Chevrolet Service & Repair in Upland, PA | S&S Automotive Service

Chevrolets are the backbone of American roads, but they still need a mechanic who knows the brand inside and out. S&S Automotive Service has been providing Chevrolet service and repair in Upland, PA since 1986.

America's Truck Needs a Mechanic Who Gets It

Chevrolet has been building trucks, cars, and SUVs since 1911, making it one of the oldest and most trusted names in the American auto industry. From the classic small-block V8 to today's turbocharged four-cylinders, Chevy has always offered something for everyone. Models like the Silverado, Equinox, Malibu, and Traverse fill driveways across Delaware County, and for good reason. They're tough, affordable, and built for real-world driving.

But Chevys have their quirks. The 5.3L V8 in Silverados and Tahoes handles differently than the 1.5L turbo in an Equinox. The Active Fuel Management system in Chevy trucks needs specific attention that not every shop gives it. After decades of servicing Chevrolets for families in Upland, Aston, Brookhaven, and across Delaware County, we know the difference between a GM-specific problem and a general wear issue, and that difference saves you time and money.

Trusted by Upland Drivers for over 40 years

Just last month, a frantic customer called us at 9 AM. Her dashboard light came on during her commute through Upland, and she didn't know what to do. Turns out, she was 3,000 miles overdue for her oil change. This happens more than you'd think in our busy Delaware County community.

At S&S Automotive Service, we've been helping Upland families keep their cars running smoothly since 1986. Located right here on Upland Avenue, we know the stop-and-go traffic on 352 and how those short trips to the Springfield Mall can be tough on your engine oil.

Why Regular Oil Changes Matter in Upland

Your car's oil breaks down faster than you think. Between the winter freeze and summer heat we get here in southeastern Pennsylvania, plus all that crawling traffic on I-95, your engine works overtime. Old oil turns thick and dirty, causing serious damage that costs way more than a simple oil change.

We see this all the time: customers who wait too long and end up needing major engine work. Don't let that be you. Fresh oil keeps everything moving like it should and saves you thousands down the road.

Your Neighborhood Chevy Shop Since 1986

A customer came in last spring with his 2017 Silverado running rough and burning through oil faster than it should. He'd been told by another shop that he needed a full engine replacement. We ran a proper diagnosis and found it was a failed Active Fuel Management lifter, a common issue on that engine that doesn't always mean a new motor. We replaced the lifters, and his truck has been running strong ever since. That's the kind of thing that happens when your mechanic actually knows Chevys.

At S&S Automotive Service, we've been helping Upland families keep their cars running smoothly since 1986. Located right here on Upland Avenue, we know the stop-and-go traffic on 352 and how Pennsylvania's rough roads punish suspension and tires. We also know that Chevy owners are loyal to their trucks and cars, and they deserve a shop that respects that loyalty with honest work.

Small Services Now Prevent Big Bills Later

Your Chevy's engine, brakes, and cooling system take a beating every season. Between winter salt on the roads around Chester and summer heat waves in July, the wear adds up fast. Skipping oil changes or ignoring a check engine light can turn a small fix into a big repair bill.

We see this all the time: customers who wait too long and end up needing major engine work. Don't let that be you. Routine maintenance like oil changes, brake checks, and fluid services keep your Chevy on the road and out of the repair bay.

The Chevy Issues We Fix Every Week in Our Bays

Chevys are dependable vehicles, but every brand has weak spots that show up over time. Here are the Chevrolet-specific issues we diagnose and repair most often, and the warning signs you should watch for.

Silverado 5.3L V8: AFM Lifters, Oil Burn, and Transmission Shudder

The Silverado is the most popular truck on Delaware County roads and one of the best-selling vehicles in America. We see more Silverados than any other single model at our shop. The biggest issue we deal with is excessive oil consumption on the 5.3L V8 engine, found in 2014 and newer models. This is often tied to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders to save fuel. Over time, the AFM lifters wear out and fail, causing misfires, ticking noises, and heavy oil burning. If your Silverado is using a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, don't ignore it. Bring it in so we can check the lifters and piston rings before the damage spreads. We also see transmission shudder on 2014–2019 models with the 8-speed automatic, especially between 20 and 45 mph. Our engine diagnostics service can pinpoint whether your issue is AFM-related, transmission-related, or something else entirely.

Equinox Oil Consumption and Timing Chain Failures

The Equinox is one of the most popular family SUVs in the Upland and Brookhaven area, and we work on them almost daily. The 2010–2017 models with the 2.4L engine are known for excessive oil consumption, similar to the Silverado but caused by different internal components. Some of these engines burn through oil so fast that the engine can be damaged between regular oil change intervals if you're not checking the dipstick. The 2.4L Equinox is also prone to timing chain stretch, which causes a rattling noise on startup and can lead to engine failure if the chain jumps a tooth. Newer Equinox models with the 1.5L turbo engine can develop turbocharger issues and PCV valve failures. If your Equinox feels sluggish, burns oil, or makes unusual noises from the engine bay, schedule an appointment. Our oil change service includes a full fluid level check, so we'll catch these problems early.

Malibu Transmission Shudder and Stalling Issues

The Malibu is a solid commuter car that Delaware County drivers rely on for daily trips along I-95 and Route 1. The most common issue we see on 2013–2020 Malibus is a transmission shudder during acceleration, often caused by torque converter problems or degraded transmission fluid. Drivers describe it as a vibration or shake between 40 and 60 mph. We also see engine stalling on some Malibu models due to faulty sensors, fuel system issues, or ignition problems. Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are common on higher-mileage Malibus. If your Malibu hesitates when you hit the gas or you notice oil spots in your driveway, those are signs to get it checked. Our team handles brake repair and full drivetrain service on every Malibu generation.

Traverse Timing Chains and Tahoe V8 Wear Patterns

The Traverse and Tahoe are the big family haulers we see from customers in Aston, Parkside, and Chester. The Traverse (2009–2017) uses a 3.6L V6 that's prone to timing chain wear, which causes a rattle on cold starts and can trigger a check engine light. This is a labor-intensive repair, but catching it early prevents catastrophic engine damage. The Tahoe shares the 5.3L V8 with the Silverado, so it has the same AFM lifter and oil consumption concerns. We also see air conditioning compressor failures on both models, which matters a lot during humid Delaware County summers. Regular state inspection and emissions checks help us catch these issues before they leave you on the side of the road.

Cruze Coolant Leaks and Trax Turbo Trouble

The Cruze and Trax are smaller Chevys that make great daily drivers for commuters heading through Wallingford, Media, and Swarthmore. The Cruze (2011–2019) is known for coolant leaks from the water outlet housing, a plastic part that cracks over time and can cause overheating if ignored. The 1.4L turbo engine in the Cruze can also develop turbocharger oil leaks and rough idle issues related to the PCV system. The Trax shares some of these turbo engine concerns. Both models can have electrical issues including erratic instrument cluster readings and intermittent starting problems. If your Cruze runs hot or your Trax won't start on a cold morning, our electrical diagnostics service will find the root cause.

Full-Service Chevrolet Care Under One Roof

S&S Automotive Service handles every aspect of Chevrolet maintenance and repair at our Upland location. Here's what you can count on:

• Oil Changes and Fluid Services: Chevy engines, especially the 5.3L V8 and the turbo four-cylinders, are sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. The AFM system in Chevy trucks makes clean oil even more important because dirty oil accelerates lifter wear. We use the correct oil grade and filter for your specific Chevrolet and follow GM's recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes are the single best thing you can do to protect your Chevy's engine long-term.
  
  
• Brake Service for Chevrolet Vehicles: Chevy trucks and SUVs are heavy, and that weight puts extra stress on brake components. We see worn pads, warped rotors, and sticking calipers on Silverados and Tahoes regularly, especially from drivers who tow or haul loads. We replace pads, resurface or replace rotors, and service calipers and brake fluid on all Chevrolet models. If your Silverado or Equinox is squealing, grinding, or pulling to one side when you stop, schedule a brake repair visit before the damage gets worse.
  
  
• Engine and Transmission Diagnostics: Chevy's onboard computer systems throw codes for dozens of possible issues, and a check engine light alone doesn't tell you the full story. We use professional-grade scan tools that read GM-specific diagnostic codes to find the real problem. Our engine diagnostics service goes beyond reading a code. We test components, check sensor readings, and trace the issue to its source so you're not paying for parts you don't need.
  
  
• Tire Services: Chevy trucks and SUVs need properly matched tires to handle safely, especially in wet and snowy conditions on Pennsylvania roads. Running worn or mismatched tires on a Silverado changes how the truck brakes and handles. We do flat repairs, rotations, balancing, and full tire repair and replacement for every Chevrolet model. We match tires to your driving needs, whether that's highway commuting on I-476 or hauling equipment around Delaware County.
  
  
• Electrical System Repairs: Modern Chevys are packed with electronics, from the MyLink infotainment system to advanced driver assist features. When something goes wrong, it takes the right tools and experience to find the cause. Our electrical diagnostics service covers everything from dead batteries and alternator failures to faulty Passlock systems, instrument cluster malfunctions, and sensor replacements on newer Chevy models.
  
  
• Pennsylvania Inspection and Emissions Testing: Your Chevrolet needs a yearly safety and emissions check to stay legal on PA roads. We're a certified state inspection and emissions station, so if your Chevy needs any repairs to pass, we handle everything right here at 1 Upland Avenue. No extra trips to another shop.
  

Don't Just Follow the Oil Life Monitor, Add These PA-Specific Checks

General Motors uses an Oil Life Monitor system in most Chevrolets that calculates when your oil change is due based on driving conditions. That's a helpful tool, but it doesn't account for everything. Pennsylvania's road salt corrodes brake lines, fuel lines, and undercarriage components faster than the computer expects. Potholes on Route 352 and Chester Pike knock alignments out of spec and damage suspension parts. And our humid summers push cooling systems and air conditioning harder than the factory schedule anticipates.

We suggest Chevy owners in the Upland area follow the Oil Life Monitor as a starting point, then add a spring undercarriage inspection and a fall battery and coolant check. This extra step catches the Pennsylvania-specific wear that the factory schedule misses, and it saves you from unexpected breakdowns when the weather turns.

Serving Chevy Drivers Across Delaware County

We provide Chevrolet service and repair for drivers throughout Delaware County including:

• Upland
• Aston
• Parkside
• Brookhaven
• Trainer
• Boothwyn
• Chester
• Linwood

Chevy owners from Ridley Park, Prospect Park, and parts of Philadelphia also make the drive because they want a shop that treats their truck or car right, without dealer markup.

Why Choose S&S Automotive Service?

Drivers in Upland have trusted us for over 40 years because we put honesty, quality, and customer care first.

Drivers in Upland have trusted us for over 40 years because we put honesty, quality, and customer care first.

Drivers in Upland have trusted us for over 40 years because we put honesty, quality, and customer care first.

Common Chevy Questions We Get at the Shop

Chevy owners tend to be hands-on people who ask smart questions about their vehicles. Here are the ones we hear most often at our shop, along with straight answers you can count on.

What Our Customers Are Saying

For over 40 years, drivers in Upland have trusted S&S Automotive Service for honest, reliable repairs. Here’s what our customers have to say.

What Our Customers Are Saying

For 40 years, drivers in Upland have trusted S&S Automotive Service for honest, reliable repairs. Here’s what our customers have to say.

Ready to Get Your Chevy Taken Care Of?

Your Chevrolet was built to work hard, but only if it gets the right care along the way. Call S&S Automotive Service to schedule maintenance or repairs for your Chevy. We're at 1 Upland Avenue in Upland, PA, and we're here to keep your Chevrolet running the way it was built to.