Corpus Christi Auto Repair

  You might think that tinted windows are only added for aesthetic purposes, but adding tint to your windows offers many practical benefits. These are the reasons why window tinting is becoming an increasingly popular car accessory to add: Better Privacy The most common reason people want this add-on is because it adds an extra layer of protection against theft. Depending on the level of tint, it can prevent people from outside of your car from looking in. Leaving an exposed wallet or cell phone on your seat often just invites people to steal it. By tinting your windows, you’ll feel at least a bit safer knowing that any valuables in your car aren’t as easy to see.   Block Harmful UV Rays We all know that constant exposure to direct sunlight is never good, especially when most people don’t even wear sunscreen on a daily basis (yikes!). However, tinted car windows can block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays that cause skin aging and even skin cancer ... read more

Whether it's a few drops or a large puddle, an oil leak can indicate a major problem. Ignoring a leak can lead to expensive engine damage down the road. Figure out the problem by investigating these three common issues – 1. Plug or Cap Leakage The cap is the best place to check for leaks. Found on the top of the engine, it's visibly marked with an oil can icon. If the plug wasn't fastened securely, you'll notice a visible oil leak and can easily identify the problem. The plug is next and is found underneath the engine on the oil pan, so unless you have a jack to raise the car, it will be difficult to check. If you suspect this is the problem, look for tell-tale oil spots underneath your car. 2. Seal and Gasket Leaks Gaps can occur between engine parts when they're not correctly bolted together. The seals and gaskets used to fill those spaces can wear away with time and should be checked regularly. Many drivers will take ... read more

A head gasket is a ringed panel that comes between the engine block and cylinder heads. It is meant to stop oil from leaking from the engine block to the cylinders, making it a vital component in the combustion system. It also blocks water conduits from entering the combustion chamber. Due to its location, the head gasket experiences different temperatures; heat from the combustion chamber and cold from the cooling conduits. This may take a toll on the gasket's structural integrity, cause cracks, and eventually a leak. If the issue is not sorted, it may blow up the entire head gasket. A head gasket can handle intense heat under normal working conditions. However, if the engine block heats up beyond the normal range, it may cause the head gasket to warp and crack. Besides, if the cylinder pressure is too high, it may blow the head gasket out of position and cause a leak. Symptoms of a Leak in the Head Gasket As explained earlier, the head gasket prevents coolant ... read more

The job of the timing belt is to synchronize the camshaft and crankshaft rotation and ensure that the valves in the combustion engine open and shut at the appropriate time. In some engines, it also prevents pistons from colliding with the valve walls. Given its work, the timing belt should have perfect calibration to keep everything in order. If it breaks down or gets out of alignment, you could destroy the engine or damage vital combustion parts that may be too costly to replace. When the belt breaks down, your engine will stop working. However, your vehicle may run if the belt is worn out. Unfortunately, you will damage the engine in the process. Here is when to change the belt. Timing belts can last up to about 100,000 miles. However, in most cases, you do not wait until you hit that mileage. Most technicians recommend that you have it changed every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the recommended intervals within which you should change your timing belt ... read more

A water pump is a vastly important part of your car and if any damages occur to it, it is detrimental that your car is brought in to an expert and looked at. Since the water pump maintains coolant flow, your car is sure to maintain an operating temperature. Here are some warning signs that your water pump may be damaged so that you may know in the future when to repair it Coolant Leak Whenever a gasket inside your water pump wears out and cracks, coolant liquid will leak from your car. In order to spot this leak, it will usually look lime-green or orange depending on your car's coolant. It is important to take your car for a check-up when noticing this issue. Whining Sounds If you hear high-pitched noises coming from your motor, this is a sound that your water pump is almost broken and as a result, a loose belt in the gasket is circulating and making a buzzing sound. If the bearings inside the water pump become completely damaged, the water pump cannot be repaired and must be f ... read more

Driving in hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy or torrential rain, poses various dangers. Use these top four tips to help you drive safely in the rain. What Are the Dangers of Driving in Heavy Rain? Driving in heavy rain poses many dangers, such as: Slippery roads A blurred windshield Water-logged roads Care-free drivers Cold weather Invisible road signs Tips to Help You Travel Safely in the Rain 1. Increase Your Visibility You need to make sure you can see out of all your car's windows. Before you leave, you need to ensure your windshield wipers are functioning correctly and adjust their speed if needed. To maintain a clear view, use your front and rear defrost to prevent the windows from fogging. You also need to keep track of the traffic around you. 2. Make Sure You Can be Seen Visibility is a major problem when it's raining, and even more so during heavy rainfall. Increase your visibility to other drivers by turning on y ... read more

A car is composed of many different working parts. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, you shouldn't wait to have your vehicle serviced. Prolonging maintenance on your vehicle results in expensive repairs. Here's what you need to know about ball joints and their function. What Are Ball Joints? Ball joints are circular bearings that are connected to the control arms of the steering knuckles. almost every vehicle has ball joints. These joints are made of steel and consist of a bearing stud and socket that is enclosed in a casing. What Are the Functions of Ball Joints? Ball joints are an essential component of your vehicle. these joints: Support the weight of your vehicle: some vehicles have two ball joints while other vehicles have four. Vehicles that have two ball joints have two joints that are connected to each front wheel. Vehicles that have two ball joints have an upper and lower ball joint. In vehicles that have only two ball joints, the entire weigh ... read more

As vehicle owners, we often don’t think of preventing a problem from happening with our vehicle - we just fix it once it occurs. However, with good vehicle maintenance, you can prevent these unexpected issues from happening in the first place, which can save you both time and money on major repairs.  Regular vehicle maintenance is the key to preventing major issues that need in-depth repairs, such as engine trouble. When your vehicle is serviced here at our shop, we can take care of any small services that are needed and be able to perform a vehicle inspection to catch any potential issues early on. The sooner you take care of a needed repair, the less money you’ll spend fixing the issue if it starts to affect other components as well.  Just like you may choose healthier foods to prevent things like heart disease in the future, making good choices for your vehicle can help you ensure reliable transportation for years to come. We know that there can also be some ... read more

You get into your vehicle and try to crank up your engine, only to find that it won't start. You might hear a clicking noise or hear nothing at all, but either way, nothing happens. We understand that this can happen at the worst times, like in the morning on your way to work. If it does happen, what do you do next?  While the issue could be a dead battery, it could also stem from another issue. If you try to jump-start your vehicle with no luck, don't stress. We invite you into Dub's Garage where we can properly diagnose the issue and figure out what is needed to get you back on the road. Here are some of the main causes of why a vehicle won't start unexpectedly:  Dead Battery This is typically the most common culprit behind a car that won't start. Car batteries typically only last between 3-4 years, and a battery can die unexpectedly if it's nearing the end of its life. We can test your battery charge to see if this is the true c ... read more

Your vehicle's tires are super important to your safety. Think about it - they are the only component between you and the road, and they help control your vehicle based on your steering. They make traction with the road so that you can properly handle your car and guide it to go where you need it to.  Due to the fact that they are so important to your vehicle's overall handling ability and safety, taking good care of them is critical to your vehicle's health. Many drivers may think that their tires don't need servicing, but the truth is, good tire maintenance is key to a lasting vehicle and saving you money over time.  So, how can you best maintain your tires? Here are some of our tire maintenance tips that will keep your tires in excellent condition over the years:  Have regular tire rotations Tire rotations are a service that is very beneficial to the overall health of your tires. On a standard vehicle, the front position of tires m ... read more