Houston Auto Repair

Your car battery and alternator work together to provide electrical energy throughout your vehicle. You can't have one working without the other (or at least not for long). Specifically, the alternator charges your battery and powers your electrical accessories. Once your car battery uses up the energy to start the car, it needs to be replenished. And the alternator does so whenever your engine is running.   While vehicle batteries can last most drivers between 3-5 years, how long does the alternator last? An alternator can last longer, up to 100,000 miles in fair conditions. Whenever the alternator grows weak, you may notice your electrical accessories malfunctioning (ex., flickering headlights, dim lighting, and problems starting the car). Below are some tell-tale symptoms that you should have your electrical components tested: Bad Odor – A burning scent coming from under the hood could mean many things, including an overworked electrical system. Weakened or Drain ... read more

One of the most important things you can learn to do as a driver (other than putting on a spare tire) is how to jump-start your vehicle. Jumper cables can be dangerous if you don't know how to use them properly. Misusage is a leading cause of several auto-related issues. Here are some common mistakes you should try to avoid when jump-starting a car: Storing them improperly - Jumper cables work great if they're in good condition. However, when they start to corrode, you should throw them out. To ensure these cables stay in good shape, store them in a dry and closed environment. Failing to make the right connections - Making the wrong connections can lead to fires and explosions, leading to further damage to your vehicle. To ensure you jump start a car safely, follow these steps: Red to dead Red to donor Black to donor Black to bare metal Boosting a frozen battery - Attempting to jump-start a frozen battery could lead to an outburst. A frozen battery needs to be thawed ... read more

Every driver should learn how to change a flat tire because you're most likely going to have to do it at least once in your life. Before learning the steps of how to change a flat tire, you will need some tools: jack, lug wrench, a spare tire, and your car manual. A pair of gloves, raincoat (if the weather isn't permitting), and flashlight may also come in handy. It would be helpful if you kept these in your car all the time, as all flat tires are usually unanticipated. Instructions Step 1: Loosen the bolts on the wheel Turn the bolt counterclockwise using the lug wrench. Please note: Do not completely remove the bolts. Step 2: Raise the car Read your owner's manual to find your vehicle's jacking points. Place the jack in its proper location and turn the lever clockwise to lift the car. It should be at least half a foot off the ground. Step 3: Remove the tire and replace it with the spare After the car is lifted, unfasten the bolts all the way. Remove the tire by ... read more

Many years ago, vehicles were not equipped with power steering. This mechanism makes it significantly easier for drivers to turn or maneuver their wheels at lower speeds. Nowadays, most drivers take their power steering for granted. When the power steering stops functioning, you should immediately discontinue operating the vehicle until the necessary repairs are made. Signs of a Failing Power Steering Pump As long as your steering works, you should be fine to drive (right?). Well, there are a few signs that your power steering pump may show that may signal an imminent failure. Whining or groaning noise when you turn your wheel Stiffness in the steering wheel Steering wheel is overall slow to respond  Squealing sound when you turn your key in the ignition Power steering fluid leak If the power steering pump is still functional and still provides some power steering capabilities, then you are okay to operate your vehicle for short trips. However, you should still schedule an ... read more

Road travel can be expensive, especially during the holidays, so saving a couple of dollars on gas can make all the difference. If you and your family are planning to travel during this holiday season, we've got a couple of tips on our sleeve that can help you get to your destination in the safest and most cost-efficient way.  First, check for gas prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average gas price is predicted to be $3.39 this November 2021, whereas the average was only $2.11 last November and $2.16 last December. That's a whopping $1+ difference! To find the best and lowest gas prices within your proximity, we recommend using GasBuddy.com. You can manage your expectations and budget your gas expense for your holiday trip. Travel light. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an extra 100lbs on your vehicle could reduce your mpg by 2%. If you want to save on gas, please make sure you pack light for your trip. It would be a ... read more

Numerous factors can influence how smoothly your automobile drives. These include wheel alignment, tire treads, tire pressure, brakes, wheel bearings, and axles. However, your suspension system has the most significant impact of all.    3 Main Parts of Every Suspension System Springs Shocks Struts   Symptoms of Worn Suspension Parts Bumpy Ride If it seems like you can feel every single crack and bump on the road, then you may have a suspension issue on your hands. Vehicle Drifts or Pulls If your vehicle can't seem to go straight when you want it to, it usually means you have an alignment issue. However, misaligned wheels can ultimately affect your suspension parts as well. Uneven Tire Treads If your suspension parts are weak, you probably won't get proper traction on the road. Please seek out professional assistance whenever you notice uneven tread wear. Dipping During Stops Your vehicle may jump forward more whenever you come to a stop. This is not a ... read more

Your car's belt and hoses play a crucial role when it comes to how smooth and seamless a car runs. Like most drivers, you probably don't pay much care to the belt system since it's tucked away under the hood. However, both hoses and belts have a major supporting role in powering various vehicle systems, especially heating and cooling. Proper care on your car's belts and hoses can save you from surprises and costly repairs.    Here are a select few of the belts and hoses you should know about: TIMING BELT This ribbed rubber belt helps turn your vehicle's crankshaft and camshaft and keeps them in sync. Without the timing belt, your car would not run at all. If you hear it break mid-drive, you should pull over immediately and call for assistance. If an old timing belt is left unattended, it can translate to significant and expensive engine damage. Your timing belt should be swapped out for a new one every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on wear and tea ... read more

We understand that there's a lot that comes with tire maintenance, and tire rotations are just a small part of it. Getting your tires rotated will even out tire wear, which means you will achieve better handling and traction on the road. But what exactly are the "regular intervals" of tire rotations?  AROUND EVERY 7,500 MILES OR 6 MONTHS. Most automobile manufacturers recommend that you get your tires rotated about every 7,500 miles or six months. However, some vehicles have exceptions, and it's always best to refer to your owner's manual for guidance. This number can vary depending on how, where, and what kind of car you drive. To make life simpler, we recommend getting into a habit of having them rotated every time you get your oil changed.   What Happens During a Tire Rotation? As the name suggests, your tires get removed, swapped, and remounted. Tire rotation precisely involves the switching of your front and rear tires. It's vital to get th ... read more

Most of us depend greatly on our vehicles day in and day out to get us where we need to be. We often overlook the amazingness of our cars. Have you paused to consider all the crazy things your automobile has done for you? Here are some general cool facts to nerd over about cars! There are currently more than 1 BILLION vehicles being used around the world in 2021. According to experts, this number is expected to double or reach 2 Billion by 2040. If you drove at an average rate of 60 MPH, you could make it to the moon in less than six months. 70 million cars are produced every year!  The average US driver spends 42 hours per year stuck in traffic. That's almost two days!!! Only 18% of American drivers today know how to drive a manual transmission. Did you know that 80% of an average car is recyclable? In the U.S. alone, 12 million vehicles are recycled every year. Because of this large number, automotive recycling is the 16th largest industry in the U.S. Washington D.C ... read more

A car breakdown is an ultimate nightmare for all drivers. It is dreadful and stressful, especially if you have no clue what you are doing. And if you panic in the moment, it can lead to further damage to your vehicle or even lead to costly crashes. The first thing you should do is to be calm and have a positive mindset. We've compiled a list of three things that you should never forget to do if your car breaks down mid-drive.   1.Turn on Your Hazard Lights In unprecedented times like a car breakdown, you should switch on your hazard lights. Doing this will communicate to the other drivers on the road that something is wrong and you need to get by. The flashing signal allows others to be aware of your presence and maneuver around you.   2.Get to the Side of the Road If you perceive that your vehicle is about to malfunction, you should do your best to get to the road shoulder before it stops completely. The road shoulder is the safest area to be, and being there will ... read more