Auto Care

Protecting Your Car During Hurricane Season

Texas is no stranger to severe weather, particularly hurricanes and strong winds. With hurricane season looming, Texans must prepare themselves. Your car can be a vital asset in escaping dangerous weather conditions, but it requires proper maintenance and preparation to ensure your safety and longevity. In this guide, we'll delve into essential steps to protect your car from a hurricane and how to stay safe when severe weather strikes. Protecting Your Car from a Hurricane: Preparing for the Storm Regular Maintenance Checks: Before storm season arrives, it is imperative to conduct routine maintenance checks on your vehicle. Ensure that your brakes, tires, windshield wipers, lights, and fluid levels are in optimal condition. Any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent potential breakdowns during severe weather. Secure Loose Items: Hurricane-force winds can turn even the smallest objects into projectiles, causing significant damage to your car. Secure loose items inside and outside your vehicle, including inside your truck bed. Fasten down larger objects that cannot be removed. Trim Surrounding Trees: If [...]

By |2024-04-11T14:47:22-06:00April 11th, 2024|Auto Care|0 Comments
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Decoding Engine Sounds

It's time to turn those listening ears on! Decoding engine sounds is a crucial skill for any car owner. The symphony of clicks, hums, and whirs emanating from your vehicle can provide valuable insights into its overall health and function. Understanding these noises can help you address potential issues before they escalate, saving time and money. The Basics of Decoding Engine Sounds Your car's engine produces a variety of sounds during operation, each serving as a communication tool between the vehicle and its driver. You can gain valuable information about the engine's condition and performance by paying attention to these sounds. Here's a breakdown of some standard engine sounds and what they might signify... Normal Humming and Idling Sounds When your car is in good condition, you should hear a steady and smooth hum when idling. This sound indicates that the engine is operating within normal parameters. However, any sudden changes or irregularities in this hum could signal an underlying issue. It does not need to be a specific [...]

By |2024-03-13T10:15:54-06:00March 13th, 2024|Auto Care, Car Questions, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Choosing the Right Motor Oil for Your Texas Vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance, and one key aspect of proper maintenance is choosing the right motor oil. With Texas's weather and driving conditions, selecting the appropriate motor oil becomes even more critical. This guide will help you navigate the options and break down the different motor oil types. Understand the Basics Before delving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basic characteristics of motor oil. Motor oils are graded based on viscosity, which refers to the oil's thickness or resistance to flow. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establishes viscosity standards, and you'll commonly see oil grades like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The first number (5W or 10W) represents the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures. The second number (30 or 40) indicates viscosity at operating temperatures. Consider Your Vehicle's Specifications for Motor Oil Every vehicle comes with manufacturer recommendations for motor oil. These specifications can usually be found in your owner's manual. Pay attention to the recommended viscosity grade and any [...]

By |2023-12-14T12:26:14-06:00December 14th, 2023|Auto Care, Car Parts|0 Comments
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Keeping Your Car’s Value High

We've all heard that driving your car off the lot immediately makes the vehicle lose value. But that doesn't mean you should stop caring about keeping your car's value up.    Why?   Because many of the things that protect your car's value also protect your vehicle. Regular maintenance of the body and engine will keep your vehicle on the road for years. And nothing says value more than a properly running car.   Whether you plan to sell your car soon or want to keep it in the best condition, here are some tips to help you protect your car's value. Tips for Keeping Your Car's Value High It's all about putting in a little effort to avoid big actions (like repairs). Remember, your car's value is tied to the health of your vehicle — and an unhealthy car is pretty useless. Regular Maintenance Routine maintenance is crucial for maintaining your car's value. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. If [...]

By |2023-07-18T09:04:40-06:00July 18th, 2023|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Protecting Your Car from the Elements

Your car is not just a means of transportation; it's an investment that requires proper care and maintenance. One of the key aspects of car maintenance is protecting your car from the elements. Rain, sun, dust, and pollutants can affect your vehicle's appearance and condition — and value. By following some essential tips and investing in the right protective measures, you can ensure your car stays pristine for years. Protecting Your Car from the Elements - Car Exterior Maintenance Tips While many of these tips are aimed at keeping your car's appearance in great shape, they can also help keep it in the best working condition. Regular Washing and Waxing Frequent washing of your car's exterior is essential to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants that can cause damage over time. Use a high-quality car shampoo, soft microfiber cloths, and a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches. After washing, apply a coat of wax to create a protective barrier against UV rays and other environmental elements. Paint Protection Film Consider applying [...]

By |2023-07-11T11:11:44-06:00July 11th, 2023|Auto Care, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|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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Responsibilities of Car Ownership

Owning a vehicle is part of the American way. Especially for those living in the suburbs and rural areas in Texas, a car gets you where you need to go on your schedule. And for many folks, driving starts promptly at 15 with your learner's permit as a right of passage. But many drivers forget about the responsibilities of car ownership. From having your financials in order and taking driving seriously, owning and driving a vehicle isn't something to be taken lightly. Financial Responsibilities of Car Ownership Purchasing a car (new or used) takes money. And the financials don't stop there. Yearly, you'll need to register your vehicle. Texas requires your state registration fee, local registration fee, and inspection costs. For a typical passenger car or truck, expect to spend around $80 per year. You will also need to keep your car insurance current. The cost of insurance varies depending on your age, vehicle, and driving history, The average cost of car insurance in Texas is around $150 per [...]

By |2022-03-23T12:14:06-06:00March 23rd, 2022|Auto Care, Car Tips|0 Comments
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The Road’s Stickiest Problems

We talk a lot about protecting your car from wear and tear and early damage. But, that's mostly centered around your car's engine and components. Today, we'd like to talk about some of the road's stickiest problems. While contaminants on your car's paint certainly dull the shine, we don't often think about what else road remnants are doing to your vehicle. Beyond keeping your vehicle looking like new, keeping your car clean can also help keep it on the road. Avoiding the Road's Stickiest Problems You can't avoid road grime; it's a fact of life for any driver. But that doesn't mean you should let it go unchecked. Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs "Bet he doesn't have the guts to do that again!" It's a saying most of us have either heard or said while on a road trip or commute. With so many bugs flying around Texas, you've noticed the build-up on your grill and windshield. And those tiny bugs can cause some issues. If left on your [...]

By |2022-03-14T11:30:21-06:00March 14th, 2022|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance|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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