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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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Thank Goodness for Power Steering Systems

Before 1951, driving was a workout. There was no need for arm day at the gym. When drivers needed to turn right or left, they had to crank on the wheel to get their vehicles to move in their desired direction. There was no assistance to move the weight of the car. And there was no assistance to make the turns and steering smoother. It's no wonder that once power steering systems hit the market, the car industry was quick to include the system in all new cars. And as time goes on, car power steering systems continue to improve. What's the Point of Power Steering Systems? The point is simple: it helps drivers turn the steering wheel and stay on course. While the "why" is easy to see, the "how" varies. Steering happens when the steering wheel and gear system work together to go in the desired direction. How this works depends on the type of power steering system. Hydraulic Power Steering The original power steering system, [...]

By |2021-08-25T14:48:48-06:00August 25th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Breaking In A New Car

Breaking in new shoes, breaking in a new kitchen, breaking in the new kid — we've all heard of those sayings. But, what about breaking in a new car? When you drive off the lot, you may think that your car is in its prime; it's at a time of peak performance. But, that's not the case. Driving it like you stole it, not the best move. If you want to keep your new car acting like new, there are few things you'll want to do (and a few you'll want to avoid). Luckily, we have some advice to help you keep your new car on the road longer... Breaking In a New Car the Right Way While it may be tempting to peel out of the lot and go for a joy ride, it's not the right move. Not only does that type of driving fall into the "only if you're a professional" category, but your brand new car also isn't going to love you for it. So, [...]

By |2021-08-11T09:37:40-06:00August 11th, 2021|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips|0 Comments
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Can Towing Hurt Your Vehicle?

From family road trips to moving furniture to needing a trailer for working purposes — most folks will find themselves towing something sometime in their lives. This leads us to the question: Is towing bad for your car? And the answer is, maybe. The severity of the damages range from expected wear to catastrophic depending on 1) your vehicle's towing capacity and 2) what you are towing. So, let's take a deeper dive into that question. Can Towing Hurt Your Vehicle? Towing causes additional strain on your vehicle, from the engine to your brakes. So, it will slowly wear on your engine over time, no matter your vehicle or trailer. However, some big things will lead to faster wear and more substantial damage. Towing with an Underpowered Car While your car is a machine, it doesn't mean that you can expect the world of it, and it just happens. When towing an RV or trailer, you want to make sure it's something your car's engine and transmission can handle. [...]

By |2021-07-22T14:24:11-06:00July 22nd, 2021|Car Questions, Car Tips, Road Trips|0 Comments
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How Does the Car Exhaust System Work?

Few people think about their car exhaust system unless it is causing problems. But it is an integral safety feature of any vehicle. The exhaust system converts harmful gases produced by the engine into breathable gases. It also moves them underneath the car, instead of in the cabin, and out the tailpipe. Without an exhaust system, it would be hazardous, if not impossible, to drive because of all the harmful gases that would get trapped inside your vehicle. Let's take a deeper dive into everything this vital component does for you and your car. The Car Exhaust System The exhaust system is responsible for dissipating gasses produced by the engine. It cleans emissions as they exit the vehicle and dampens engine noise. It can also affect your vehicle's overall performance, including fuel efficiency and engine power. The system consists of several parts; an exhaust manifold, oxygen sensors, a catalytic converter, a muffler, a resonator in some vehicles, and a tailpipe. Each component plays a role in the safety of [...]

By |2021-06-24T14:50:33-06:00June 24th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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7 Summer Driving Mistakes

Summer is here. That means summer road trips, heading to barbecues, and in Texas — driving in the heat. With all that comes a few Summer driving mistakes. While they may seem harmless, some of the Summer driving mistakes could lead to costly repairs and tickets. Both are things that could easily ruin your Summer. And after we've spent so much of 2020 and 2021 inside, we all deserve to have a fun Summer! Summer Driving Mistakes 1) Not Checking Your Vehicle's Fluid Levels Your engine fluids keep your engine running by lubricating and cooling off the various parts and removing the heat. Unfortunately, while they are working hard as lubricating and cooling agents, the Texas heat takes its toll on all fluids. If these fluid levels dip because of leakage, their cooling abilities do as well, which can lead to an overheated vehicle. Now is a great time to check all of your car's fluid levels. That list includes: Transmission Fluid Brake Fluid Coolant Motor Oil Power-Steering Fluid [...]

By |2021-06-18T12:07:16-06:00June 18th, 2021|Car Tips, Houston Texas|0 Comments
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Cooling System Maintenance

Your vehicle's cooling system is not something that comes to mind very often. However, it is an essential system to keep your vehicle functional and safe. Neglecting it can be costly in many ways, affecting your car's efficiency and possibly requiring expensive repairs (including a complete engine replacement in extreme cases). The good news is that cooling system maintenance isn't complex. You just need to know how to do it. The Vehicle Cooling System The cooling system, simply put, keeps your engine cool. It regulates the temperature of the engine to keep it from overheating or from freezing. It consists of a series of tubes that bring liquid, usually a mixture of water and antifreeze, through the whole engine block, circulating as needed by a water pump. This liquid draws heat from the engine, moving it to the radiator to be cooled before circulating back to the engine block. There is a thermostat in the cooling system that regulates the flow of coolant. When the thermostat opens, it allows the [...]

By |2021-05-17T14:25:52-06:00May 17th, 2021|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Texas Road Trip Spots

With warmer weather, school almost out for summer, and restrictions lifting — it's time to hit the road. But, Houston, you don't have to drive too far to see some spectacular and unique Texas Road Trip Stops. With diverse cities, incredible natural wonders, and unique attractions, Texas has a lot to share. So forget the Western National Parks and East Coast Parkways, and let's have a little fun traveling the Lone Star State. Must-See Texas Road Trip Spots At a little over 260,000 square miles, Texas has a lot of land to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, get your car ready, hit the road, and check out these fantastic Texas attractions. Route 66 Texas Road Trip The famous Route 66 stretches 178 miles through Texas' Panhandle, and it has some sites worth stopping at! Not only can you cruise this historic route, but you'll also get a chance to see the Cadillac Ranch and the Glenrio Ghost Town (on the TX/NM border). Or [...]

By |2021-05-10T12:43:31-06:00May 10th, 2021|Houston Texas, Road Trips|0 Comments
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Why Are Vehicle Inspections Necessary?

Most states, including Texas, require a annual or bi-annual vehicle inspection to register your car. Even in states where vehicle inspections are not required, it would be beneficial and responsible to get an annual or bi-annual car inspection. Getting this done will help ensure your car is safe and working well, protecting you and the drivers you share the road with. What is a Vehicle Inspection? A vehicle inspection is government-mandated in most states and follows certain specific and consistent regulations when performed. It is performed on a schedule or when you buy a new car, or in some cases when you get a driver's license. Vehicle inspections cover all components of your vehicle, making sure everything is in working order. It doesn't repair issues but finds them and lets you decide how you want to proceed. Vehicle inspectors have precise criteria that they follow. They will look at every checkpoint even if it has passed an inspection previously. If you pass your vehicle inspection, you will receive a [...]

By |2021-03-25T13:34:11-06:00March 25th, 2021|Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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