Car Questions

Performance Air Filters: Do They Help?

Performance air filters have long been touted as a quick and easy way to boost your car’s power and efficiency. You’ve probably seen them advertised with promises of increased horsepower, better fuel economy, and longer engine life. But are performance air filters really all they’re cracked up to be? Like most aftermarket upgrades, they come with both advantages and potential drawbacks. What Are Performance Air Filters? Unlike standard disposable paper filters, performance filters are typically made of high-flow cotton gauze, foam, or synthetic materials. They are designed to allow more air into the engine while still filtering out harmful debris. More air can lead to better combustion, which in turn may improve engine performance. Performance filters are also usually reusable and washable, which can make them more cost-effective over time. But that doesn't mean they're a one-size-fits-all solution for every driver or vehicle. Pros of Performance Air Filters Improved Airflow and Engine Performance One of the main selling points of performance air filters is increased airflow. Since combustion engines [...]

By |2025-04-16T12:38:28-06:00April 16th, 2025|Car Parts, Car Questions|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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What Causes Car Batteries to Die and How Can I Prevent It?

A dead car battery is a common and frustrating problem that most car owners have encountered at some point in their lives. It's an inconvenience that can leave you stranded, waiting for a jumpstart or a tow truck. Understanding the reasons behind car battery failure and taking preventive measures can save you time, money, and the hassle of unexpected breakdowns. Battery Chemistry and Lifespan Most car batteries are typically lead-acid batteries, known for their reliability and affordability. These batteries use a chemical reaction between lead dioxide and sponge lead in a sulfuric acid solution to generate electrical energy. Over time, this chemical reaction can weaken, leading to a dead battery. Car batteries usually have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. However, it can vary based on climate, driving habits, and maintenance. Common Causes of a Dead Car Battery Extreme Temperatures Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can significantly impact your car battery's lifespan. In cold weather, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, making it harder [...]

By |2023-11-17T14:30:26-06:00November 21st, 2023|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Soft Clutch – What Does it Mean?

A soft clutch can be a clear sign that a replacement is in order. As your vehicle's clutch wears down, it may begin to feel soft and spongy when you press down on it. This inconsistent feeling is a sign that you should bring your vehicle into a shop to get it looked at. If your clutch is allowed to break down completely, your car eventually won't move. What Exactly Is a Soft Clutch? For those who have never heard the term, "soft clutch," before, it's simply a reference to a clutch that has been worn down to the point that it feels spongy, or soft, when you put pressure on it. Conversely, if the clutch pedal feels like it’s harder to push down, the pressure plate springs may be getting worn and it’s still a good idea to have a shop look at it. When you depress the clutch, it should have a consistent spring to it all the way down. If you're being met with little resistance [...]

By |2022-08-16T13:47:40-06:00August 16th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions, Car Tips & Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Differences in Wheel Alignment – Front-End and 4-Wheel

If you've been having to fight the pull of your steering wheel while making your daily commute to work, it may be time to head in for an alignment. When a vehicle is out of alignment, drivers may notice that it begins to drift to one side or another — making for unsafe handling on the road. The question is, do you need a front-end or a 4-wheel alignment and what are the differences in wheel alignment? The type of alignment your vehicle requires depends on whether your car or truck has front-wheel or all-wheel drive. After proper alignment has been achieved, you'll have a smoother ride that may even save you money at the gas pump. Front-End Vs. 4-Wheel Alignment and Differences in Wheel Alignment The difference between front-end and 4-wheel alignment comes down to how many tires are being aligned. When a technician aligns all four wheels, it's commonly referred to as a wheel alignment or a 4-wheel alignment. If only two wheels are needing to be [...]

By |2022-06-10T11:06:24-06:00June 10th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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I Put the Wrong Fuel in My Car – Now What?

We've gone over the different fuel types in previous articles. Whether from not knowing any better or an accident, putting the wrong fuel into your vehicle can cause some issues. If you mitigate this mistake quickly enough, you can minimize the damage. Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car? Here's What to Do. The first step: quit driving and look up what you need to do (see below). The less fuel that is entered into your system, the better. From there, here's what you need to do to know about the wrong gas types. Gas in Diesel Vehicles Diesel and Gas are very different fuel types. Diesel fuel is thicker and acts as a lubricant. Thinner gasoline fuel causes wear to the fuel pump, injectors, and filters. This wear can happen quickly. Immediately halt your travels and call a tow truck for a ride to your local automotive shop, where they can drain the tank and fuel lines and fuel filter/s. Diesel in Gas Fueled Cars While engine damage [...]

By |2022-02-18T11:42:17-06:00February 18th, 2022|Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Diesel vs. Gasoline

We all know that gasoline and diesel fuels are different. We know not to put diesel into a gas engine and vice versa. But, do we know the "whys" behind that rule? When it comes to diesel vs. gasoline, not only are the fuel types different, but the respective engine types are different. And each fuel engine comes with its benefits as well as disadvantages. Diesel vs. Gasoline Gasoline engines were invented in 1876 and were ground-breaking — but they weren't efficient. The four-stroke combustion engine only utilized 10% for the fuel, while the other 90% produced heat and burned off. So, in 1892, Rudolf Diesel created the combustion power engine (also known as the diesel engine). While gasoline engines have had many technological advances that led them to be more efficient than the original model, they operate slightly differently from their diesel engine counterparts. Diesel and Gasoline Engine Differences Both engines use internal combustion, with cylinders compressing air and fuel mixtures to create mechanical energy turned into motion [...]

By |2022-01-19T14:52:20-06:00January 19th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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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
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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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