Auto Blog

Why Independent Auto Shops Can Be Better Than Dealerships

Many consumers are under the impression that dealers know best when it comes to repairs and general vehicle maintenance. However, you can often find better prices and friendlier service from independent auto shops. It's key to remember that dealerships are in the business of selling cars, while independent shops are focused on providing quality service and being part of the community. They gain nothing by quoting you expensive repairs in the hopes of encouraging you to trade in your car. How Independent Auto Shops Help the Customer Once you find an independent auto shop that you trust, you'll have a connection with the individuals that service your car. Depending on the size of the shop, you may even find that you're on a first-name basis with the employees. When deciding between the pros and cons of independent auto shops versus the dealership, there are a few benefits that auto shops provide that dealers can't compete with. Budget-Friendly Alternative Parts While some people prefer only using OEM parts in their [...]

By |2022-11-18T12:29:22-06:00November 18th, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Houston Texas|0 Comments
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Signs it is Time to Replace Your Brake Rotors

When it comes to important vehicle maintenance and repairs, brakes and brake rotors are often at the top of the list. You never want to be on the road ways with a faulty set of brakes that can leave you unable to stop properly. Though they can be expensive to replace, it's important that they're well maintained and looked after to avoid any dangerous situations. Brake rotors are expected to last around 50- to 70-thousand miles (most vehicles), but can last longer depending on how the vehicle is driven and what conditions the vehicle is driven in. What Do Brake Rotors Do? Your brake rotors are responsible for working in unison with the brake pads to halt your car when you press down on the brake pedal. The rotor rotates along with the wheel and the brake pad clamps onto the rotor. The friction created by this movement is what causes the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Many auto shops will go ahead and replace the rotors [...]

By |2022-11-10T09:55:12-06:00November 10th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
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What’s the Deal With Your Car’s EVAP System?

An EVAP system stands for Evaporative Emission Control System. While most vehicles come equipped with this component, not every driver is aware of its function. These systems have been required on all gas-powered vehicles since the 70s and for an environmentally conscious reason. Before such a system was in place within cars, fuel systems would pollute fumes into the environment even when the engine was turned off. Car EVAP systems are used to keep gasoline vapors contained. This is not only beneficial to the atmosphere but the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle by keeping the fuel within the vehicle. What Is an EVAP System? These systems are designed around the purpose of preventing gas vapors from seeping out of the fuel tank and into the surrounding environment. This helps control greenhouse emissions. Without a proper EVAP systems in place, gas-powered vehicles would be significantly more environmentally damaging. The EVAP system has been designed to both store and safely dispose of damaging fuel vapors to ensure they aren't released. [...]

By |2022-10-26T09:20:33-06:00October 26th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Preventing Car Breakdowns

Having a broken-down vehicle in the middle of the highway is a nightmare for any driver. It's inconvenient to be stuck on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck and a potentially expensive repair bill. That’s why preventing vehicle breakdowns should be a big part of your vehicle routine and maintenance. Staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule is a surefire way to keep it in optimal working condition, though untimely repairs can still occur. You're less likely to become stranded with a vehicle breakdown if you practice preventable vehicle maintenance. What is Preventable Car Maintenance? Preventable vehicle maintenance involves staying updated on oil changes, tire rotations, throttle body, fuel injection services, brake and power steering flushes (if power steering system is hydraulic and not electric) and other normal upkeep on a vehicle, just to name a few items. These types of preventative measures can decrease the likelihood of something failing prematurely. As vehicles get older, they can require more frequent visits to the mechanic [...]

By |2022-10-17T13:52:34-06:00October 17th, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|0 Comments
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Signs of a Bad Car Thermostat

Your car's thermostat has the important responsibility of releasing coolant to the radiator when it reaches the rated coolant temperature. This ensures that your engine doesn't get too hot and there’s no thermal shock to the engine. When it's not functioning properly, you're running the risk of an overheated engine, or in some cases, a thermostat can stick open and won’t let the engine reach the proper operating temperature. Luckily, a replacement car thermostat is a relatively inexpensive repair. Signs of a Bad Car Thermostat Unusual Temperature Gauge Readings When you're starting up your car in the mornings, it should read as cold. As the engine has the chance to heat up, the gauge should move to the right to indicate the engine is reaching a normal running temperature. If the readings seem erratic, this could be a sign that your car thermostat is having issues. If you notice the gauge erratically moving from one end to another, this can be a sign of coolant that's being released at [...]

By |2022-09-23T09:19:52-06:00September 23rd, 2022|Car Parts, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Saving on Inflation with Car Maintenance

Prices and costs are rising and aren't showing signs of stopping. With shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation, everything costs more, including the automotive industry. New cars are expensive (and hard to find), and car parts cost more. This means you could find yourself struggling to pay the price if you're unprepared when you need a repair. But what about saving on inflation instead of opening your wallet? Instead of car repairs — think vehicle maintenance. A little can go a long way in protecting your vehicle from costly, major repairs. Saving on Inflation with Car Maintenance Getting your car serviced based on mileage is recommended, and we should all know our oil change schedule by now. But what about some of the bigger ticket items? Here's what Northwest Auto Center of Houston recommends for every two years or 30,000 miles for preventative maintenance. There are other items that each manufacturer recommends at certain mileage, but that’s on specific case by case basis. 1) Throttle Body Service and [...]

By |2022-08-22T15:40:45-06:00August 22nd, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Soft Clutch – What Does it Mean?

A soft clutch can be a clear sign that a replacement is in order. As your vehicle's clutch wears down, it may begin to feel soft and spongy when you press down on it. This inconsistent feeling is a sign that you should bring your vehicle into a shop to get it looked at. If your clutch is allowed to break down completely, your car eventually won't move. What Exactly Is a Soft Clutch? For those who have never heard the term, "soft clutch," before, it's simply a reference to a clutch that has been worn down to the point that it feels spongy, or soft, when you put pressure on it. Conversely, if the clutch pedal feels like it’s harder to push down, the pressure plate springs may be getting worn and it’s still a good idea to have a shop look at it. When you depress the clutch, it should have a consistent spring to it all the way down. If you're being met with little resistance [...]

By |2022-08-16T13:47:40-06:00August 16th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
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What to Do After a Car Accident?

For many drivers, it's nearly inevitable that you'll be involved in some type of car accident during your time behind the wheel. Fortunately, this can be as minor as a fender bender but there are steps drivers should take after an accident in order to protect themselves, their passengers, and their car. Knowledge is powerful and knowing what to do after a car accident can make things go just a little smoother. Once you've taken care of your physical safety, you'll want to begin the insurance process as quickly as possible. They'll be able to suggest the next steps to you, which often involve taking your car in for repairs. Steps for What to Do After a Car Accident 1. Check For Any Injuries It's common for drivers who have been involved in an accident to feel stressed and anxious and to perhaps suffer from shock. The most important thing is to ensure your wellbeing and to seek immediate medical attention if injuries are present. 2. Document the Scene It's important [...]

By |2022-07-27T09:58:06-06:00July 27th, 2022|Car Tips & Damaged Car, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Tips For Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft

It can be concerning to many vehicle owners to hear that catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise, especially when they're so costly to replace. This is a crime of opportunity and the key to preventing catalytic converter theft is to stop thieves from gaining easy access to this precious piece of your car's exhaust system. There are a few helpful tips below on how to protect your investment and how to make it less desirable and efficient for someone to grab your converter and resell it. What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? Catalytic converters have been designed to defend against harmful emissions by turning these pollutants into harmless gasses. There are naturally multiple issues that can arise when you try to drive without having one equipped on your vehicle. In short, catalytic converters basically act as a filter on a vehicle's exhaust system. However, it's not what the catalytic converter does that makes it so valuable to steal and flip for a profit. They're often high in [...]

By |2022-07-20T11:28:14-06:00July 20th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Tips, Houston Texas|0 Comments
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Tire Balance vs. Wheel Alignment

Tire balance and wheel alignment are both integral maintenance routines that prolong the life of your tires, yet many drivers don't know the key differences between the two or what purpose they actually serve. In short, tire balance has to do with the balance between tires and rims and wheel alignment focuses on the direction or angle that they're facing. When your wheels come out of alignment or become unbalanced, you'll begin to notice uneven wear on your tires. For a safer and smoother ride, your wheels should be properly balanced and aligned. You may find that you save money on gas, prevent a costly suspension repair, and avoid having to prematurely replace your tires. Difference Between Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment If you're not a professional mechanic yourself, you may be wondering what the difference between the two is or if they can be used interchangeably. Tire balance and wheel alignment are specifically designed to treat different issues and are in fact two separate procedures. Wheel alignment ensures [...]

By |2022-06-21T11:43:27-06:00June 21st, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|0 Comments
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