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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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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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