I paid Gerald Smith, the owner of SOS Tow and Auto, over $3000 in labor alone to install an engine (plus $3200 for the engine itself), install a rebuilt transmission (plus $1300 to a rebuilder that he chose), and approximately $2000 in additional requested parts and fluids (injectors, starter, plugs, coils, radiator, fluids, etc). That is just short of $10k invested for the repair of an '01 truck. Upon picking the truck up, I immediately noticed that the truck had a 'Service Engine Soon' light. I was very concerned, but Gerald said that this was likely due to the truck needing to be taken through driving cycles following the engine and transmission replacement. He also mentioned that he felt that the truck had a vacuum leak and that he had neglected to upgrade the hoses on the vehicle during the engine and transmission replacement. He hooked his computer up to it, and said that he had seen no codes, and claimed that the vacuum leak needed to be addressed, and the truck just needed to be driven. I was not happy about the 'Service Engine Soon' light nor was I happy about the lack of common sense to replace bad hoses at the same time that you replace the engine, but I did understand the concept that with the major components being replaced, the truck did need to be taken through driving cycles to allow the truck's computer to be updated with the newly installed components. I decided that I could replace a few hoses, and drive the truck, and that everything might work out, right. I could not have been anymore wrong about the job working out. The same evening that I picked up the truck, I had an ODB computer placed on the truck, and there were multiple codes. Not only this, but the truck really was not driving well - there was clearly a misfire. When I contacted Gerald about the codes and the misfiring, he answered the call on speakerphone and said that the codes were "due to preexisting issues" - I could hear him discussing the issue with his wife in the background. Furthermore, he refused to give me my receipt or any of the paperwork that he had stated that his wife would be preparing for me. He said that any additional work that he did on the truck would be an additional cost; he did not honor his so-called warranty at all. It was at that point that I knew that my truck was likely in far worse shape than I ever could imagine. On May 15, 2025, I finally had a chance to have the truck looked at to address the alleged vacuum leak, the codes, and the 'Service Engine Soon' light. Their findings were very alarming; they found that Gerald had left the knock sensor unplugged during the installation of the new motor, of the new fuel injectors he had me purchased some were loose and/or improperly installed, and various other nuts and bolts were loose. The transmission was low on fluid and was not shifting properly. I paid $600 for the knock sensor, fuel injectors, loose nuts and bolts and the diagnosis, and elected to have the truck towed to a transmission shop the following day. The findings at the transmission shop left me speechless. The very first thing they attempted after seeing the low fluid levels via the transmission dipstick was to add some fluid - the transmission fluid that they tried to add spilled on the ground as they tried to add it. This was bad, but the findings only got worse. This is the short list of what I witnessed them encounter: Loose/unbolted high pressure AC line Loose/unbolted and unsecured fuel line under truck (this is severe fire hazard) Fuel line stack bolts missing Inoperable transmission bleeder Missing transmission bleeder hoses Missing transmission dust cover shield Missing bolts on cross member Exhaust mount nuts missing Upon further tear-down, these additional issues were discovered: The brand-new starter that I supplied Gerald with was only secured by one bolt - not the three that are required The torque converter was improperly aligned during install Missing bolts at transmission bell housing Marred transmission casing due to the wrong bolt (too long) being forced into the wrong location Various bolts cross-threaded and stripped due to improper placement Missing transmission vent tubes Missing transfer case vent tubes Idle air control valve missing cap after install of replacement engine After repair and correction of the neglect incurred by SOS Auto and Tow, I just paid an additional $3200 not including multiple tows and multiple Ubers due to my truck being inoperable. At a minimum, Gerald Smith of SOS Auto and Tow is responsible for these most recent charges. I will be taking legal action due to this act of gross neglect and services left unrendered. Potential Consumers: Do yourself a favor and do not entrust Gerald Smith, SOS Auto and Tow or any of its affiliates with the care of your vehicle, unless you enjoy burning your hard-earned money or potentially being burned alive by neglectful work such as leaving fuel lines exposed and unsecured beneath your vehicle. read more

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My car tire went out driving back from Louisiana and I didn't have a spare. I came upon Gerald's number by searching road side assistance in my maps app. Gerald was about to close down but he answered the call and showed up quick. Gerald jumped out asked me the problem and suggested that I call a 24hr tire shop that he drive me to. Gerald was nice, precise, technically proficient, and fast. The price was cheap and affordable. Thank you Gerald. read more

SOS Auto And Tow - Towing Near Me - Red Oak, Texas

Was having issues with my car, and did not know what was wrong. I am not a car person, but thought it could have been an alternator and was hoping it was not anything more serious. We called SOS to see if he could tow my car to his shop and give it a look. His truck happened to be out of service at the time but that did not stop Gerald and his wife JaToya from coming out to me and taking a look. Not only did they come out to me in the 100 degree weather, but Gerald was able to asses my car very quickly and told me that it was only a battery issue. (I was driving around on a stock battery from 2014!!!!!) I assumed, he would come back the next day and bring a battery. He said, absolutely not, we can take care of this TODAY!! He ran to the auto shop, got me a battery and came back within 30 minutes. He switched out the battery and when we fired it up, I was OUT OF GAS!! How embarrassing. Gerald said no problem, let's get you some gas. He took me to the gas station so I could get some gas and brought me back. Once we put a little gas in, my car came back to life. Gerald and his wife were so professional and courteous from start to finish!! He explained to me in great detail, everything he was doing to my car and what was going on. He walked me through it all, and on top of that saved me a lot of money!! He could have easily told me it was an alternator and I would not have known any different. Him and his wife were so professional, courteous and honest from start to finish! It was a breathe of fresh air knowing that there are honest, hard working mechanics out there that simply want to do quality work for people. If there was a way to give Gerald 10 stars, I definitely would. He made such an impression on me that I have been telling all my friends about his shop and I will not be letting anyone else touch my car in the future. If you want good quality work at a fair price, then look no further, you have found your home. Thank you both for everything, I appreciate it so much and will be seeing you soon! read more

Very professional!! Came to our rescue fast without hesitation. We thought it was one issue but I was totally something else and he didn't give up until it was resolved! You have a customer in our household!! read more

Gerald was very attentive and showed a lot of care in the way he handled the situation. I would highly recommend Gerald and team.

After having car trouble in Arlington, we called several towing services. Since it was 8:30pm on a Saturday night, they all said it would be hours before we could be towed. When we called SOS, we received a fair quote and within 45 minutes Gerald showed up. He is very professional, provided us a ride back home and gave us a pleasant ending to difficult experience. read more

Gerald is amazing, we have used him for diagnostics for all of our vehicles. Trustworthy, great service and knows his stuff! He helps makes sure our cars are safe and reliable before getting back on the road. We will keep using his services and recommend any businesses and customers to call him if they have any mechanical, engine, transmission, suspension or diagnostic work they need done. read more

Gerald and his wife were awesome!!! Arrived promptly and were so kind! thank you!!!!

Fast and reliable service! I would recommend this company to all my friends and family!