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The High Cost of Car Technology

Gone are the days of the most prominent technology in the car being the ability to roll down the windows. These days, cars are jam-packed with the latest in car technology advances. And it's not just for your entertainment or to enjoy a hands-free conversation on your commutes; driving functions also rely on computers and information systems. When it comes to these technological advances, we all pay for them. New cars are only getting more expensive. And with recent advancements and added-on technologies, it leads to more repairs. Those repairs can be just as costly. And with so many supply-chain issues, getting the necessary replacement parts to repair those pieces of car technology could take some time. Most Common Car Technology Repairs When it comes to vehicle technology, there is a trend. A trend of common technology repairs that we see in our shop include: Backup Camera Blind Spot Sensors Lane Assistance Bluetooth Navigation Audio Systems Performance Sensors With so many new features, it's important to do what you [...]

By |2022-02-10T14:30:29-06:00February 10th, 2022|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Diesel vs. Gasoline

We all know that gasoline and diesel fuels are different. We know not to put diesel into a gas engine and vice versa. But, do we know the "whys" behind that rule? When it comes to diesel vs. gasoline, not only are the fuel types different, but the respective engine types are different. And each fuel engine comes with its benefits as well as disadvantages. Diesel vs. Gasoline Gasoline engines were invented in 1876 and were ground-breaking — but they weren't efficient. The four-stroke combustion engine only utilized 10% for the fuel, while the other 90% produced heat and burned off. So, in 1892, Rudolf Diesel created the combustion power engine (also known as the diesel engine). While gasoline engines have had many technological advances that led them to be more efficient than the original model, they operate slightly differently from their diesel engine counterparts. Diesel and Gasoline Engine Differences Both engines use internal combustion, with cylinders compressing air and fuel mixtures to create mechanical energy turned into motion [...]

By |2022-01-19T14:52:20-06:00January 19th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Let’s Talk Foggy Headlights

Let's talk about something we hate to see on other cars and our own cars — foggy headlights. Your vehicle's headlights make driving at night, rain, and snow easier. But, not if they are foggy and dull. And even if you are washing your car regularly, you can't keep your headlights as shiny and bright as they were when you drove off the car lot. Why is that? Causes of Foggy Headlights Dirt and Grime Sure, you may wash your car weekly, but you can't stop the build-up. Over time, your vehicle and headlamps encounter dirt, salt, grime, and other road debris (it's an inevitable part of being on the road). These things slowly eat away the top coat of your headlamps and cause scratching, which adds to the hazy headlight appearance. The Solution? Cleaning your vehicle regularly is an excellent start as removing any salt or chemicals as soon as possible minimizes their impact on your top-coat. Occasionally restoring the top coat of your car's headlights is a [...]

By |2021-12-21T10:11:57-06:00December 21st, 2021|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Increasing Your Winter Fuel Efficiency

With fuel prices continuing to rise, we all would like to save a little money on gas this winter. In very cold and snowy areas, winter can decrease your fuel efficiency — by up to 24% — because of the cold weather and less-than-optimal driving conditions. Not all hope is lost, though. It's still possible to increase your winter fuel efficiency to help offset the increase in gas prices and gas needed. It just takes a bit of change in habit. Tips for Increasing Winter Fuel Efficiency While changing your driving habits and vehicle maintenance schedule can feel like a lot of work, it's worth the money you'll save on gas this winter. Store Your Car in a Warm Place While you may like using your garage for storage purposes during the summer, it's time to make room for your vehicle(s) during the cold months. Keeping your car inside when it's cold means the engine has less work to warm up and therefore uses less gas. Reduce Your Idle [...]

By |2021-12-15T12:48:22-06:00December 15th, 2021|Car Tips|0 Comments
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Replace or Repair Your Vehicle?

When faced with an extensive vehicle repair, it can leave you wondering if you should replace or repair your vehicle. And you're not alone. If you aren't a mechanic or car expert, it can be hard to know your next steps. But we are here to help! Let's talk about some of the big questions you need to ask yourself when debating replacing your car over repairing it. When It's Time to Replace Your Car Deciding to replace over repair comes down to three main questions: 1. How much will repairs cost? 2. How much is your car worth? and 3. Are there any safety concerns that cannot be adequately repaired? Finding Out the Cost of Repairs If you were just in an accident or need a major repair, your first step is to visit your local auto shop. They can take a look at your vehicle and make a list of required repairs and let you know the cost of those repairs. If you're in the Houston area, [...]

By |2021-11-17T14:18:28-06:00November 17th, 2021|Car Service & Maintenance, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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What to Do About Your Cracked Windshield

Cracked windshields are unavoidable (unless you've figured something out that we haven't yet). Some start as small chips, some come from weather changes, others from road debris, and some appear out of nowhere. But, wherever they come from, having a cracked windshield means you have some phone calls to make before it becomes worse or before you get a ticket. When to Repair or Replace Your Cracked Windshield Your windshield not only protects you from the elements, but an intact windshield ensures your airbags perform their job of protecting you and your passengers and helps keep everyone inside the vehicle in the case of an accident. When you notice damage on your windshield or any windows, you'll want to start thinking about your next steps. A repair may succeed if you have a small chip (smaller than a quarter) or a crack less than eight centimeters. A glass repair technician will be able to determine if your damaged windshield can be repaired. What happens if your cracked windshield or [...]

By |2021-11-08T15:05:01-06:00November 8th, 2021|Auto Care, Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Reasons Your Car Isn’t Driving Smoothly

If your ride to work or to pick up the kids isn't as smooth as it once was, it can be annoying. But, it can also be alarming. Because if your car isn't driving as smoothly as it once was, it may leave you wondering what has changed. Wear and tear are to be expected on your vehicle. After all, it takes you to a lot of different places. When that normal wear and tear is ignored, you start to have major issues (and some potential significant repairs). Common Reasons Your Car Isn't Driving Smoothly When your vehicle isn't operating as smoothly as it once was, that's a warning sign. Your car is telling you that something isn't quite right anymore, and it's time to take notice as it could be one of these common issues. Suspension Problems The struts and shocks in your vehicle's suspension system are your shock absorbers. Every time you go over a speed bump, hit a pothole, or encounter uneven ground, the suspension takes [...]

By |2021-10-20T14:18:23-06:00October 20th, 2021|Car Questions, Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Fuel Injectors and Signs They Aren’t Working Well

We all know that we have to stop at the gas station when the gauge creeps towards empty to keep our car moving. But, do you know what happens with that fuel once it enters your vehicle? The job of distributing the gas to your engines falls on the fuel injectors. And their job is not as simple as stop and go. How Do Fuel Injectors Work? Your vehicle's injectors have the vital task of delivering fuel from your gas tank to your engine. And it all comes down to the timing. Fuel injectors inject the ideal amount of fuel into the combustion chamber at just the right time. They are commanded by the vehicle’s PCM (Powertrain Control Module) or computer. Allowing the correct mixture of air-to-fuel, creates the perfect condition for combustion and keeps your car running well. Controlled by a computer, there is one fuel injector per cylinder in modern vehicles. Initially, injectors sprayed gas into the intake manifold. Moving to your car's cylinders helps your vehicle's [...]

By |2021-10-08T10:43:43-06:00October 8th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Vehicle Oxygen Sensors – What Do They Do?

Let's talk oxygen. Not only is it vital for humans, but your car also needs it to function as well. Without the optimal oxygen ratios, your vehicle isn't going to run at its top performance levels. That's where your car's oxygen sensors come in... What Does An Oxygen Sensor Do? Oxygen sensors optimize performance and emissions by monitoring the oxygen ratios in the exhaust system and reporting the Aforementioned to the P.C.M. (vehicle’s main computer). Too much oxygen read by the oxygen sensor is a lean mixture and generates nitrogen-oxide contaminants. Extremely lean conditions may cause overheating and engine damage. The opposite is known as a rich mixture and can cause pollution and an engine that misfires or runs rough. Oxygen levels vary from outside factors like altitude, temperature, load weight, engine temperature, barometric pressure, etc. Oxygen sensors will calculate the ratio of oxygen to fuel in the exhaust and communicate that information to your car's computer. The computer will then adjust the gasoline inputs based on the balance to keep it at optimal [...]

By |2021-09-22T11:40:28-06:00September 22nd, 2021|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Jerky Acceleration? Here’s Why.

Picture this: you're sitting at a red light, and it turns green. You press the gas pedal, but instead of moving ahead smoothly, it's a jerky acceleration. The feeling can be quite alarming, especially if it's a new development. The thought of any potential vehicle issue and needed repair fills folks with dread. It's an expense no one wants to have to deal with. But, it's an issue you won't want to ignore when it comes to jerky acceleration. Continuing to drive while your vehicles jerks while accelerating can cause further damage. So you need to work with your local mechanic to get to the bottom of it. Reasons for Your Car's Jerky Acceleration 1) Dirty or Faulty Spark Plugs To get going, your vehicle needs a bit of a spark. That's the job of your spark plugs. If they are dirty, old, or faulty, the spark plugs may not give the combustion process and your fuel cylinders the needed spark leading to a misfire. Dirty spark plugs are [...]

By |2021-09-14T14:50:53-06:00September 14th, 2021|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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