Rio AutoElectric

Since 1997

Rey and Ana Cavazos have run this shop for almost thirty years

Same building on West Main, same two people answering the phone. In a town this size, that is the entire reputation.

Rey and Ana Cavazos standing at the open door of a heavy duty truck outside Rio Auto Electric
The hand painted 12V and 24V alternator sign with the shop phone number on the side of the Rio Auto Electric building

It started with alternators

The sign painted on the side of the building says 12V, 24V and ALTERNATOR, with the phone number underneath in red. It has been there a long time, and it is still an accurate description of the business.

Rey opened Rio Auto Electric in 1997 doing what he knew best, which was automotive electrical: alternators, starters, charging systems and the wiring faults that nobody else wanted to chase. Ana has run the front of the shop since the beginning. Between the two of them, most customers in Rio Grande City have dealt with one or the other at some point.

The work expanded over the years into full service repair, because people who trust you with one thing would rather not take the vehicle somewhere else for the next thing. But electrical is still the specialty, and it is still what other shops call about.

How we work

Test before replacing

We still run a bench for starters and alternators. Testing takes an hour and tells you the truth. Guessing takes minutes and costs you parts that were never broken.

Tell you what we find

You get the diagnosis and a quote before work starts. If we get into a job and find something else, we call you before touching it.

In whichever language you prefer

Se habla español. We have served this community since 1997 and nobody should have to struggle through a repair explanation in a second language.

Rey Cavazos bench testing an alternator on the test stand at Rio Auto Electric
The alternator test bench, still in use
Rey and Ana Cavazos beside a commercial heavy duty truck outside the shop
Commercial and fleet work is a big part of the week
Inside the Rio Auto Electric service bays with vehicles in for repair
The bays on West Main

Who we serve

Customers come from across Starr County and the surrounding towns. Most are repeat business or somebody a repeat customer sent, which is how a shop stays open for thirty years without a marketing budget.

Full service area and drive times
  • Rio Grande CityThe shop is here
  • RomaAbout 15 minutes west
  • La GrullaAbout 15 minutes east
  • GarciasvilleAbout 20 minutes east
  • EscobaresAbout 10 minutes west
  • Starr CountyAnd the rest of the county

Come by and talk to us

The shop is on West Main, open Monday to Thursday, 9 to 5. Call ahead if you need the vehicle back the same day.

Call (956) 487-2143 Directions and hours