Car Service & Maintenance

Saving on Inflation with Car Maintenance

Prices and costs are rising and aren't showing signs of stopping. With shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation, everything costs more, including the automotive industry. New cars are expensive (and hard to find), and car parts cost more. This means you could find yourself struggling to pay the price if you're unprepared when you need a repair. But what about saving on inflation instead of opening your wallet? Instead of car repairs — think vehicle maintenance. A little can go a long way in protecting your vehicle from costly, major repairs. Saving on Inflation with Car Maintenance Getting your car serviced based on mileage is recommended, and we should all know our oil change schedule by now. But what about some of the bigger ticket items? Here's what Northwest Auto Center of Houston recommends for every two years or 30,000 miles for preventative maintenance. There are other items that each manufacturer recommends at certain mileage, but that’s on specific case by case basis. 1) Throttle Body Service and [...]

By |2022-08-22T15:40:45-06:00August 22nd, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Tire Balance vs. Wheel Alignment

Tire balance and wheel alignment are both integral maintenance routines that prolong the life of your tires, yet many drivers don't know the key differences between the two or what purpose they actually serve. In short, tire balance has to do with the balance between tires and rims and wheel alignment focuses on the direction or angle that they're facing. When your wheels come out of alignment or become unbalanced, you'll begin to notice uneven wear on your tires. For a safer and smoother ride, your wheels should be properly balanced and aligned. You may find that you save money on gas, prevent a costly suspension repair, and avoid having to prematurely replace your tires. Difference Between Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment If you're not a professional mechanic yourself, you may be wondering what the difference between the two is or if they can be used interchangeably. Tire balance and wheel alignment are specifically designed to treat different issues and are in fact two separate procedures. Wheel alignment ensures [...]

By |2022-06-21T11:43:27-06:00June 21st, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|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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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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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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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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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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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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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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