Posted on 5/24/2012
I am part of the engine cooling system that transfers heat from the engine and dispels it through ventilation. If I fail, your car can quickly overheat and cause damage to your engine. Want more safe driving and preventive maintenance tips, fun facts and special offers? Join the conversation on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DubsGarage
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 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 1/18/2012
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
Posted on 11/28/2011
Safe driving tips may seem old-fashioned or just for new drivers. Yet by avoiding accidents and tickets, you can keep your insurance rates low, not to mention avoid the costs and headaches of dealing with the aftermath.Keep your vehicle in good repair. Routine maintenance prevents problems before they start. A poorly maintained vehicle is an accident waiting to happen. Consult your trusted auto repair shop in Corpus Christi TX that employs ASE certified technicians. Having the right car repair in Corpus Christi will allow you to drive with confidence and give you peace of mind.Wear your seat belt! It’s proven that seat belts save lives. Make sure that your children are in proper child seats or booster seats, depending on their age and your local and state laws. Drive at the speed limit. Speeding is an obvious danger, but driving too slowly is also dangerous since cars behind you may not realize until it’s too late that you’re driving well under the speed limit.Maintain a safe distance ... read more
Posted on 9/14/2011
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
Posted on 6/15/2011
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
Posted on 5/12/2011
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