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Maintaining Car Belts and Hoses

Maintaining car belts and hoses is essential for ensuring the proper function of your vehicle. Texas drivers are no stranger to hot and humid weather conditions, which can take a toll on the vehicle’s belts and hoses. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to properly maintain your vehicle’s belts and hoses to keep your car or truck running smoothly on the roads of Texas. Maintaining Car Belts and Hoses Inspect Your Belts and Hoses Regularly One of the most important steps to maintaining your car or truck’s belts and hoses is to inspect them regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying. You can also check the belts and hoses for any signs of leaking, bulging, or soft spots. It's a good idea to inspect your belts and hoses every 6 months or 6,000 miles; whichever comes first. Replace Any Worn Out Belts or Hoses If you notice any signs of wear and tear on your belts or hoses, it's [...]

By |2023-05-04T11:11:35-06:00May 4th, 2023|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|0 Comments
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Money Saving Driving Tips

Driving can be expensive — gas, vehicle maintenance, repairs, and more. So, you may find yourself searching for some money saving driving tips. By following a few simple routine changes, you can save and keep some extra money in your pocket. Money Saving Driving Tips Drive More Efficiently Efficient driving means high gas efficiency. But, what does that involve? Driving efficiently means accelerating slowly, avoiding sudden stops and starts, and maintaining a steady speed. Driving at a consistent speed can help you save up to 30% on gas. Additionally, driving at a lower speed can also help you save money, as it reduces the amount of wind resistance your car has to overcome. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Properly inflated tires can help you save money on gas and reduce the risk of tire damage —a two for one special. When your tires are underinflated, your car has to work harder to move, which can decrease your gas mileage. On the other hand, overinflated or [...]

By |2023-04-13T13:17:30-06:00April 13th, 2023|Car Tips|0 Comments
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Yearly Preventative Car Maintenance

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility, and one of the most important things you can do to ensure your vehicle's longevity is yearly preventative car maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your car on the road and your money in your wallet. In this article, we will discuss the preventative car maintenance you should be doing every year to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Yearly Preventative Car Maintenance Oil Change One of the most critical preventative maintenance tasks you should perform is an oil change. Regular oil changes keep your engine lubricated, reduce friction, and prevent wear and tear on your engine components. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first. If you frequently drive in dusty conditions or make short trips, you may need to change your oil more frequently. If you’re using a semi-synthetic oil, it’s recommended you change your oil and filter every 3-3,500 miles and if you’re using full synthetic oil, it’s [...]

By |2023-04-05T09:06:37-06:00April 5th, 2023|Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a combination of urea and deionized air. This fluid is essential for keeping a diesel engine running smoothly and provides a reduction of harmful contaminants, such as nitrogen oxide, that are released into the environment. When this fluid is allowed to run low, diesel vehicles suffer from reduced performance and may even cease to turn on until the tank is refilled. The Importance of Diesel Exhaust Fluid Diesel exhaust fluid helps to reduce the amount of pollution that is produced by medium and heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust systems. The SCR system injects the DEF into the exhaust, transforming harmful pollutants into clean air through a chemical reaction. DEF is not a fuel additive and it's stored in a separate tank. While it may seem like an inconvenience to spend money on an extra fluid, drivers of diesel trucks, buses, and heavy machinery need DEF to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Do All Diesel Vehicles Require Exhaust Fluid? Vehicle manufacturers began implementing selective catalytic [...]

By |2023-03-14T12:22:21-06:00March 14th, 2023|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Car Parts 101: Mass Airflow Sensor

Mass airflow sensors are an integral component of your vehicle's functionality. If something malfunctions with the sensor, you'll notice immediate signs that something has gone awry. The engine at best, will run poorly or it may not run at all. How Does a Mass Airflow Sensor Work? Mass airflow sensors can also be referred to as air meters. They play a fundamental role within your automobile's system by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. The input provided by the sensor then allows the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to regulate the opening and closing of the fuel injectors, adjust ignition timing and when the ignition coil/s fire. The aforementioned parts, in harmony with the PCM, allows the air to fuel ratio stay in proper balance. The MAF sensor has two sensing wires. Via an electrical current, one wire is heated and cooled down by the amount of air that flows over the heated wire.  As the temperature difference fluctuates between the two wires, this provides input to the PCM to either provide more [...]

By |2023-02-24T09:40:57-06:00February 22nd, 2023|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Improving Diesel Truck Performance

Today's diesel trucks are rugged and ready for any adventure you may throw at them. Keeping your diesel truck running efficiently means reliability and helps you ensure you're getting the most use out of it. 5 Ways Boost Performance on a Diesel Truck Every driver's mileage may vary in terms of how they want to boost the performance of their truck. Depending on individualized needs and the day-to-day requirements of the your diesel truck, some owners may want to focus on fuel efficiency while others want more power and torque for carrying heavy cargo or towing extra weight. 1. Upgrade the Exhaust System Upgrading the exhaust system on your diesel truck with an aftermarket modification can improve the power and torque, but can also boost the fuel economy and overall performance of the vehicle. An exhaust system with a larger capacity takes some strain off the engine and allows it to work more efficiently, especially when you add custom tuning. 2. Install Fuel Injectors Installing aftermarket fuel injectors on [...]

By |2023-02-09T09:20:22-06:00February 9th, 2023|Car Tips|0 Comments
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Signs to Watch for in Older Vehicles

Older vehicles can cost more in maintenance than newer vehicles, though it doesn't mean that they have to be junked due to age. Many makes and models can be reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles. If you want to purchase a cheaper used car that's 10+ years old or you can't stand the thought of parting with the ride that got you through college, you'll want a trusted mechanic for any problems that crop up. Pros and Cons of Driving Older Vehicles The number one reason drivers generally want to purchase an older vehicle is the significantly reduced price. Of course, there are also classic cars that are worth more as they age but this is the exception. There is less depreciation on an older car, which is a huge advantage when it comes to maintaining the vehicle for years to come. Other benefits of purchasing and owning older vehicles include: Lower insurance premiums Fewer add-on fees Affordable option for teen drivers These older vehicles, while budget-friendly, also [...]

By |2023-01-26T09:07:42-06:00January 26th, 2023|Auto Care, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|0 Comments
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Tips to Have the Best Car Repair Experience

Car repair can be costly and time-consuming, which leaves many drivers frustrated. Establishing a trusted relationship with a local mechanic can be the difference between having a broken-down vehicle and one that runs safely. Heading to the mechanic isn't always the most exciting item on the to-do list, though it's often necessary when you want the best car repair done by a professional. You can ensure the process goes smoothly by preparing yourself before speaking to your mechanic by collecting information, availability, and providing them with a tidy car to work on. Steps to Having the Best Car Repair Experience Before you step into your local repair shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you're able to, set up an appointment beforehand to ensure the best service possible. This also provides your mechanic the chance to inquire about the type of work you're needing to be done so that they can prepare more efficiently. Communicate the Mechanical Issue Mechanics can provide solutions to most issues [...]

By |2023-01-23T14:07:58-06:00January 23rd, 2023|Auto Care, Car Tips & Damaged Car, Houston Texas|0 Comments
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Emergency Car Repair Kit – Being Prepared

Car breakdowns never seem to happen at a convenient time and many drivers are underprepared for a flat tire or a dead battery, especially if they're in the middle of nowhere. Always keeping a handy emergency car repair kit in your vehicle can allow you to get your vehicle back on the road. Why You Should Keep an Emergency Car Repair Kit Whether you're heading to work or you're traveling cross-country to visit family for the holidays, an emergency tool kit for your vehicle is a helpful resource to have on hand. Many drivers will experience a flat tire or a dead battery at some point during their years of driving and it's integral to understand how to approach these situations. If you're someone who enjoys taking road trips or who drives during the night time hours, you'll want to ensure that you're self-sufficient for a few basic repairs. 8 Essential Tools for an Emergency Car Repair There are a few basic tools every driver should keep in their [...]

By |2022-12-22T09:42:38-06:00December 22nd, 2022|Car Tips & Auto Maintenance, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Signs of a Bad Car Heater Core

Don't be alarmed if you're uncertain where your car heater core is located or what its function is. This vehicle component isn't often talked about until something goes wrong, at which point, a costly repair may be needed to fix it. The heater core is located behind/under the dashboard, so most drivers never see it. Driving with a busted car heater core can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. During the winter, a clogged heater core will lead to a cold passenger cabin. A bad heater core can also lead to an overheated engine (if the core is leaking; thereby causing the coolant level to not be sufficient) and potentially extensive repair work. Seeing a trend? You really want your car heater core to be working efficiently and correctly. What Does a Car Heater Core Do? The heater core in a vehicle operates as a small radiator. It circulates the hot coolant through the cabin of the vehicle, which enables the heater to function during the winter months. When a [...]

By |2022-12-14T08:40:15-06:00December 14th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
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