Car Service & Maintenance

Why Independent Auto Shops Can Be Better Than Dealerships

Many consumers are under the impression that dealers know best when it comes to repairs and general vehicle maintenance. However, you can often find better prices and friendlier service from independent auto shops. It's key to remember that dealerships are in the business of selling cars, while independent shops are focused on providing quality service and being part of the community. They gain nothing by quoting you expensive repairs in the hopes of encouraging you to trade in your car. How Independent Auto Shops Help the Customer Once you find an independent auto shop that you trust, you'll have a connection with the individuals that service your car. Depending on the size of the shop, you may even find that you're on a first-name basis with the employees. When deciding between the pros and cons of independent auto shops versus the dealership, there are a few benefits that auto shops provide that dealers can't compete with. Budget-Friendly Alternative Parts While some people prefer only using OEM parts in their [...]

By |2022-11-18T12:29:22-06:00November 18th, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Houston Texas|0 Comments
Read More

Signs it is Time to Replace Your Brake Rotors

When it comes to important vehicle maintenance and repairs, brakes and brake rotors are often at the top of the list. You never want to be on the road ways with a faulty set of brakes that can leave you unable to stop properly. Though they can be expensive to replace, it's important that they're well maintained and looked after to avoid any dangerous situations. Brake rotors are expected to last around 50- to 70-thousand miles (most vehicles), but can last longer depending on how the vehicle is driven and what conditions the vehicle is driven in. What Do Brake Rotors Do? Your brake rotors are responsible for working in unison with the brake pads to halt your car when you press down on the brake pedal. The rotor rotates along with the wheel and the brake pad clamps onto the rotor. The friction created by this movement is what causes the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Many auto shops will go ahead and replace the rotors [...]

By |2022-11-10T09:55:12-06:00November 10th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
Read More

Preventing Car Breakdowns

Having a broken-down vehicle in the middle of the highway is a nightmare for any driver. It's inconvenient to be stuck on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck and a potentially expensive repair bill. That’s why preventing vehicle breakdowns should be a big part of your vehicle routine and maintenance. Staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule is a surefire way to keep it in optimal working condition, though untimely repairs can still occur. You're less likely to become stranded with a vehicle breakdown if you practice preventable vehicle maintenance. What is Preventable Car Maintenance? Preventable vehicle maintenance involves staying updated on oil changes, tire rotations, throttle body, fuel injection services, brake and power steering flushes (if power steering system is hydraulic and not electric) and other normal upkeep on a vehicle, just to name a few items. These types of preventative measures can decrease the likelihood of something failing prematurely. As vehicles get older, they can require more frequent visits to the mechanic [...]

By |2022-10-17T13:52:34-06:00October 17th, 2022|Car Service & Maintenance, Car Tips & Auto Maintenance|0 Comments
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More
Go to Top