Posted on 3/23/2012
Many car owners are experts at minor car maintenance—changing tires, oil, and even various fluids. But many times, looking out for your transmission goes overlooked. While it is always recommended you let a trustworthy mechanic at your local transmission repair Corpus Christi center look over your car for scheduled maintenance, here are a few things to look for if you’re suspicious of your transmission failing:Transmission issues happen to the best of us—let’s say after a long day’s work, you notice a small stream of liquid coming from underneath your car, right where the engine is. This is a classic sign of transmission damage—as well as grinding, shaking, or humming—and its presence should send you to straight to your reliable transmission repair Corpus Christi center to get looked at.It’s important to know that a multitude of reasons could be the cause of your leaky transmission. At its base, transmission troubles stem from overheating. Rocking in the snow, towing a heavy trailer, c ... read more
Posted on 2/22/2012
Do I really have to change my fluid right now? Is my air filter really that bad? Can’t it wait just a little longer to visit my local Corpus Christi TX Auto Repair? If you’ve ever had to put off routine maintenance, then these thoughts have most likely crossed your mind.And to be quite honest, putting these minor repairs off most likely won’t result in any major damage…at least at first. Because every single mile you put off routine maintenance, the more damage occurs to your engine. In time, these small issues will turn into big headaches due to neglect. Here are a few tips from your local Corpus Christi TX Auto Repair properly maintaining your vehicle:Filters: These items keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Air, fuel, and transmission filter are the most common in any given vehicle and should be changed in regular intervals. These parts are fairly cheap and take no time at all to replace. Ignoring your car’s filters will lead to reduced gas mileage, as well as making ... read more
Posted on 2/8/2012
It's never a good idea to overlook your brake system. After all, when it comes to your safety, nothing is more important than your brakes. You change your brake pads when they've worn down, right? These parts are noticeable when they've outlived their useful life. But all too often, other basic brake maintenance is overlooked. The most common aspect of your brakes that is overlooked is the brake fluid. Studies have shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years. Why is this important? Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid, and its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes. As your brake fluid becomes contaminated with moisture, this once non-compressible fluid now does compress, which results in having to apply more pressure on the brakes. In an emergency situation, this means it will take longer than expected to stop. The more contaminated the brake fluid is, the longer it will take for your vehicle to stop. Newer vehicles are equipped with anti-lock brak ... read more
Posted on 1/31/2012
When it comes to the way your engine runs, timing is everything. When you start your car, dozens upon dozens of moving and spinning parts all work together so when you press the gas pedal, your wheels turn. And it’s all thanks to the timing belt.Often overlooked during maintenance, the timing belt is crucial to allowing your car to work. In fact, if it’s broken, it won’t be able to run at all. If for some reason it breaks when you’re on the road, best case scenario you’re calling a tow truck and having your timing belt replaced. However, the more likely situation is internal engine damage, which will lead to an engine re-build or replacement.All of this can be avoided, though, by having a relatively inexpensive timing belt replacement at the manufacturer’s recommended mileage interval at a Corpus Christi Car Repair.The function of the timing belt is to transfer the rotation created by the crankshaft (which is connected to the pistons) to the camshaft (which is responsible for opening t ... read more
Posted on 1/31/2012
When it comes to your engine’s longevity, nothing is more crucial and your vehicle’s cooling system. When a car overheats, the damage that results is often severe enough to require a completely new engine. For the sake of your vehicle and your wallet, it’s important to take a few preventative measures to significantly increase the life of your engine. The cooling system is made up of a number of components, most of which are rubber hoses and seals that are susceptible to wear and corrosion. If any of these components breaks, it could lead to engine failure and a visit to your Corpus Christi Mechanic.Several signs point to a corroded or damaged coolant hose. If any hoses are inflexible or brittle, they should be changed immediately. A hose with bulges or kinks are also cause for alarm, and if they’re leaking, it will be accompanied by steam and a sweet smell.Many modern vehicles use special coolant hoses designed to navigate around the engine’s different components. This makes some part ... read more
Posted on 1/18/2012
Wheel alignment determines how your car handles, and for an everyday driver, there’s no telling what kind of obstacles you’ll encounter. This is why it is very important to keep your vehicle’s wheels in-line.Suspension is what connects your vehicle to its wheels and provides a smooth, safe ride over uneven streets. Parts of your vehicle’s suspension will bend over time or as a result of collisions with curbs or potholes. As these parts change shape, your wheels may become misaligned and cause your car to veer to one side or go through your tires very quickly.Your vehicle’s suspension has many adjustable components that allow mechanics in Corpus Christi technicians to adjust the wheel’s angle. When you take your vehicle in for an alignment, your technician uses special equipment to make sure the wheels are straight and your vehicle reacts properly to the road and your inputs.Camber is the angle of the wheel (measured in degrees) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When a pair of ... read more