Checkered Flag Automotive Inc in
Canyon Lake (TX)

Checkered flag automotive is THE ONLY place I take my vehicle for any mechanical issues. Arlan is very thorough in explaining any issues and diagnosis and repair. His beautiful wife Pam works the office and billing. They are a reputable and established local business. They have always done a great job for me. I have had ac repair work done , brakes , rotors , ball joints , upper control arm , pressed bearing , spark plugs and wires. You can take your own parts or they can purchase them for you. No other shops that I know of that will allow you to bring your own parts. Affordable pricing and great service. I refer everyone needing vehicle repairs to Checkered Flag Automotive. Tell em Monnette sent you.

Arlin is skilled, honest, and priced fairly. He's my go-to mechanic.

I was traveling and found myself in Canyon Lake TX in need of a mechanic. I brought my vehicle in to Checkered Flag Automotive, and they told me I needed a new fuel pump. After giving me an estimate, they worked really hard to try and find the part but were unable to get one - turns out they are in pretty short supply. I spent quite a bit of time calling around to dealerships and finally found one that had a fuel pump in stock. Initially my plan was to have the work done at said dealership, but the estimate they gave me was over $1000 MORE than the one Arlan gave me (two thumbs down Chuck Nash GMC in San Marcos). So, I went and got the part from the dealership and brought my truck back to Checkered Flag to have the work done. They were so kind, and got it done quickly. Even though it was more work than they initially expected (dirt and mud in the gas tank) it ended up costing less than the original estimate. I am so grateful to have found them.

Checkered Flag Auto is a lifesaver. I drive an older Chevy Sonic and have been there multiple times with multiple issues. Each time I brought my car in, they took the time to explain what the issue was, what it would cost, and then fixed each and every issue. They are an honest business that you can 100% trust with your car.

Had a carburetor rebuilt and had to readjust it. Idle was at 1200 rpm, adjust the float level, metering adjustment was 2 1/2 turns on one side and 1 turn one the other on a holley double pumper. Ran way too rich. Usually they do good work. They couldn't fix the gas guage

Pam and Arlen have taken care of our vehicles for last 10 years. Service is always prompt and only what you need or want.

If you’re looking for an amazing, knowledgeable and honest mechanic in Canyon Lake look no further. It’s a great shop run by local family. They were able to perform maintenance on my Ram 2500 Diesel and were able to diagnose and fix fuel issue I had (one of the fuel filters I provided failed). Thank you again for your prompt service! I will recommend them to my family and friend without hesitation.

An absolutely outstanding experience for this Winter Texan! Pam was very friendly and helpful in scheduling my appointment…managed to get my truck in the next day. Arlan replaced my brake shoes, rotors and calipers quickly and with very reasonable pricing. Even installed replacement e-brake shoes without charging labor. My impression: Honest, knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, very reasonably priced. Can’t ask for much more than that! Checkered Flag gets my enthusiastic recommendation! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We needed to have the wheel bearings packed on our travel trailer and had a problem with the exhaust tailpipe on my pickup. Arlan got us in and out quickly. Arlan not only packed the bearings but he also took the time to inspect the brake system of the trailer. Arlan, you and Pam are a jewel in the community not only for the quality work you perform in your business but also for what y'all do in the community. Many thanks for your excellent work and for always "doing the right thing" with your customers.

Their team repaired my unbalanced tire that was a short notice emergency issues so quickly, and reasonably priced. Thank you Arlan and your team! Will be back with future issues and maintenance!

Arlan and Pam have maintained my motley collection of vehicles for almost twenty years, and I have never been disappointed in their service or their helpful attitudes. I have absolute confidence in Arlan's ability to diagnose and repair; if it's a problem that only the dealer can address because of proprietary software, for instance, he will direct you accordingly. (This has happened to me only once as best I recall.) Arlan never has attempted to "upsell" me, and has often diagnosed problems I can handle without charging me a fee for his time and expertise. I feel very fortunate that we have a resource of this caliber right here in the village of Sattler, Texas! I hope Checkered Flag continues to operate for many more years!

Sending my belated thanks along. Was having a starting problem and, though we didn't identify it (as I just needed to replace the antifreeze), got a diagnostics there, for which Arlan refused to charge me. Plus, his standard poodle did a great job with the paperwork! I have been in the auto business much of my life and I know an honest shop when I visit it. Will definitely bring my CRV there for any needed repairs.

I took my Subaru in a few weeks ago for some routine 90,000 mile maintenance. Checkered Flag did more than the Subaru dealer was going to do for less than half the price they were going to charge and my car is running great.

Great shop with a personal touch, fixed my AC ahead of schedule even though they had lots else to do. Nice that it's run by husband and wife, a thriving local business for good reason. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

It is hard to find someone who will not over charge you when they work on your car. They removed a oil plug on my truck that a lube place strip. They have been at the same place for over 25 years so that shows they take pride and will work with you. Thank you for letting me detail your truck. I'm letting people know about this place. There are so many shops but they do not care about the customer. But CHECKERED FLAG CARES

I have had very good experiences with checkered flag. Responsive, keeps you up to date on any issues, and accommodates your specific needs. I highly recommend them.

We were passing through New Braunfels TX on our way to California and needed general maintenance on our GMC 3500HD. Texas Country RV recommended Checkered Flag to look at our receptacle regarding power issues while towing our 5th wheel (eating RV battery power while towing). Arlin was booked up but fit us in near the end of our stay. We rented a car for a week (which we thought was overkill), and dropped off our truck Sunday night. Unfortunately, Arlin held on to our truck for an entire week, thus resulting in a week long car rental fee. This would be acceptable if my issues were resolved...however, not a single issue was handled outside an oil change. My receptacle issue still exists (they did not clean it either), my brakes still make noise, and I have to schedule an appointment with GMC since Arlin was unable to take on the check engine issue with the Havoc system. Essentially I paid $300 for an oil change and $300 for a rental car. I reached out to Arlin before posting this review to give him a chance to man up, but nothing was offered unless I plan to be in town again. I would rate one star...but Arlin seems to be a fair and possibly honest individual. I think the real issue is he didn’t consider my time or $$. He knew we were not locals, and we were treated as such. I drove by the shop one day and saw my truck parked in their lot. I doubt they spent much time on it...

Fantastic shop!! Arlan and his crew were Great and well worth the drive!! I would Highly recommend Checkered Flag to anyone looking for and honest and thorough mechanic who will stand behind their work.

We had taken my car to another place and were told the repairs would be around $4000. We took it to Checkered Flag for a second opinion. The diagnoses, from the first place were incorrect. The correct repairs were done by Checkered Flag and the total cost was $61.96, saving me a huge totally unnecessary repair and bill. Checkered Flag is busy, but any good shop will be. I would give them over 5 stars, if I could.

It's great to have someone who is knowledgeable and trust worthy to take our car to. Arlan and Pam exemplify how a business should be run. Fair and honest work.

Wow! How helpful. Owner spent 30 minutes of his very busy Monday helping me diagnosis back coil/plugs and resetting error codes. ALL FOR FREE. I was a desperate man! Starting 5000 mile boat tow trip and truck craps out. For $200 and two hours busted knuckles I am on the road. THANKS!

I was the Treasurer for the Canyon Lake Chamber several years ago, so I know they have always had an excellent reputation. Recently, had to have engine in my son's car replaced. 5 star from service to time to cost to quality. THANK YOU!

Good work, and honest. The owner had a good opportunity to sell me up, and he did not take it. That is the kind of business I am looking for, and that kind of behavior that motivates me to keep coming back, and give good recommendations to others.

My Husband and I went there for an estimate on my VW Bug,as steering wheel had started to pull to the left,terribly. I asked him if he could put on hoist to see what the problem was,just a tire that belt separated & knocked out of alignment,or something unsafe to drive,which was our main concern! As I was transferring my personal belongings out of our other vehicle, my husband went into the office, in which I wasn't sure of the correct location of the office door, a mechanic lifted up and told me which door to go in.At that same instant as I was grabbing the door handle, I was startled as the door flew open and two lil' children came out screeching, squealing as little ones do..... However, I was startled, I jumped and words popped out of my mouth,Jesus! My husband said, "I'm Glad we're outta that stage with our Grandchildren! Kinda laughing off my being startled,being a Christian and all, was unacceptable! I truly do not know what came over me,I NEVER use the lords name in vain, I do curse on ocasion as I'm NOT Perfect! Not even my first choice cuss word!However, I have been stereotyped before as a RN who rides a Harley Davidson FatBoy, I have PTSD due to a traumatic brain injury from being hit on my Harley from a drunk off duty police officer. I have a Tramatic Brain injury, metal in leg and back. Anyways the owners wife said, "Those are my Grandchildren! They are just being kids! However, she didn't see the whole side of the situation! Moral of the story, Please Don't Be so judgemental/ hypocritical of any customers,as you don't know what they have been through! I will pray for you!

Checkered Flag has been repairing my families vehicles for many years. This 5 star is because I had a check engine light on, took the car in and got some repair, picked it up quickly and paid. But the next day the dang light came back on so I took the car back in, and they did further repair (again quickly) and fixed it right up at no extra charge, and helped me arrange an easy pick up time. They work hard, are friendly, and know what they're doing. That's why I drive from SMTX just to go to them in CL. Thank you Checkered Flag!

I went to Batchelor Cadillac with a power steering leak. They quoted me a price over $5,000.00 i'm mechanical incline and new that was outrageous. I brought it Checkered Flag they repaired the leak for $1,200.00 and had it ready in two days.

I have had to take my car in a couple times for maintenance. I was told by a car dealer in another town that I needed to replace the rear end...my brother said they were full of it. When I got back in town, I called Checkered Flag, took my car in the next morning and they told me that I didn't need my rear end replaced either. Didn't even charge me to look at it. Just recently I took it in because I was leaking oil, they ordered the part, got there the next day and I took it in, fixed it in no time. Also checked my tires and told me how low the pressure was and fixed them, changed my oil. I always have to go and wait in the shop with my 5 year old...they always get my car done quickly, and explain and answer any questions I have. Plus, they have shop dogs that are so sweet and my kid loves them. Two days later, my car started making a funny noise and my engine light came on, took it in they checked it told me what to do, and didn't charge me a dime. They are awesome. No lies, quick service, helpful advice. Can't ask for more from a mechanic. I am a girl, they could take complete advantage of my ignorance about vehicles, instead they teach me things.