HESCO Automotive & Performance Center

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1971

Auto Repair, Auto Maintenance and Engine Repair & Diagnostics

in Birmingham, AL and the Surrounding Communities

Auto Repair, Auto Maintenance & Engine Repair & Diagnostics

in Birmingham, AL and the Surrounding Communities

Auto Repair

Bumper to bumper car repair services for all foreign & domestic makes & models.

Auto Maintenance

A trusted source for oil changes, fluid services & other factory maintenance.

Engine Repair & Diagnostics

Our ASE certified technicians will keep your vehicle's engine running like it is brand new.

HESCO Automotive & Performance Center is the premier auto repair shop in Birmingham, serving drivers of all makes and models of foreign and domestic cars, trucks and SUVs. The ASE certified technicians at our bumper to bumper service facility can perform a full spectrum of auto repair and maintenance tasks to help keep your vehicle running its very best. HESCO is outfitted with the most up-to-date diagnostic and repair equipment, allowing us to quickly pinpoint your vehicle's issues, and then we can get right to work fixing it, getting you back on the road in a timely manner. No matter what your car or truck needs, from simple maintenance, such as an oil change, battery replacement or new windshield wipers, to complicated brake repair, engine diagnostics or transmission service, we really do it all. The next time your car gives you any trouble or requires routine auto maintenance in Birmingham, don't hesitate to call HESCO Automotive & Performance Center to schedule automotive services.

Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair
Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Engine Repair & Diagnostics
Factory Auto Maintenance
Oil Change & Tune Up Services

Auto AC Repair
Transmission Services
Exotic Car & Classic Car Repair
ASE Certified & Nationwide Warranty
NAPA AutoCare Center

Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair
Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Engine Repair & Diagnostics
Factory Auto Maintenance
Oil Change & Tune Up Services
Auto AC Repair
Transmission Services
Exotic Car & Classic Car Repair
ASE Certified & Nationwide Warranty
NAPA AutoCare Center

As a NAPA AutoCare Center, HESCO is able to provide the benefits of a nationwide chain in the comforts of a locally owned and operated business, which we are! We truly care about our friends and neighbors and strive to always provide the highest levels of customer service. Our honest and knowledgeable technicians are more than happy to answer your questions, and we offer a 24 month/24,000 mile nationwide warranty for qualifying parts and services conducted at our Birmingham auto repair shop. Since we opened our doors in 1971 we've helped thousands of satisfied customers, and while we hope your car gives you no trouble, if it does, we invite you to come find out why we're a local favorite for nearby auto repair and maintenance, as well performance upgrades and other custom car services.

HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, LLC utilizes state of the art technology to assist our highly skilled technicians complete their diagnostic, maintenance and repair tasks. Our investment into dealership style repair tools is just one way we demonstrate a commitment to excellence. We know your vehicle is a major investment, and we promise to take great care of it at our local auto shop, no matter what service it requires. Give HESCO a call at (205) 526-3796 to learn more about our shop or to schedule professional, warranty backed auto repair in Birmingham, AL.

HESCO Automotive Blog

4 Signs that You Need to Replace Your Car’s Shocks

by HESCO Automotive • 28 March 2025

Your vehicle’s shocks are critical components of the suspension system, designed to keep your ride smooth, stable, and safe. Shocks help absorb the impact from the road, control the movement of your suspension, and maintain proper tire contact with the ground. Over time, shocks wear out and lose their ability to perform effectively, which can lead to a rougher ride. Knowing the signs of worn shocks can help you address the problem early and maintain a comfortable experience. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four warning signs that your shocks may need to be replaced. Excessive Bouncing After Hitting Bumps If your car continues to bounce after driving over a bump or pothole, it’s a strong indication that the shocks are no longer doing their job. Worn shocks struggle to control suspension movement, which results in a bouncier, less stable ride. This kind of repeated motion after impact means your vehicle isn't settling as it should, making handling more difficult and uncomfortable. Nose Diving During Braking When shocks start to fail, they can no longer keep the vehicle level during sudden braking. You may notice the front of your car dipping downward, or "nosediving," when you apply the brakes. This not only affects your vehicle’s balance, but can also increase your stopping distance, creating a dangerous situation during emergency braking scenarios. Leaking Fluid on the Shocks Shock absorbers are filled with hydraulic fluid that helps them dampen motion. If you see oily or greasy residue on the outside of the shock bodies, it could mean the seals have failed and fluid is leaking out. A loss of hydraulic fluid means the shocks can’t function properly, and replacement will likely be necessary. Uneven Tire Wear If you’ve noticed that your tires are wearing unevenly or more quickly than usual, your shocks could be part of the problem. Worn shocks can lead to inconsistent contact with the road surface. This irregular motion can cause patches of tires to wear down more rapidly, reducing tire life and compromising traction. Suspension Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

5 Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Engine

by Hesco Automotive • 4 March 2025

Your vehicle’s engine is its heart, and keeping it in top condition is essential for reliable performance. Regular engine maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves efficiency, and can extend the lifespan of your car. By following these basic engine care tips, you help promote smooth operation for years to come. Change the Oil and Filter Regularly One of the most important aspects of engine maintenance is routine oil and filter changes. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, reducing its effectiveness. Regularly changing the oil and filter, as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, keeps the engine cleaner and running more efficiently. Keep the Cooling System Healthy Your engine generates a lot of heat, and the cooling system is responsible for preventing it from overheating. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, overheating can cause severe damage, including warped cylinder heads and blown gaskets. Regularly flushing the cooling system and replacing coolant according to the manufacturer’s guidelines helps maintain optimal performance. Replace Air and Fuel Filters as Needed Engines require a proper balance of air and fuel for combustion. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and causing the engine to work harder than necessary. Similarly, a dirty fuel filter can limit the flow of fuel, leading to poor performance. Replacing these filters at recommended intervals helps ensure that your engine receives clean air and fuel, promoting better mileage and overall reliability. Monitor the Spark Plugs and Ignition System Spark plugs play a vital role in engine performance by igniting the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Worn or faulty spark plugs can lead to misfires, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel-efficiency. Regularly inspecting and replacing spark plugs, along with maintaining ignition coils and wires, helps ensure smooth engine operation. Stay on Top of Fluid Levels and Leaks Regularly checking fluid levels and inspecting for leaks can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. If you notice puddles or drips under your vehicle, it’s important to identify and fix the source promptly. Addressing leaks early can help prevent engine damage. Engine Repair & Maintenance in Birmingham, AL When you need an experienced mechanic in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

5 Signs that Your Vehicle Needs Brake Repair Now

by Hesco Automotive • 4 February 2025

When your brakes start showing signs of trouble, it’s essential to address the issue immediately to prevent accidents and costly repairs. Ignoring brake problems can put you and others in serious danger. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are five common signs of a brake problem. Squeaking or Grinding Noises If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it’s a clear sign of trouble. Squeaking often indicates that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Grinding sounds usually mean that the brake pads have worn away completely, causing metal-on-metal contact. This can lead to severe damage and expensive repairs if not fixed promptly. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft, spongy, or requires extra pressure to engage is a serious warning sign. This could indicate air in the brake lines or a fluid leak. Low brake fluid levels reduce braking power and increase stopping distances, making it unsafe to drive. If you think your car may have a brake fluid leak, you should get towed to the shop instead of driving there. Vibrations/Shaking When Braking If you notice vibrations when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Rotors can become uneven over time due to excessive heat buildup. Warped rotors reduce braking efficiency and make it harder to stop smoothly. If you experience this issue, have your rotors inspected and resurfaced or replaced if necessary. Car Pulling to One Side When you apply the brakes, your vehicle should stop in a straight line. If your car pulls to one side, it may indicate a stuck caliper. Uneven braking can make it difficult to control your vehicle, especially in emergency situations, so this issue needs to be addressed ASAP. Brake Warning Light on the Dashboard Your vehicle’s brake warning light is designed to alert you to potential problems with the braking system. If this light comes on, it could indicate problems such as low brake fluid or malfunctioning wheel speed sensors. Never ignore this warning light, as it could mean that your brakes are not functioning properly. Have your vehicle checked by the mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue. Brake Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

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