Honest auto repair, fair pricing, expert work.
Mike Thomas Automotive is a auto repair business serving Murfreesboro, TN and surrounding communities including Murfreesboro, Nashville, Smyrna, Antioch, Brentwood, Franklin. Honest auto repair, fair pricing, expert work. Rated 5 stars from 7 reviews. Call (629) 310-8581 to book.
Mike Thomas Automotive in Murfreesboro handles brake issues with precision. From brake pad replacement to complete brake system diagnosis, we get your vehicle stopping safely. Customers trust us to deliver honest assessments and fair pricing on brake work in Murfreesboro and beyond.
Brake repair means inspecting and replacing worn pads and rotors, flushing old brake fluid and checking the lines so your vehicle stops straight and smooth.
Get quality tires installed at Mike Thomas Automotive. We handle tire selection, installation, balancing, and pressure checks. Every tire job includes our commitment to fair pricing and honest service, keeping your vehicle ready for the road.
Tire service covers mounting new tires, balancing each wheel, torquing lug nuts to spec and setting pressure so the vehicle rides smooth and the tires wear evenly.
Oil leaks and gasket failures don't need big-shop pricing. Mike Thomas Automotive in Murfreesboro diagnoses the real problem and fixes it right. We replace valve cover gaskets, engine seals, and related components at honest rates, cutting through unnecessary upsells.
Gasket and seal repair finds exactly where oil or coolant is escaping from the engine, then replaces the failed gasket or seal so the leak stops for good.
From routine maintenance to complex diagnostics, Mike Thomas Automotive in Murfreesboro handles the full range of auto repair. We keep vehicles in top condition with reliable, trustworthy service. Every repair is transparent, communicated clearly, and priced fairly.
General auto repair covers diagnosing warning lights and drivability problems, plus the everyday repairs and maintenance, like belts, hoses and fluids, that keep a vehicle running.
Transmission issues require expert attention and honest guidance. At Mike Thomas Automotive, we diagnose transmission problems accurately and recommend the right fix. Fair pricing and clear communication from start to finish.
Transmission service means checking and replacing transmission fluid and filter, diagnosing shifting problems and explaining whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense.
Keep your engine running smoothly with oil changes and fluid service at Mike Thomas Automotive. We use quality products, check tire pressure, and top off washer fluid at no extra charge. Basic maintenance done right, every time.
An oil change drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter and refills with the grade your engine calls for, along with checks of the other fluid levels.
How do I know my brakes need work?
A high squeal when you brake usually means the pad wear indicators are touching the rotor. Grinding means the pads may be worn to metal. A pulsing pedal points to uneven rotors, and pulling to one side can mean a sticking caliper. A soft or sinking pedal or a brake warning light needs attention right away. Catching wear early often means replacing pads alone instead of pads and rotors.
Do I need new rotors every time I replace pads?
Not always. Each rotor has a minimum thickness stamped on it. We measure the rotor, then check for deep scoring, heat spots and uneven wear. If it is within spec and in good shape, it can be resurfaced or reused. If it is too thin or warped, it gets replaced. Either way, we show you what we found and explain the choice before any work starts.
When should I replace my tires?
Look at the tread wear bars molded into the grooves. When the tread is flush with those bars, the tire is done. Replace a tire sooner if you see bulges, cracks in the sidewall, cords showing or uneven wear on one edge. Age matters too, since rubber hardens over time even on a tire with tread left. Uneven wear can also point to an alignment or suspension problem worth checking.
Why does my steering wheel shake at highway speed?
The most common cause is a wheel out of balance, often after a wheel weight falls off or a tire is replaced. A bent rim from a pothole, a tire with a separated belt or worn suspension parts can cause the same shake. Balancing the wheels fixes most cases. If the shake stays after balancing, we inspect the tires, rims and front end to find the real cause.
Why is my car leaking oil?
Common sources are the valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket, the drain plug, the oil filter seal and the front or rear main seals. Gaskets harden and shrink with heat and age, and that is when seeping starts. Because oil runs downhill, the drip under the car is often far from the actual leak. Cleaning the engine and inspecting from the top down is how you find the real source.
Is it safe to drive with a small oil leak?
A light seep is usually not an emergency, but it should be checked. Oil dripping onto a hot exhaust manifold can smoke and smell, and in bad cases it can catch fire. Oil on rubber belts and hoses softens them. And a leak that keeps growing can drop the oil level low enough to damage the engine. Keep an eye on the dipstick and get it looked at soon.
What does the check engine light mean?
It means the engine computer stored a fault code. The cause can be as small as a loose gas cap or as serious as a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. A code points to a system, not always a specific part, so testing is what turns a code into a diagnosis. If the light is flashing, the engine is misfiring badly and you should stop driving and call.
What should I tell the shop when I call?
Have the year, make, model and rough mileage ready. Then describe the problem as clearly as you can: what you hear, feel or smell, when it happens (cold start, highway speed, turning, braking) and any warning lights on the dash. Mention recent repairs too. Those details help narrow the problem before the vehicle is even on the lift and make the inspection go faster.
Should I repair my older car or replace it?
Compare the cost of the repair to what the car is worth and to what a car payment would cost you over a year. Then look at the rest of the vehicle: rust on the frame, the condition of the engine and transmission, and what other maintenance is coming due. A solid car with one big repair is often worth fixing. We will give you an honest read on the whole vehicle so you can decide.
What are the signs of transmission trouble?
Watch for slipping, where the engine revs but the car does not speed up, a delay when you shift into drive or reverse, harsh or clunky shifts, shuddering at low speed, a burning smell or red fluid under the car. A transmission warning light or check engine light can also come on. Catching these early often means a smaller repair than waiting until the transmission stops moving the car.
Do I need to change my transmission fluid?
Most automatic transmissions benefit from fluid service at the interval in your owner's manual, and sooner if you tow, drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic or deal with a lot of summer heat. Fluid that looks dark or smells burnt is breaking down. Some newer transmissions have no dipstick and need a specific fill procedure, so the service should follow the manufacturer's steps for your model.
How often should I change my oil?
Follow the interval in your owner's manual or the oil life monitor on your dash. Engines that run full synthetic oil can usually go longer between changes than older engines on conventional oil. Short trips where the engine never fully warms up, summer heat, towing and lots of idling in traffic all count as severe service and call for changing the oil sooner.
What kind of oil does my car need?
The right viscosity is listed in your owner's manual and often printed on the oil filler cap, for example 0W-20 or 5W-30. Many newer engines also require oil that meets a specific manufacturer standard. Using the correct grade matters for engines with variable valve timing and tight tolerances. Bring your vehicle in and we will match the oil and filter to what your engine calls for.
Mike Thomas Automotive proudly serves Murfreesboro, Nashville, Smyrna, Antioch, Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, Gallatin across the Murfreesboro, TN area.
1602 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130. Call (629) 310-8581. Get in touch to book your appointment.