. I winced at the high total price but was already on the hook for the diagnostic fee and did not want to tow vehicle to another shop (or risk driving it any further). After stressing over it that night, the next morning we requested that they proceed with the repair and the car was ready by the end of that day. Thats very nice... The Good (about CBA-H): The management team (Spike and Steve) are very courteous. The mechanics appear to be experienced and do a good job with the repairs and taking care of the vehicle. The group as a whole seems to be very efficient and provide quality service in a professional and timely manner. The Bad (about CBA-H): Expensive. This was the 2nd time we had used CBA-H for a repair. I knew from the first time (which was on a GMC pick-up) that their costs were above average, but I was a little more disappointed with this one. I am a mech. engineeer and a DIYer and have some knowledge on part prices and level of effort for repairs(thanks to the internet). However, I did not have an opportunity to do this job immediately and the vehicle was needed sooner than later. Based on what I could buy all of the parts for, I suspect that their parts mark-up is in the 50% range (although they likely charge more on some parts and less on others). Initially, the labor rate seemed reasonable. However, we were charged the rate for changing out just the pump and the rate for changing out just the thermostat, which is troubling since the two parts are connected, so most of the labor overlaps. There was no credit for the somewhat high cost diagnostic fee (i.e., hooking up scanner to read codes). There was also a separate, but substantial, charge for a fuel trim reset (another five minute computer hook-up), which I dont thiink the car really needed since there were no changes to the intake or exhaust systems. Furthermore, the trims are constantly adjusting themselves and would have corrected as needed within an hours drive time. Im not suggesting CBA-H did anything "unnecessary" or even out of the ordinary, but all of this combined is what I feel makes them expensive. Conclusion: I believe CBA-H is a quality repair shop. Their prices are likely above average because they have a nice facility and a nice management team to pay. I have no problem recommending them and would use them again, but would warn that the wallet might feel some pain. At least the vehicle will be repaired correctly though.

Julia Cunningham Smail

I was literally blown-away by their service, competency, and honesty - in an auto repair shop. I mean, its what we should expect, but wow these guys did a really good job. I had been advised by the Acura dealer that my car needed a $1400 repair. A light was on. Acura based this on their diagnosis. However, not liking Acuras estimate, I took the car to Christian Brothers and they not only determined that my car does not (at this time, its very old) need this repair, but they did a brainstorming session to try and figure out why the light came on in the first place - I mean, a REAL diagnosis. Turns out I could just have some electrical interference, tripping the light and a code, but these guys did such an amazing job to really figure this out, and not just do like Acura and give me an estimate for a repair. I have been had by auto shops in the past, but am so thankful I can trust THIS shop and I will be using them for all my repairs, no questions asked. Such a relief to find such quality, competency, honesty, and caring. Thank you Christian Brothers.

Walter Doss

Female friend had an oil leak and took her vehicle here without prior experience. They came back with a $2000+ quote for repairs. She asked that I call and figure out exactly what the repairs were. They explained the oil was leaking from a faulty seal on the oil filter. Also stated they found a leaking heater hose, faulty thermostat, and decided to tack on all routine maintenance for a vehicle at 60k+ miles trying to convince her they were things that must be done. Oh and they charged her $90 to change a tail light bulb. The bulb. I told her to take the vehicle elsewhere. She picked it up from them and refused to pay $90 for changing a light bulb, they agreed on $45. We took her vehicle an independent shop on the south side. They changed her oil, checked all her hoses and thermostat, placed a clamp on the PIN SIZED hole in the heater hose and charged her $150. Avoid unless you dont mind paying 2-3 times what you should. I cant voucher for their mechanic ability obviously.

David Bush

I have never written a review for anything up until now. I talked to Christian Brothers about how I was told by another shop that I needed new front wheel bearings. They told me approximately how much it would cost depending on the type I needed. They said they really needed to look at my truck first. I brought it in the next day. After less than 30 minutes, they came to me and said that it is true that the wheel bearings are beginning to wear but they have a lot of life left in them. They left the decision up to me. I said I would probably wait and check them again in a few months. They thought that would be fine. Then they gave my truck back to me with no charge. Wow!! They could have easily fixed my wheel bearings, and I would have never known the difference. What honesty and trust. I told them that as long as I am living in SA, I will always bring my vehicles here.

david savoy

My daughters car, a 2007 Ford Escape, is at your facility and it needs a new engine. I spoke to Spike and we agreed that is probably best to just sell the car to salvage/auction. He told me he would contact these folks and call me back with an estimate of how much they would give me for this vehicle. I have not heard from him and Ive tried calling your shop a bunch of times and no one answers the phone. Very frustrating! I tried submitting a message via their website and it asks to input a "captcha", but first of all, there is no captcha on the screen and scondly, even if there was you cant make an input into that field! Someone needs some IT help. I would come by the shop in person, but I live in Houston. Someone give me a call please!