Auto Care

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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
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