Corpus Christi Auto Repair

Doesn’t it seem like oil changes are always on your to-do list? What’s the big deal with getting it changed every 3000 miles? It may seem like you just changed your oil, and that 3000 miles isn’t nearly enough to warrant changing it again. The truth is that it really is. Oil is one of the most critical fluids in your automobile. The reason that it needs changing so frequently is because of the amount of work that it does, and because of how crucial clean oil is to engine life.Engines have dozens and dozens of moving metal parts, and oil provides a protective layer that significantly reduces friction and heat. When the oil level decreases, more pieces are rubbing together without that barrier of protection, much more heat is produced, and the metal in the engine can warp, or even melt.There are two main reasons that your oil level decreases and that you need to change it every 3000 miles. The first reason is because of leaks. Your engine is a complex collection of tubes and filters and ... read more

Is being a safe driver all it takes to avoid accidents? Although this is a great start, driving defensively takes safe driving to a whole new level. Allstate has released its Collision Prevention Formula to help teach people techniques that will decrease the chances of getting into an accident.These are only a few of the many things that you can do to keep you and your car safe. For more suggestions, ask a trusted mechanic in Corpus Christi about other ways to keep you and your car safely on the road!First off, recognize the hazards everywhere you drive. Continuously scan the road ahead, as well as behind. Check your mirrors every three to five seconds, looking for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.Next, understand the defensive approach. Always be looking for potential hazards and play the “what if” game. “What if the driver ahead of me suddenly slams on his/her brakes?” “What if someone runs a red light at the next intersection?” “What if…?” Think about what could happen and ... read more

Have you ever been driving your car, turned a corner and heard a horrible squealing sound? You start to freak out and get upset because you know you are going to have to bring your car into the shop. Well, here are a few diagnoses for some of the sounds you might hear from your car.A high-pitched, piercing metallic screech is usually a sign that brake maintenance is required. Brake pads have wear indicators that alert the driver to problems. If you suspect you need brake repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to visit an ASE certified technician .A high-pitched metallic tapping sound is often related to engine speed. First check your vehicle’s manual for octane rating, because it could be caused by fuel with a lower octane rating than recommended. Engine ignition timing may be the problem if it doesn’t stop.Loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belts will cause a shrill, sharp squeal.A clicking sound can be related to a loose wheel cover or fan blade.A low-pitched rhythmic r ... read more

Your braking system is one of the most important parts of your vehicle when it comes to your safety, which is why it’s important to have it thoroughly inspected at least once a year by a trusted mechanic in Corpus Christi who is ASE-Certified.The inspection should include:• Brake and dash warning lights • Condition of hoses and brake lines • Brake fluid level • Brake lining wear • Rotor thicknessWarning signs that something is wrong with your brakes include:Vibrations. If your brake pedal is vibrating when you step on it, this could mean your rotors are warped.Squealing. Squealing can be heard when your windows are down and the radio and AC unit is turned off. It is a warning sign that the brake pads might need to be replaced. If you only hear this sound when your car has just been washed or sitting in the rain, this is normal.Grinding Noise. A grinding sound could indicate that your brake pads are worn beyond replacement.Illuminated ABS light. Many vehicles now have an ABS (Anti-lock ... read more

How many times do you see a stalled out car on the side of the road? You can usually spot one on a weekly basis. Depending on how much you drive, you could very well see a different car stalled out every day! Some might say that modern vehicles are the cause, but this is a problem that has been around since the introduction of the automobile, and with the increased number of drivers it stands to reason that there are more break downs.Some might say that a break down is just bad luck, but it’s more likely that vehicle neglect is the root of the problem. Rich White, a spokesperson for the National Car Care Council says, “Don’t blame your car. It can’t drive itself to the shop and ask for an oil change or new spark plugs.” With how important transportation is to us nowadays, it is surprising to see how often minor maintenance is overlooked.By simply having periodic check-ups on your car you do much more than just make sure you don’t break down. There is a domino effect anytime a car stall ... read more

The most important system in the automobile, for safety, is the brake system. You change your brake pads when they have outlived their useful life, right? How about brake fluid? Many people overlook that component of the brake system, even though it is an essential part.It has been shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years. This is important because with it being a hydraulic fluid, its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes. As it becomes contaminated with moisture, the once non-compressible fluid now does compress, causing you to press harder on the brakes for the same amount of stopping power. This means that in a panic stop scenario, the more contaminated the fluid becomes, the longer it will take for you to be able to stop your vehicle.In modern vehicles with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), there is even more reason to flush the brake fluid regularly. Dirty brake fluid can damage the sophisticated and expensive ABS control equipment.To avoid reduced br ... read more

Many vehicles will experience oil loss at some point. Usually it is through small drips and minor leaks that can be prevented, but in some cases oil leaks require immediate attention from an ASE Certified Technician. The most common leak is the result of an improperly sealed drain bolt. When you have your oil changed, your oil pan is first drained. The drain is resealed, usually with a new washer around the drain bolt. Cheap oil change services may not include a new washer, which may result in new leaks after the change. If a leak appears after the change and continues after a day or two of normal driving, a new washer may be needed. Small oil leaks are also common in older cars. Often the seals wear or are misshapen due to the mechanical movements and drastic changes in temperature that are common with a combustion engine. While replacing the seals may not be economical, it is very important to check oil levels frequently. If the oil stains pavement, kitty litter or crushed drywall wi ... read more