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3 Common Texas Car Problems

If you don't know much about cars, or even if you do, you may have never considered the impact that weather can have on your car's health. You must think about the climate when thinking about how to care for your vehicle correctly and avoid common Texas car problems. There are some simple things to be aware of that can keep your car running smoothly and extend its lifespan, even in the Texas heat. Common Texas Car Problems and How to Avoid Them 1. Car Batteries Do Not Last as Long A common Texas car problem is, shorter battery lives. Many people worry about car batteries in cold climates, but heat can be just as bad, if not worse, for your car battery. The hot temperatures can dry up fluids, causing corrosion to build upon your battery, leaving you stranded on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck. In fact, AAA received over a million calls for battery issues in the warmer months of 2018. Car [...]

By |2021-03-19T11:41:38-06:00March 19th, 2021|Auto Care, Houston Texas|0 Comments

8 Transmission Maintenance Tips

Your transmission is one of the integral parts of your vehicle. It is what communicates between the engine and the wheels, sending engine power to move your vehicle. It also allows quick acceleration of your vehicle and disconnects your engine from your wheels so it can continue to run when your vehicle is stopped. If your transmission has problems, you will not be going anywhere in your vehicle. To prevent large costs and inconveniences from transmission repair or replacement, here are some simple transmission maintenance tips that even the least car-savvy driver can manage. 1. Get Regular Car Check-Ups Transmissions vary in type and model, therefore each transmission should be on a different maintenance schedule. Check your vehicle manual or the manufacturer transmission service recommendation for how frequently you should take your car into your mechanic to get your transmission checked and possibly serviced. You can also discuss your transmission maintenance schedule with your mechanic, asking any questions and setting up maintenance appointments if needed. 2. Use the Right [...]

7 Tips for Preserving Your Brakes

Brakes are one of the features you rely on the most while driving down the road. And for good reason! If your brakes fail you, then your car is un-drivable. This is why it matters so much that you do not abuse your brakes, and take good care of them. Brakes work by having two surfaces causing friction when you press them together, by pushing on the brake pedal. This friction converts energy to heat. Because brakes function using friction, they can wear down over time. Brakes can last 35,000 miles and many times, much longer depending on your driving habits. There are things for preserving your brakes and it is beneficial to your wallet to make them last as long as possible. Tips for Preserving Your Brakes1. Slow DownThe faster you drive on the road the harder it will be on your brakes when you need to slow down. Driving faster forces you to use your brakes more often as well, since you will have to brake when you [...]

5 Reasons for Wheel Bearing Failure

You’ve probably never thought about how your tires work. They sit under your car and help get you where you need to go. But, there are many components to a car wheel and one of the extremely important ones is the wheel bearing. Wheel bearing failure can cause serious problems for you and your car so it is beneficial to know what a wheel bearing is and what pitfalls to avoid in order to prevent wheel bearing failure. What is a Wheel Bearing? A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls connected by a metal ring. It sits tightly in the middle of the hub. Wheel bearings require grease to lubricate them, with a seal keeping the grease in the bearing. The seal also acts as a barrier against dirt and debris that can cause corrosion. The seal is essential to the durability of the wheel bearing. Wheel bearings allow the wheel to spin rapidly without too much friction. They also carry the weight of the car, which can be over 4,000 pounds. [...]

By |2021-01-22T13:51:30-06:00January 22nd, 2021|Car Parts, Damaged Car|0 Comments

4 Reasons a Clean Engine Air Filter is Important

We all know that the engine is an essential part of your vehicle. Most of us are good at getting our oil checked and replacing our tires when they lose traction. One thing that is often neglected is your car’s engine air filter. A clean air filter is actually very important to your car’s functionality and it is inexpensive to maintain. What Does An Air Filter Do? An air filter has two main functions. It keeps dirt, dust, leaves, debris, etc. from entering the engine, keeping the air that enters as clean as possible to prevent corrosion and potential damage. The engine requires a balance of oxygen and fuel for its combustion process. A clean air filter will provide the right amount of oxygen to allow the engine to operate optimally. 4 Reasons for a Clean Engine Air Filter  1. Better Gas Mileage When your air filter is clean, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to burn fuel because it has plenty of clean air. This means [...]

Car Fluid Leaks – What’s Leaking From My Car?

Almost every driver has asked this question. When you walk out to get in your car and notice a leak, it is not a pleasant experience. But you don’t have to panic. We will discuss different types of leaks and what they mean for your car so that you can deal with the leak with confidence and make the right decisions depending on the leak. Before you do anything else, keep in mind that many leaks are oil-based and will last for a while. You should get down and check that the leak was coming from your car and didn’t come from a parked vehicle in that spot before your car was. If you don’t see any leaks under your vehicle, then you are in the clear. If you do find a leak, you will need more information. The next step is to place a piece of paper or cardboard under the leak to get an idea of the color of the leak. Paper is the best option since the color will show more [...]

By |2020-12-28T15:43:23-06:00December 28th, 2020|Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments

Tips for Saving Money on Your Car

Your vehicle is one of your most significant expenses, while also being necessary to most people. The average vehicle owner can spend a fair amount of money each year (between car payments, fuel, and service). While a car will never be free, there are many tips for saving money.  7 Tips for Saving Money on Your Car 1. Don't Settle for the First Gas Station You See Do some research on gas stations instead of just stopping at the first one you pass. Sometimes you can't help it, and that's okay. But it wouldn't hurt and can make a small difference in finances if you take a moment to investigate options. Especially the one that will be your routine gas station. It will benefit you to find one that is convenient while also being affordable. Gas stations along the highway or on the outskirts of town tend to be more expensive. There are even phone apps that can tell you where cheaper gas options are located. This could be [...]

By |2020-12-16T14:28:17-06:00December 16th, 2020|Auto Care|0 Comments

Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes

 Most modern vehicles use either drum brakes or disc brakes, and sometimes manufacturers use both. Drum brakes and disc brakes have different benefits and problems, which is why they can work well together. It is essential to understand the differences to decide which brakes you use and where on your vehicle.  The drum brake has shoes that press against a metal drum housed inside the wheel to stop the vehicle. The disc brake has a disc-shaped rotor inside the wheel. When you press the brake, a caliper will squeeze the rotor, stopping the car.  A Brief History of Car Brakes Both brakes are far more impressive than the original braking system. Early vehicles used a block of wood that pressed against the wheel to stop it. Cars used this braking method until pneumatic rubber wheels were invented in the late 1890s by Édouard Michelin. The wooden block would grind down the rubber quickly with these new wheels, making it an ineffective and overly expensive braking option.  The disc brake and [...]

By |2020-11-24T15:14:11-06:00November 24th, 2020|Car Parts|0 Comments

Needed Car Safety Features

Modern vehicles have so many advanced features and options that it can be overwhelming to car buyers or even car owners trying to understand their vehicle. Many of the features are for comfort, convenience, or luxury. But, since cars have gotten faster, manufacturers have added more car safety features — safety features you'll want to make sure your car has! Needed Car Safety Features Airbags Manufacturers started installing them in vehicles in the 1980s, but they didn't become a manufacturing requirement until 1998. Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate or worse crashes, with Frontal airbags having saved about 44,869 people as of 2015. Modern vehicles have both front and side airbags for added protection. Keep in mind that children 13 years and younger should sit in the backseat as airbags can injure them.   Anti-Lock Brakes If you ever have to stop quickly on a slippery road, you will be grateful for your anti-lock braking system. Anti-lock brakes allow you to stop fast and steer while preventing the [...]

By |2020-11-13T11:43:32-06:00November 13th, 2020|Car Parts|0 Comments

Protecting Your Car From Rust

Winter is on its way, and with it comes a higher threat of rust to your vehicle — which means it's time to start protecting your car from rust. In the winter and spring, there is more moisture in the air, leading to rapid corrosion. And the salt used on the roads during the snowy season will speed up the process. Now is the time to start thinking about how to protect your car. The first step in the fight against rust is awareness. It's essential to always keep an eye out for rust or possible corrosion. Even small nicks or scratches can lead to rust, and it's surprising how rapidly rust can spread, so you need to catch and treat even small scratches early and quickly. You should also pay attention to any bubbling or dark spots in the paint because this can be a sign of corrosion on the metal underneath the paint. Give some attention to the areas of your car that you don't usually notice, such as the undercarriage and [...]

By |2020-10-21T14:09:28-06:00October 21st, 2020|Auto Care, Car Tips|0 Comments
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