Corpus Christi Auto Repair

Does your car have power steering? Do you know what power steering fluid is and why it needs to be replaced? Read on to find out everything you need to know about power steering fluid. What is power steering fluid? Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer the motion of the steering wheel to the wheels of the car, making it easier to steer. Over time, the power steering fluid can become contaminated with dirt and debris, which can make it less effective at lubricating the system. This can lead to problems with the power steering pump, hoses, and other components. Why does the power steering fluid need to be replaced? To keep your power steering system working properly, it's important to regularly replace the power steering fluid. Depending on your car, you may need to do this every 30,000 miles or so. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. How to replace power steering fluid If it's time to replace your power steering fluid, there ... read more

A car with foggy windows may not seem like a major problem, but it can certainly make it harder to see. No matter what type of climate you live in, you've probably experienced this before. Here's how to deal with this problem this spring and summer!   Foggy windows occur due as a result of a shift in temperature and/or the air's moisture content. Unlike foggy windows caused by cold weather, fogginess from humidity forms on the outside of your windows and windshield. Fortunately, these are simple fixes. Turn on your windshield wipers. First, you can turn on your wipers and have them wipe away the condensation. That should give you immediate results. However, your windows and mirrors can still be foggy. Lower your A/C. Increasing the temperature in your car will help offset the temperature difference between the inside and outside air.  Turn off recirculating air feature. Having this off will hel ... read more

A leaking or corroded battery can put you in a dangerous situation and cost you time and money. So to avoid having this happen to your battery, you should regularly monitor and test your vehicle battery.   Various chemical reactions take place within the battery to power your vehicle. If you notice your car battery leaking acid, you should address the problem as soon as possible. While batteries can leak due to time/age, other things can impact battery life as well: Using an old car battery Overcharging the car battery Freezing cold weather Physical damages to the car battery If you don’t take the initiative to fix your leaking batteries, it can be a significant problem down the line.  Signs Your Car Battery Might Be Leaking A Rotten Smell Comes Out Of The Battery Corrosion Around The Battery Terminal Cabs The Battery’s Casing Looks Bloated, Swollen, or Warped The Battery is Sweating or Wet Driving with a leaking battery is considered dangerous because ... read more

The steering system is a complex system of parts that is more than just the steering wheel. Without the steering system, you and other drivers alike will not be able to control the direction of your vehicle. When it malfunctions, you will face a handful of problems, such as a locked up or stiff steering wheel. Listed below are common reasons why your steering wheel may become tough to turn: Bad Steering Rack The steering rack is a vital piece in the power steering system. It's made up of the pinion and rack. The steering rack can display wear and tear after years of running. Low Power Steering Fluid A stiff steering wheel can be created by low-power steering fluid, usually caused by a leak. Most powering steering fluid leaks happen from cracked or loose hoses. Flawed Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt is a long and snake-like rubber belt that wraps around a vehicle's core parts, such as the power steering pump, air conditioning, alternator, and more. If the serpentine be ... read more

A leaky transmission is not something that car owners should take lightly. Transmission fluid provides necessary smooth and cooling properties for the functioning of transmission parts. If the fluid is nearing empty or the liquid itself is in terrible condition, it will lead to major transmission problems down the line. Likewise, transmission repairs, rebuilds, and replacements are not easy or cheap. We always recommend that it's best to care for minor issues like leaks before they develop into huge concerns.   Self Maintenance You can monitor the amount and quality of the transmission fluid at home. There is a dipstick designated for your transmission fluid in most vehicles. You can use this period to ensure the liquid is at a sufficient level, just like you would with your engine oil. You should also note what the fluid looks like in the reservoir. If the solution seems dark, nasty, old, or has a burned smell, it may be because you need a fluid change. Some people like to ... read more

Now that it's November, we have Thanksgiving and (of course) Black Friday to look forward to. While Black Friday shopping can be chaotic with the crazy traffic and antsy shoppers, it's a great way to get your holiday shopping out of the way. And you'll be getting great deals too! If you plan on participating in the shopping event this year, you should start thinking about an efficient plan of action. We've put together some tips and tricks to do beforehand.   Figure Out Which Stores You Need to Go To And What You Need to Buy You should know better than to go into Black Friday without any idea of what you will buy. This lack of thought will lead you to make impulse buys, which will result in you making returns/exchanges later on. Instead, you should research the deals and determine which stores you need to run to before getting in the car. There are various apps and sites that will announce the special doorbusters in advance.   Minimize Distraction While D ... read more

The one part of a vehicle that most people are not as familiar with is the Anti-Lock Braking System. To help you better understand your vehicle, we'll be going over the common questions asked regarding the ABS. Question #1 - What Does ABS Stand For and What Does It Do? ABS is an acronym for Anti-lock Braking System. Your cars have these anti-lock brakes to block skidding and to help motorists maintain steering control. The ABS uses electronic sensors and controls to control braking force during hard braking. In other words, it gets activated when the driver steps on the brakes firmly. Question #2 - Does It Make My Stops Faster? ABS is intended to help drivers maintain control of the vehicle during an emergency. While it may make the car stop more quickly, it's not intended for everyday use. If you're braking on wet or slippery roads, the ABS will likely decrease your stopping distance. Question #3 - What Does It Mean When the ABS Light Is On? There are a few potential ... read more

You can't always blame a bad smell for roadkill or other vehicles - sometimes, a stench that you're detecting inside your car is trying to tell you that something is in danger! In fact, your nose may be more dependable than you think. The different scents your vehicle gives off can help you determine what vehicle problem you could be dealing with. Some smells can spell urgency more than others, which is why you must know what they stand for. Whenever you catch an unusual scent in your automobile, you should bring it to an automotive professional to get a proper diagnosis. Here are the 6 most common vehicle scents that spell trouble:   Maple Syrup - If your car smells like maple syrup, it could mean many things. A coolant leak from any of the following components can cause the scent: radiator, cylinder head, manifold gasket, or heater core. You should check this scent out as soon as possible to avoid the risks of overheating.   Gasoline - The smell of gasoline coul ... read more

It's officially summer, which means it is time to hit the road and take the road trip you've planned for months. Your suitcases are packed, the fuel tank is full, and your car is set for the long journey ahead. All you need to bring is one last essential for a successful drive: snacks. When it comes to children eating on the go and keeping your seat crumb-free, not all snacks can do that. With a bit of research, you can provide healthy, mess-free snacks for everyone in the family.    PREPARE SNACK AHEAD OF TIME To be ready on time, prep individual snack packs the night before your trip. Include various bite-sized, mess-free meal options that can keep everyone full for the duration of the trip. When shopping for snacks, consider adding all of the following: protein, fruit, vegetable, and sweet treat. We recommend using a reusable, closable container, so you can simply revisit the snack if needed.   STOCK UP ON NO-PREP SNACKS If you're pushing for time or ... read more

Commuting is a daily practice for almost all Americans. According to the US Department of Transportation, there are more than 290 million registered drivers in the US. With so many people out on the road every day, especially in the early mornings, it can be incredibly stressful to get to work or school. We are here to tell you; it doesn't have to be at all. Here are some of our tips to calm your nerves and chill out behind the wheel.   Manage Your Time Wisely Get what you need to get done in advance. See what you can get done the night before, like packing lunch, taking out the trash, picking out your outfit, or presetting your coffee maker, so you don't spend your morning scrambling with multiple tasks. You will feel more peaceful once you've crossed those items off your checklist.   Change Your Hours Depending on your profession, this might be a toughy. However, flexible work hours are becoming more common, especially since 2020. You can ask your employer ... read more