Car Questions

What is a Catalytic Converter?

As of 1975, the catalytic converter has been a mandatory component in cars, and for a good reason too. As your car's engine burns gas, it creates toxic pollutants that cannot be released back into the environment. This is where your car's catalytic converter comes in. Forming part of your car's exhaust system, the catalytic converter is designed to reduce the levels of nitrous oxide and ozone released into the atmosphere. What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? As the gasoline burns inside the engine, the expanding gases from combustion push the pistons to turn the crankshaft. These cases are full of toxic molecules that can wreak havoc on the environment. The catalytic converter takes toxic chemicals produced by your car and makes them less harmful through a series of reactions. Through these chemical reactions, the byproducts become carbon dioxide and water, which are okay for immediate release. Where is the Catalytic Converter? Many newer vehicles have the catalytic converter close to the engine; the older models, they were [...]

By |2019-08-16T14:54:09-06:00July 24th, 2019|Car Parts|0 Comments
Read More

Car Parts 101 – Car Radiators

Let's talk about car parts! Specifically, an essential part of your car's cooling system, car radiators. Because when it gets hot in Texas, it's really, really hot. Your car's engine works through combustion. Combustion means explosions. Explosions mean heat. For your car to take you across town, it has to produce a lot of heat. Without a cooling system, the engine combustion jacks up the engine's temperatures quickly, causing issues when it gets too hot. The radiator is one car part you don't want to have trouble with, especially in the dead of summer. So, what is a radiator, and how does it work keeping your car cool? What Are the Parts of Car Radiators? You can locate your car's radiator under the hood next to the engine. Radiators come in different makes and models, but they all have the same necessary components. Coolant – the liquid used to conduct the heat away from the engine, transmission, and radiator. Coolants can be gaseous or liquid. However, most modern vehicles [...]

By |2019-07-09T13:21:25-06:00July 9th, 2019|Car Parts|1 Comment
Read More

How Do Anti-Lock Brakes Work?

Cars today have many safety features, from lane change assist to rearview cameras and even to self-driving vehicles. Even if your vehicle isn’t the newest model, chances are you have at least one or more of the modern safety features — including anti-lock brakes. Starting in the 1990s, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) became a standard among the safety features in all modern cars. And for a good reason! Every time you drive, you use your brakes. Anti-Lock brakes changed the way your car reacts when you have to stop quickly and forcefully. In short, ABS keeps your vehicle’s wheels from all locking up at the same time. A car does not automatically stop just because all four tires have stopped spinning. Instead, the vehicle keeps its momentum, throwing the vehicle into a skid or a spinning motion, causing the driver to lose control of the car potentially. One of the critical features of this braking system is that it allows your car to maintain its grip on the pavement, safely bringing your vehicle [...]

By |2019-06-06T12:21:23-06:00June 6th, 2019|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

9 Questions to Ask Your Car Mechanic

Taking your car into a professional for maintenance is just part of owning a car. There’s no way around it. You may know your mechanic like a family friend, or you could be getting to know them. In either case, there are questions to ask your mechanic to gain the confidence that your auto professional will take the best care of your car. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way and allows you to make the right decisions for you and your car. So let's look at a few questions to ask your mechanic that will go a long way. Questions to Ask Your Mechanic 1. Have you worked on my car’s make and model before? This one is especially true if you are seeing a new mechanic. Sometimes mechanic shops only work on certain types of cars. If you have a foreign car or maybe one that is a little older, you should be aware of the mechanic’s experience and abilities with your particular make, model [...]

By |2020-03-04T11:18:20-06:00April 18th, 2019|Car Questions, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
Read More

What to Do When Storing Your Car

Storing your car isn't all that uncommon. Maybe you live in a city and don’t drive your vehicle very often. Or, perhaps you plan on traveling and need to store your car in your absence safely. Just because you won’t be driving the vehicle doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan on maintenance and care. If you plan on putting your automobile in storage for an extended amount of time you may consider some of the preparation and maintenance tips listed below. Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage 1. Clean the Vehicle Clean your vehicle inside and out. Cleaning the Interior Make sure that you aren’t leaving anything valuable or something that you may need at a later date inside the car. Make sure to check the trunk. Don’t leave anything inside the vehicle that could cause harm to the interior. Make sure there are no drinks or food left behind before you say ‘goodbye’ to your car. Cleaning the Exterior Wash and inspect your vehicle’s exterior. A thorough cleaning will [...]

By |2019-03-21T11:22:50-06:00March 21st, 2019|Auto Care, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

What to Know When You Get in a Car Crash

Part of driving includes sharing the road with other drivers. Although we try to drive safe, we can’t always prepare for what happens on the roads. Sometimes a car crash is an unavoidable accident. So, it’s best to be prepared in case of an accident. In this article, we compiled several lists of essential knowledge on what you need to know if you get in a car crash. Familiarize yourself with the lists below, so you’re prepared if an accident happens to you. 3 Vehicle Documents You Should Have in Your Car Day-to-day life can be hard to keep organized, so we’ll make the first list easy on you. Here are the three most important documents that you should always have on you when driving. 1. Driver’s License For many, this is a no-brainer. But, when was the last time that you checked to make sure that your license is still in your wallet, purse, or glovebox? Might as well double check now. Remember, your license proves to authorities [...]

By |2019-02-25T15:32:04-06:00February 21st, 2019|Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

6 Myths About Engine Oil

Your car needs regular oil changes — that’s a fact. It should already be a part of your routine car maintenance. But, there is a lot of confusion about what type of oil and when the oil needs a changing. Chances are you’ve heard the myths floating around about car engine. These myths can get in the way of proper maintenance. Read through our list of myths about engine oil to ensure a long life for your car’s engine. 6 Myths About Engine Oil 1. Engine Oils are All the Same. This is wrong. Different types of engine oils are made for different car technologies and different types of cars. Oils have different physical characteristics too and can have different viscosities and temperature thresholds. Depending on the age, mileage, and make of your car, you could benefit from using a different type of oil engine. This is why you should talk to your automobile expert to decide on which oil is right for your engine. 2. Oil Changes Should [...]

By |2019-04-10T07:48:46-06:00January 30th, 2019|Auto Care, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

What You Should Know About Parking Brakes

Every car comes with a parking brake, and we (the drivers) use them often. But what do the experts say about how often we should use our parking brakes? Do you know how your parking brake works? What happens if you forget to take off the parking brake while driving? This post should answer all of your questions about your car’s parking brake and then some. What is a Parking Brake? First off, let’s establish what a parking brake is and how it works. In general, brakes apply pressure to the back wheels of a car. A parking brake can be a set of cables or a locking mechanism that prevent the car’s wheels from slipping or rotating when the vehicle should be motionless. The parking brake stays in place until disengaged. Parking brakes are called by different names, such as “e-brake,” “emergency brake,” and “handbrake.” They were originally designed as a secondary set of brakes if the primary pair failed. Pulling the hand brake while driving will bring [...]

By |2018-11-08T15:17:09-06:00November 8th, 2018|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

Car Basics: Your Car’s Alternator

While your car battery provides the electricity - and jolt - your car needs to start, it doesn't power your vehicle. That's the job of your car's alternator. In fact, without a properly working alternator, your car isn't moving anywhere. Your Car's Alternator is the Generator In fact, that was its old name — the generator. And today's modern alternators work the same way. After giving the spark the engine needs to get started, the battery relies on the alternator for continued power. As the components, belts and gears spin and crank under the hood, the wheel on the alternator converts this motion into energy. Similar to the mechanism of a hydroelectric dam. Without the alternator, your car battery will not recharge. And your car won't be going anywhere — something that doesn't make anyone's day better. Three Signs of a Failing Alternator With so many components getting power from your alternator, it's important to keep it in good working condition, or you could find yourself not moving. Luckily, the alternator is made of up [...]

By |2018-09-27T12:34:50-06:00September 27th, 2018|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More

Alternative Fuel Types

More and more often you hear the words "alternative fuel." While gas still reigns king, the different alternative fuel types make it easier for drivers to make a move away from gas while still moving down the road. But, what are the different type of alternative fuel types? And what does it take to convert a gas-consuming car to handle something like biodiesels or hydrogen? Seven Different Alternative Fuel Types There isn't just one. When looking for non-gas fuels, drivers have options. Biodiesel Who knew, animal fats and vegetable oils do more than just help you cook, they get your car moving too. And it doesn't have to be their first use. Oils and fats recycled from restaurants can be used as well. So, how does it work? The same as gas cars — combustion. In fact, unmodified vehicles can use a combination of petroleum and biodiesels (after checking with your car manufacturer of course). While fully converted cars can use pure biodiesel. However, while great for the environment [...]

By |2019-06-28T16:16:37-06:00August 23rd, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
Read More
Go to Top