Next Service Smart℠ Saturday is July 10th.
Meet the Founders
Everardo and Claudia
Everardo's love for cars has been with him ever since he was a child. With some pals, he built his first car at age fifteen and they raced another team from a rival school. He attended and completed automotive technical school before moving to the United States. When Everardo first came over to the States he began working on Rolls-Royce and other high end luxury vehicles by day and attending the University of Houston by night seeking a degree in computer science. When the opportunity to own his own shop arose, he took a leap with his wife, and they became business owners.
Claudia's involvement with the automotive industry began when she was a child as well. Her father owned a successful parts store in Argentina. When she was young, she would often sort and pull various items or work the register (even before she could count!). When Claudia first came to the States, she was involved in Hotel Management, but when presented with a chance of becoming a business owner and specifically starting an automotive garage with her husband, she seized it.
The husband and wife team started Professional Auto Care back in 1983 and they continue to have a strongly felt presence in the day-to-day operations of the company. The duo has always felt that family is important and so they involved their children in the business.
Everardo and Claudia's 37th Wedding Anniversary.
Meet Karolena
2nd Generation and Leading the Future
Karolena has been at her parents' side since she was a child at the shop. Though she does much more nowadays than handing her father tools, the passion for the business her parents instilled in her has not changed. She is eager to challenge the service industry to create a standard for transparent service. You can learn more about Karolena and her mission by visiting www.maintenanceisamust.com .
Upon graduating St. Agnes Academy in 2007, she attended the University of Houston, Bauer College of Business. She received her bachelors' in business administration, double majoring in Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management with certificates in Logistics and Process Management. Karolena is an ASE Certified Service Consultant, ASE Certified G1 Maintenance and Light Repair Technician, licensed State Inspector, served as a member of the AAA Approved Repair Advisory Committee of Texas & New Mexico (AARAC), ASA (Automotive Service Association) board member (2011- 2016), ASA President Elect 2012-2013, and two time ASA Houston Chapter President 2014-2016. She's also a frequent guest on a couple local radio shows! Visit her blog for upcoming dates! In her community she served as a member of the St. Agnes Academy Young Professionals Board Member 2012- 2016. As well as her passion for the City of Sugar Land; member of the City Manager's Multi-Cultural Advisory Team, Member of the City of Sugar Land's Land Use Advisory Committee, Sugar Land 101 graduate and Sugar Land Citizen Police Academy graduate.
Karolena Serratos, SW Houston auto repair shop owner.
About Professional Auto Care
There is no such thing as over-night success
Our automotive repair shop has undergone many changes since the 1980s. When we first opened in 1983, the shop was half the size of today’s main building at 9916. Even this expansion proved insufficient so in the mid 90’s we purchased the lot of land across the street (9913) and constructed a much larger building – more than double 9916’s size! With all the space, we were able to store parts elsewhere and turn the parts room into an open concept office for our service consultants and writers.
In the early 2000’s, a concrete parking lot was poured down as more and easier client parking became necessary. When the concrete had just been poured, Karolena and Kimberly signed their names and pressed their hands into it. You can see their handprints and names on your way to our 9913 waiting room. The waiting room was built in 2007 and gave our clients much more space to relax and do what they needed while waiting for their vehicle to be maintained or repaired. Around 2012, we moved our inventory into two large containers. The containers have proved most useful because different manufacturers have begun to require specific fluids in recent years.
Fast forward a few years and we have three maintenance bays, one alignment bay, two dedicated Service Smart℠ check out bays, one dedicated inspection bay, two minor repair bays, five major repair bays, and two detailing bays, and a super comfy waiting room for clients.
The Serratos Family has owned Professional Auto Care since 1983.
What People Say About Us
February 2021
" The car is running smoothly. Thanks for letting me panic and bring it in with such short notice (as in none)."
-Katherine, owner of 2013 Mini Cooper
"So far; so good. The side mirror is still attached and the TPMS light has not reappeared."
Allen, owner of 2010 Honda CR-V
"Thanks for reaching out, my car definitely feels a lot better on the road. I plan on getting the water pump fixed as soon as it is convenient. See you guys soon. Thank you for everything."
Joshua, owner of 2014 Ford Mustang
"Thanks for the email! The Jeep seems more like a Jeep and can take the road. Love that it doesn't feel like a POS Jeep. Lol. Definitely an improvement. Did check the a/c and seems right. But will have to wait till spring to fully test of course. The Marauder is good too. It's gonna stay in the garage mostly. Jeep during the week and Marauder for fun on the weekends! All good."
John, owner of 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2004 Mercury Marauder
"Yes, everything has been perfect with the repair. We still plan on bringing our 2011 Prius in for routine service this spring. Thank you again"
Scott, owner of 2005 Toyota Prius
January 2021
“Thank you Karolena. The vibration issue is much better. Hoping to get the right front tire replaced this week, as you suggested, as well.”
Tim owner of 2010 Lexus GX460
“She is great and still in 1 piece. Thanks for checking. 😊”
Misty owner of 2018 Ford F-150
“We are great. Thanks for checking! We appreciate your help!”
Jarrod owner of 2014 Nissan Quest
“Yeti is doing okay.”
Johannes owner of 2006 Jeep Liberty
“The CR-V is running great, no shimmy in front end.”
Ted owner of 2008 Honda CR-V
“I was able to access what you sent me, thanks for following up. I ended up getting a partial credit for the tires.”
Lee owner of 2015 Ford F-150
“I am very pleased with the service and repair my car received at your shop. The car runs great and smoothly, now I can barely hear the engine running. Your customer service is outstanding! And I appreciate the constant updates I was getting about my car. Thank you!”
Mike owner of 2013 Dodge Dart
December 2020
"The car is doing fine. Thank you for reaching out and following up. I will be reaching out if needed. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas as well.
-Terence owner of 2007 Lincoln Town Car
"Thank you very much I appreciate everything you did. Y'all did an excellent job."
- Dennis owner of 2016 Cadillac CTS
"We and our vehicles are doing fine. Thank you for always taking good care of our car and truck."
-Jim & Janice owners of 2014 Toyota Tundra and 2016 Toyota Highlander
"All went well with my old RAV4. Y'all did a great job! We will definitely be back. I have already recommended you to friends."
-Glen owner of 2003 Toyota Rav4
Client emailed after a PrePurchase Evaluation:
"I did have them check out the satellite antenna error code and there was indeed something wrong: they had replaced the windshield and not reconnected the satellite antenna, so happy you caught that!"
-Edwin owner of 2017 Ford Expedition
November 2020
"Everything is working great so far. Thank you so much for your help. As always, service was excellent. Have a a safe and happy Thanksgiving."
Ms. Adams owner of 2011 Buick Regal
"Thanks. I don't see problem now and drives well, thank you for following up."
Yoshi owner of 1995 Acura NSX
"Yes, it is working. Also the payment option is super convenient, especially since I work late."
Armando owner of 2009 Ford Focus
"Doing great, Karolena, thank you! I'll see you in December! Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving! Sincere regards, your satisfied customer."
Glen owner of 2003 Toyota Rav4
"Great! The car is working well."
Heather owner of 2008 Scion xB
"Everything is running great and mama bear is delighted with the results. Thank you for reaching out! Have a great rest of the day."
Jeff owner of 2017 Nissan Rogue
"The windshield is great! We've replaced the battery terminals and air filter. Lights are next. We will be in touch for the other repairs!"
Lora owner of 1995 Toyota Corolla
"Thanks for checking in on how the truck is doing after it in for service. I am please to say that all is well. It is running fine with no issues. Thank you for all you do at PAC!! We are all doing well also. I hope everyone there is doing well too."
Angel owner of 2008 Chevrolet 2500
October 2020
"She seems very happy!! Thanks again for being awesome."
-Cheryl, owner of 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
"All is well thank you!"
-Thomas, owner of 2004 Acura MDX
"As far as the highlander, I'm grateful for the work you guys do. As I drove from the shop, I thought "man, this car is smooth. Thanks for the attention to detail. The visor is working out great. The car is handling really well..."
-Kari, owner of 2013 Toyota Highlander
"My truck is driving (and stopping) great! Thanks for the wonderful service."
-Forrest, owner of 2014 Acura MDX
"The car is running well. So far no questions. I will probably come in to take care of the other issues in the beginning of November."
-Moshe, owner of 2015 Toyota Corolla
"The Outback is doing great and I definitely notice it rides quieter now....Thank you all for your great work."
-Caitlin, 2014 Subaru Outback
"Yeti is doing okay, all is well. He is happy because he got new tires on Friday. Thank you and have a nice day."
-Johannes, owner of 2006 Jeep Liberty
"Car is working great! I have not had any issues."
- Keith, owner of 2006 Scion tC
"The day after the 1st message Service Brakes.....then the Service Traction System came on. Nothing until today the Service Brakes came on again. However, all vehicles are running fine"
-Mr. Chatman, brought four vehicles in for service this month
"Wow! Thank you sooooo much for thinking of me, Karolena. My Honda element is driving like she is brand new, thanks to you and your amazing team. Thank you so much "
- Donna, Owner of 2009 Honda Element
September 2020
"The car has been running super smoothly since we got it fixed up."
-Trenton, owner of 2010 Toyota Camry
"Everything is all right. Glad that now I don't have to worry about the front tires, especially in wet weather."
-John, owner of 2016 Hyundai Elantra
"I’ve driven it a handful of times and so far it’s working great!"
-Dan, owner of 2011 Ford Escape
"Everything is working great. Thanks for the follow up!!!"
-Quincy, owner of Toyota Pick Up
"Thanks for checking in about the Pathfinder. All is well with the Pathfinder. Whatever you all did has kept the windows up. They have not gone mysteriously down anymore. Thanks for all you do to keep us safely motoring."
-Angel, owner of 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
"Everything seems ok, thanks!"
-Micah, owner of 2011 Toyota Sienna
"The car is running well! The air conditioner is blowing cold and the grill looks great. Thanks for checking on me."
-Justin, owner of 2000 Lincoln Town Car
August 2020
"The car is riding so much smoother. You guys always do a great job."
- Amy owner of 2106 Ford Escape
"Hi! So far, no complaints [from grandma]."
- Arturo, grandson to owner of 2010 Chevy Traverse
"Thanks for the follow up Karolena . The car is doing great and running smoothly. You guys did a great job!"
-Andres owner of 2009 Versa and 2014 Mazda 3
"To say that your business goes above and beyond to earn mine is a serious understatement. Thanks for embodying the kick-ass Texan business operator spirit that makes me love this place. I probably will not buy a diesel vehicle because you guys don't work on them. Keep doing what you're doing and for God's sake enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Thanks, Happy Customer Greg :)"
- Greg owner of 2013 Ram 1500
"Hey karolena, yes the car is great, thanks for everything. Yeah shes playing with it like a kid hehehe so far so good thanks again, and say hi to your parents."
-Ivan owner of 2007 Chevy Malibu
"Thanks for checking. Seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard any complaints!"
- Austin owner of 2011 Honda Odyssey
"The car is running good, no complaints. I appreciate your follow up. Thanks!"
-Ms. Mary owner of 2008 Toyota Camry
July 2020
"The ac has been working great. Feels like a new car!"
Carleigh with 2008 Ford Edge
"Truck is great! I am no longer gritting my teeth and praying that I will get to my destination safely. Appreciate all that you and your staff do!"
Tammi with 2006 Toyota Tundra
"The seats look fantastic again, thank you! We try to take care of them ourselves, but it was nice to get them some TLC! "
Caitlin owner of 2014 Subaru Outback
"Karolena, it's doing great. Thanks for following up. We appreciate all that you do! "
Quincy owner of 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
"Everything is good. No engine light and it is driving well. Thank you for the work! "
Loren owner of 2011 Subaru Legacy
" The seats look awesome! Trudy says she is glad we had it done!
Online payment process was easy, smooth, and fast!
No problems. Thank you and the PAC staff very much."
Angel owner of 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
"As long as I can afford to take the car to PAC and we can work out a plan that fits my budget, I’ll continue bringing my car to you. The service is excellent as is the personal customer service….. it can’t be beat! It makes a world of difference being able to trust the work of a mechanic. So much bad has been done, that it leaves a negative impression toward all mechanic shops…. But NOT yours. Yay."
Dan owner of 2010 Toyota Rav4
"Karolena, it's doing great. Thanks for following up. We appreciate all that you do!!"
-Quincy owner of 2008 Jeep Cherokee
June 2020
"The car is excellent"
- Socorro, owner of 2015 Subaru Forester
"The car is running great. As it always does after a visit with you. Stay safe and happy."
-Katherine, owner of 2013 Mini Cooper
"As always, level of service and waiting time was great. It's always a pleasure going to your shop."
-Kali, owner of 2013 Honda Accord
"Car has been good!"
-Aimee, owner of 2016 Lexus RX 350
"Happy as a clam! My vehicle is driving and stopping as it should. No donuts yet, but I’ll let you know."
-Ed, owner of 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
" I can't complain, great job, thanks a lot.
I would like to make an appointment for the cabin air filter and climate control service. "
-Dario, owner of 2010 Toyota Corolla
" so far so good; thanks!"
-Jennifer, owner of 2004 Toyota Sienna
" So far, so good Karolena."
-Allen, owner of 2011 Honda CR-V
"So everything was great with the car, but I ended up selling it shortly after. I got a pretty good offer on it. Haha."
- Hector, previously owned 1997 Lincoln Town Car
"All is well with my Honda Element, thanks to you and your team.
Thank you kindly for checking in."
- Donna, owner of 2009 Honda Element
May 2020
Coming Soon!
April 2020
"My truck is running great and I think y'all did an amazing job. Y'all always go. Thanks"
- Justin, owner of 2005 Dodge Ram Pick Up
"Everything is working fine."
- Michalene, owner of 2014 GMC Terrain
"The car looks fantastic! Looks amazing!" (called again) "I didn't even see the interior, looks great! What a huge difference [the body work and leather treatment] made!! Thank you for bringing it back to me."
- Sue, owner of 2010 Buick Lucerne
" It seems to be fine. Doesn't feel like the wheels are going to fall off at stop lights any more. :) "
- Timothy, owner of 2002 Nissan Altima
March 2020
Coming soon!