Posted on 3/11/2015
We’re all too familiar with parking and speeding tickets… but did you know it’s illegal to drive within an arm’s length of alcohol, including alcohol in someone else’s blood stream, in Texas?The auto repair experts at Dub’s Garage are here to keep you informed and keep your vehicle safe – give us a call at 361.444.1355 for vehicle maintenance and stay safely on the roads in Corpus Christi.From common sense to just plain weird, there are some unusual traffic laws across the country. And while not all of these may be strictly enforced, it’s worth a look at these surprising auto tickets:No Common Sense…It’s illegal to drive while blindfolded (Alabama)Don’t take a nap on the street… it’s illegal to “use the road as a bed” (Eureka, California)Not only is it unwise, it’s illegal to jump from a car at 65 mph (Glendale, California)Stay on the roads! It’s illegal to drive on sidewalks (Dunn, North Carolina) or through playgrounds (Dublin, Georgia) or through a cemet ... read more
Posted on 2/10/2015
Could your car handle these roads?Winter across the country brings unpredictable weather and potentially hazardous road conditions. To prepare your car for any road condition in Corpus Christi, TX, call our team of ASE-Certified auto technicians at 361.444.1355.While we prepare for the roads in our own town, we’re also taking a moment to consider these extreme road conditions. Could your car handle these roads? RainThough rain seems harmless enough, heavy storms can create frightening road conditions. Rain and fog reduce visibility, and wet roads affect traction – in fact, 30% of ran-off-the-road accidents are caused by wet roads. The risk of hydroplaning combined with reckless drivers can make rain one of the most dangerous conditions for driving.Prepare: Check your headlights so other drivers can see you through rain, mist, or fog. Test your air conditioning, defroster, windshield wipers ... read more
Posted on 1/14/2015
It’s a new year, which means new cars! This month, Detroit hosts the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Starting with press, industry, and charity previews January 12-16, the public auto show runs nine days from Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, January 25, 2015.This auto show is a popular venue for automakers to unveil new product launches for the year ahead. For 2015, there are about 40-50 potential launches anticipated during the two days of Press Preview (January 12 and 13).Not only is the Detroit Auto Show an opportunity to announce new vehicles, it’s also a venue to showcase the most impressive vehicles found across the world. An estimated $6 million worth of exotic vehicles will be on display at the auto show at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan.This year marks the 27th anniversary of this NAIAS international event. According to their ... read more
Posted on 12/17/2014
The holiday season is officially here! People across Corpus Christi, TX, and the country are flooding into stores, shopping for gifts for all the special people on their lists. But what about your vehicle?Whether you need a gift idea for a car lover on your list or want to take advantage of holiday prices, don’t leave your car out of the festivities! Explore these auto gift ideas for inspiration:1 – USB chargerThese handy devices have a wide range of uses (and only cost a few dollars!). Plug in your phone, camera, tablet, mp3 player, or any USB connected device for an on-the-go charge ... read more
Posted on 11/9/2014
No matter how carefully you drive, emergencies happen. Whether it’s an inconvenient flat tire, a bad car accident, or unpredictable weather, the last thing you want is to be stuck unprepared, stranded on the side of the road. And while emergencies may be inevitable, you can be ready to handle common situations with an auto emergency kit!Auto emergency kits can be purchased in most auto parts stores, online, and even at stores like Walmart, but it’s easy to create your own. Below are ten things you should include in your auto emergency kit:Cell phone charger – Most people own and carry their cell phone nearly constantly. Using your cell phone while driving is always a bad idea, but it can be nice to have one with you in cases of emergency. It is best have your phone fully charged before you set ... read more
Posted on 10/23/2014
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: preventative maintenance is critical to keeping your car safe on the road. And now – during National Fall Car Care Month – is the perfect opportunity to review car care basics!Regular oil changes, properly inflated tires, and keeping up with recommended maintenance can help you extend the life of your vehicle and improve the way it drives. Check out this infographic of 5 key systems you should be monitoring:Regular care and inspections will help you prevent breakdowns and avoid costly repairs by addressing small issues before they cause further damage. Get more miles out of every dollar! To schedule your next oil change and inspection, call us at 361.444.1355. Happy Car Care Month
Posted on 9/23/2014
Did you know that you officially need to replace your tires when the tread is below 2/32” thick? And did you know that the distance between the edge of a penny and the top of Lincoln’s head is exactly 2/32”?Convenient, right?Whether you’ve put extra miles on your tires with summer road trips or they are simply nearing the end of their life, this quick test will let you know if it is time to consider new tires.Most tires have “wear bars” that run across the tread pattern. When these become visible, connecting patterns across your tire’s tread, they serve as a warning that your tread is getting bare. But not all tires are designed the same, and sometimes you just need an extra test to know with confidence that it is time to replace your tires. So for a quick tread check, grab a penny! Place the penny, with Lincoln’s head down and facing you, into the tread of the tire.If all or part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, your tires still have ... read more
Posted on 8/19/2014
Overheating is the most common cause of vehicle breakdowns and internal engine damage. As the heat rises in the summer, our shop sees more and more people coming in after breakdowns due to cooling system failure. But there is an easy answer!A cooling system flush can keep your engine running smooth and cool even on the hottest days. Regularly changing your coolant, aka antifreeze, can prevent larger problems for your cooling system and engine and keep your family safe on the road!What is the Cooling System?The cooling system is responsible for keeping your vehicle’s engine from overheating. The engine runs best at a high temperature, so the cooling system helps it to heat up quickly then keep the engine at a regular, constant temperature without overheating as it runs. It accomplishes this by transferring heat into the air with the help of coolant, or antifreeze, and the other components of the cooling sy ... read more
Posted on 7/16/2014
We’ve had many conversations with our customers here in Corpus Christi, TX – any time we recommend a transmission flush, our customers ask questions. So what is a transmission flush? Can’t you just top off the fluid? Is it really necessary?We understand your confusion – a transmission flush isn’t one of the aspects of preventative maintenance that usually come to mind. An oil change, new tires, wiper blades… but a transmission flush? Just like an oil change, your transmission needs regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly.What is a flush? A transmission flush usually involves connecting your transmission to a professional grade machine to completely flush the transmission fluid out of your vehicle. Running solution through the lines until they come out clean, it then fills your system with new fluid.A transmission fluid change, on the other hand, simply drains the fluid with gravity. A change usually ... read more
Posted on 5/9/2013
You know that spring has arrived when flowers start to bloom and so do your allergies! This also means that it’s a good time to have your air filter replaced. Watch the video below to see how a dirty air system can be bad for your car and your health if not cleaned out regularly. Remember, from our quick and efficient oil changes to windshield repairs, our mechanics are always here to help with any of your auto repair needs. Stop by our shop in Corpus Christi, TX or give us a call at (361) 444-1355 to set up an appointment today! * Dub’s Garage is proud to partner with Monday Morning Mechanic to bring you helpful money saving tips like these to help you get more miles for your dollar! www.mondaymorningmechanic.com