Expert GMC maintenance and repair from ASE-certified technicians at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa.
In Costa Mesa, a GMC is often the hardest-working vehicle in the driveway. Sierras tow boats toward Newport Harbor, Yukons carry teams to OC Fair events, and Terrains and Acadias handle errands up and down Newport Boulevard. ExperTec Automotive at 1934 Newport Blvd has serviced them all for more than 30 years.
Salt air and towing are a tough combination. Trailer wiring, brake hardware and hitch components corrode near the harbor, and boat launches add saltwater exposure that needs attention. Short errands near South Coast Plaza also cut into oil life and battery health.
Our ASE-certified technicians use dealer-level scan tools to read GM systems, from the Oil Life Monitor to Dynamic Fuel Management, and install OEM-quality parts. Every job is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty from the shop voted OC’s best auto repair ten years running.
GMC uses the GM Oil Life Monitor, which calculates remaining oil life from engine revolutions, operating temperature and driving conditions rather than a fixed mileage. When it reaches a low percentage, the driver information center shows a “change engine oil soon” message, and GM says the oil should be changed at least once a year regardless. Gas engines call for a dexos-approved oil, and the Duramax diesel has its own reminders for fuel filter and DEF. Mileage-based items like air filters, transmission fluid, spark plugs and coolant follow the schedule in the owner’s manual, so we track both.
Upon completion of the standard maintenance tasks we provide an additional 30-point inspection to make sure that all components in your GMC are up to date and working well.
~Per Oil Life Monitor, at least once a year
~Per Oil Life Monitor and diesel reminders
At ExperTec Automotive, we’ve been repairing GMC vehicles in Orange County for over 30 years. Even well-built GMC models develop specific problems as they age, and 55 Freeway commutes and coastal salt air add to the wear. Our Costa Mesa technicians diagnose these issues quickly, follow GMC factory repair procedures and use quality parts you can trust.
The 5.3L and 6.2L V8 in Sierras and Yukons use cylinder deactivation, and the special lifters can collapse or stick, causing ticking, misfires and a check engine light. It is widely reported and can appear at varying mileage, by model/engine. We diagnose with scan data and inspection, then replace lifters and related parts, often with the camshaft if it is damaged.
Many 8-speed automatics in Sierras, Yukons and Acadias from roughly 2015-2019 developed a shudder or vibration at steady highway speeds, often from the torque converter clutch. GM released updated fluid for the issue. We confirm with a road test and scan data, then perform a complete fluid exchange with the updated fluid and check for any remaining shudder.
A ticking sound on cold starts that fades as the engine warms often means broken exhaust manifold bolts on GM V8s like the 5.3L. Heat cycling snaps the bolts and the manifold starts to leak. We remove broken studs, install new hardware and gaskets, and check the manifold for warping so the seal lasts.
The 2.4L four-cylinder in ~2010-2013 Terrains was widely reported for excessive oil consumption from piston rings, sometimes leading to low oil and engine damage. Warning signs include low oil between changes and a blue tint at startup. We run an oil consumption test, inspect plugs and rings, and explain repair options clearly.
Older Acadias with the 3.6L V6, roughly 2007-2012, are known for timing chain stretch, especially when oil changes were stretched. You may see a check engine light for cam and crank correlation, or hear a rattle at startup. We confirm with scan data and replace the chains, guides and tensioners as a complete set.
Sierras and Yukons often develop a clunk or knock in the steering when turning at low speeds, commonly from the intermediate steering shaft. Worn tie rods, ball joints and control arm bushings add looseness, especially on lifted or towing trucks. We inspect the full steering and suspension, replace worn parts and finish with an alignment.
Our Costa Mesa auto repair shop is on Newport Boulevard, the main route between the 55 Freeway and Newport Beach, a short drive from Triangle Square and the OC Fair & Event Center.
Between 55 Freeway commutes, coastal trips to Newport and short around-town errands, Costa Mesa cars see a lot of heat, salt air and stop-and-go driving. That’s why our Costa Mesa technicians focus on catching problems early, explaining your options clearly and fixing it right the first time.
Neighborhoods we serve: Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, College Park, South Coast Metro, Newport Heights.
Nearby cities: Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley.
Proud member of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM · Sun Closed
Book in Costa MesaGet DirectionsView Shop DetailsOur Costa Mesa shop is at 1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Call (949) 645-7722 or book online.
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sunday.
Some owners use aftermarket devices to disable cylinder deactivation, but they do not repair a lifter that is already failing. The best protection is regular oil changes with dexos-approved oil and early diagnosis of any ticking or misfire.
Yes. Every repair includes a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty plus 12 Month / 12,000 Mile Roadside Assistance.
Book online in minutes at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa. Online appointments are drop-off appointments; for a waiting appointment, please call the shop.
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM. All appointments booked online are drop-off appointments. For waiting appointments, please call the shop.
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Voted Orange County’s Best Auto Repair 10 years in a row by readers of the Orange County Register. Book online in minutes or call your nearest shop.
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