Auto Blog

9 Tips to Save Gas and Money

Commuting and traveling are now apart of our everyday routines. But, overspending on gas doesn't have to be. Here are nine tips to save gas and save you money. 1. Slow Down It's the simplest tip we have—just slow down. Driving fast increases drag, which increases fuel consumption. Instead of going 5-10 mph over, go the speed limit. Can't be trusted to stop cruising in the left lane? Set your cruise control. In fact, keeping a consistent speed saves your gas and wallet. 2. Drive Smooth Aggressive driving will cost you. Sure, it's tempting to peel away at the green light, but that sudden acceleration burns through the gas. And, same goes for aggressive braking. How much will driving like Grandma save you? A test done by Edmunds.com found that accelerating and braking gradually saved a Land Rover 35% in gas consumption and a Mustang 27%. It's worth it. 3. Keep Your Tires Inflated Not only does it reduce wear on your tires, but it also saves you money. Proper inflation reduces "rolling resistance," which [...]

By |2018-01-18T12:39:27-06:00January 18th, 2018|Car Tips|1 Comment
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Signs You Have a Failing Clutch

For manual transmission drivers, hearing the words "failing clutch" makes your stomach turn. But, it's not just a problem for manual transmission, automatic transmissions also experience clutch failure. Let's take a look at what happens when your clutch fails and how to tell when it is going to happen. How Long Do Clutches Last? Typically, clutches can last between 50-100,000 miles, making it a forgotten component of a vehicle. But, this mileage varies. If you drive in heavy traffic, frequently pull heavy loads and are prone to riding the clutch, it can fail sooner than the 50,000-mile mark. Signs of a Failing Clutch Luckily, your clutch gives off warning signs before completely breaking. But, it's up to you to listen to them. Slippage Have you noticed your engine races, but your car moves slowly? Slippage is the primary symptom of a worn clutch in an automatic transmission but is also noticeable with manual transmissions. Not sure if this is happening? Take your car out for a test drive. While acceleration on the highway or a [...]

By |2018-01-12T12:33:50-06:00January 12th, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
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5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

Everyone has those rushed mornings that you're grateful you're only 15 minutes late leaving the house. But, then your car won't start. We agree—it's the worse. Let's break down the reasons why cars have troubles cranking. How a Car Starts It's as simple as turning the key and boom!—your car is running. But, there is more to it than that. When you turn the key, the spring-loaded ignition switch interacts with the starter by connecting the power from the battery to the starter motor. In turn, this cranks the engine and is your signal to release the key. Not so simple. With so many parts and connectors involved, it's easy to see how a car has trouble starting. Why Your Car Won't Start Maybe it's curiosity. Or perhaps you're currently sitting in your driveway wondering "why won't my car start." Here are the top 5 reasons your car isn't starting. 1. Key Won't Turn If the key doesn't turn, the car definitely won't start. Let's start with the obvious: are you using the correct key? [...]

By |2018-01-04T14:37:14-06:00January 4th, 2018|Car Questions|2 Comments
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What is the Powertrain?

Dealerships and companies keep advertising "Powertrain Warranties" with all the information in fine print—left for you to read and learn on your own. We are here to help. What is the Powertrain? The powertrain is made up of every part and component that mechanically propels your car, starting with the engine all the way to the wheels. It includes the transmission and the driveshaft as well as smaller parts like cv joints and differentials. What is the Drivetrain? The drivetrain is part of the powertrain, but a more a specific grouping of elements that are involved with turning the wheels. What are the Parts of the Powertrain? The Engine While used broadly, the engine refers to the parts utilized to convert gas into energy to keep your car on and working. It converts gas into motion allowing you the ability to move forward. It's made up of a four-part cycle to continually generate power: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. This energy transfers to the clutch and transmission that controls and converts the amount of energy [...]

By |2017-12-27T07:38:21-06:00December 27th, 2017|Car Questions|2 Comments
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Finding a Trustworthy Car Mechanic & Auto Shop

Car repairs do not come cheap. You want to know the mechanic performing them does right by your vehicle—and you. But, what makes a car mechanic trustworthy? How do you find a good auto shop? Qualities of a Trustworthy Car Mechanic and Auto Shop While they may not have an easy-to-spot outward appearance, trustworthy car mechanics have some common traits and attributes. Listening and Communication Skills Worthwhile mechanics and auto shops take the time to listen to their customers. Not only is it considerate, but it may also help them when diagnosing problems down the road. When it comes to repairs, they can easily communicate their intended plans of action. They can walk you through complex repairs in a way that is easily understood—they include you in the process. Mechanics that are transparent instill trust, versus a behind-closed-doors style that leaves customers wondering what is happening to their vehicles. Consideration for Budget No one looks forward to spending their hard-earned dollars on their vehicle. A thoughtful car mechanic should keep this in mind when suggesting [...]

By |2018-12-21T10:10:39-06:00December 19th, 2017|Car Service & Maintenance|3 Comments
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General Car Service and Maintenance by Mileage

Going in for a car service can be daunting. With the general population lacking in the knowledge of what parts need maintaining versus replacement, it's easy to end up paying too much. Below are general car service and maintenance tips and an outline by mileage to get you started. Know Before You Go Before heading to the dealership or your auto shop of choice, it's important to do your homework. No need to dread it as you did in high school, this homework can save you money (and who doesn't love keeping cash in your pocket?) Read Your Manual Each car comes with a maintenance manual that lays our suggested mileage and times for routine maintenance and car service. This manual is the basis for what mechanics will suggest—but, they do deviate. Knowing what to expect will help you determine if you're up-sold on what your vehicle needs to have done. Know Your Car Only you can tell how your car is feeling and driving. Brakes may need to be replaced earlier if you have [...]

By |2017-12-06T09:43:35-06:00December 4th, 2017|Car Questions, Car Service & Maintenance|3 Comments
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Car Smells You Shouldn’t Be Ignoring

Smells aren't just bad for your nose; they could mean bad news for your car. Like tire tread, those car smells are trying to tell you something—and you should listen. But, which smells requirement immediate care? Musty or Gym Socks If you notice a musty or gym sock smell, especially while running the A/C or Heater, it's probably mold. Mildew and mold grow in the water from the condensing process in your A/C evaporator. Luckily, the fix and prevention is simple. About a mile from home, turn the fan onto high and the A/C off to dry out the system. If that doesn't work, you may want to look into cleaning your A/C system as breathing in mold and mildew can have adverse health effects. If you continue to smell the musty smell, check your door seals for leaks as your carpets could be getting wet. Sweet or Maple Syrup If your car smells like maple syrup and you haven't been eating pancakes, you have a leaking antifreeze issue. The leak could be anywhere in [...]

By |2019-04-29T15:10:19-06:00November 27th, 2017|Car Questions|3 Comments
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Is a Flooded Car a Totaled Car?

With the 2017 hurricane season ending, we have had a lot to recover from. Communities and families continue rebuilding and life is slowly returning to its normal pace. We now have time to turn our attentions back to the less dramatic losses—including the flooded cars. But, is a flooded car a totaled car? Can it be salvaged? How Flooded is Flooded? It doesn't take much to flood a car. If you drove through or were parked in water up to mid-tire level, you probably have some damage. If that water splashed or reached any electrical components, you have a problem. Electricity and Water Do Not Mix We all know this. Water trumps electricity. And the water doesn't need to be as high as you think to start wreaking havoc. The motor starter is the lowest electronic component of a vehicle. Water doesn't even need to reach door height to start splashing and damaging the starter. Modern Cars With all the new advances in modern cars, they have actually gotten worse at withstanding flood waters. The [...]

By |2017-11-30T07:40:16-06:00November 21st, 2017|Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Getting Your Car Winter Ready

Winter is hard—on you and your vehicle. The freezing temperatures. Snow and ice (yep, even here in Houston, TX). The slippery roads. Getting your car winter ready is a must and it starts before the first snowfall. Getting Your Car Winter Ready Visibility Check Seeing clearly is essential during the winter months. Check your wipers, check that your headlights are shining their brightest and check your defroster. Will it keep the ice at bay while driving? Battery Check Your battery capacity is reduced by cold weather—depending on the temperature your battery could only be holding half-charge. Also, the low temperatures are making the battery fluid thicker, increasing the strain on your starter. Have your battery tested, whether at home, at an auto parts store or at your local auto shop to make sure it is fully charged. In addition, check all the cables and terminals for any signs of corrosion or loose connections. Fluids & Coolant Check Coolant. It is absolutely vital for your engine to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to keep your engine [...]

By |2017-11-30T07:40:06-06:00November 20th, 2017|Auto Care|3 Comments
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What Your Tire Tread is Telling You

Tires can be windows to the health of your car—if you know how to look. Some may find this hard to believe. But, tires are sensitive. They begin to wear differently if something isn't right, which means your tire tread is trying to tell you something. This can include inflation issues, issues with your driving, alignment problems and even problems in your suspension or brake systems. Center Tire Tread Wear Take a peek at your tires. If you see the center strip of your tire is more worn than the sides or edges of the tire that means your tire is overinflated. Overinflation causes tires to bulge in the center, meaning this is the spot on the tire connecting the most with the road. It is important to follow your tires' and car's recommended psi. The recommended tire psi can be found on the outer wall of your tire, on a sticker found inside the front passenger door or in your owner's manual. Side/Shoulder Tire Tread Wear If your tires are showing wear on the [...]

By |2017-10-27T16:30:28-06:00October 31st, 2017|Auto Care|5 Comments
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