Houston Auto Repair

A vehicle's optimum function dramatically depends on the exhaust system. The exhaust system has the responsibility of emitting gases and other combustion elements from the automotive engine. It also reduces any unnecessary sounds generated from the combustion process, making your ride stable and smooth. The exhaust system is made up of different parts that work harmoniously to achieve its purposes. These parts include:   Exhaust manifold Oxygen Sensors Catalytic converter Tailpipe Muffler Resonator   If there is trouble with any of the components, the entire exhaust system is compromised. We have seen many types of exhaust system troubles, but these are the most common:    MALFUNCTIONING OXYGEN SENSOR The oxygen sensors work within the exhaust system to balance the mixture of air and fuel. Their defects are somewhat common, and it affects the computer engine. An abnormal air-fuel mixture balance will lead to a clogged catalytic converter. As you will ... read more

Summer is on the horizon, and we know what that means: long days, hot sun, and road trips! With the summer months come more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy all that this season offers. But don't forget about your car care needs. Here are 5 car care tips for summer to help protect your vehicle from wear and tear during these warmer months. Load Up Your Car With Essentials The first thing to do is load up your car with essentials to keep you on the road. We recommend bringing an emergency kit, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit to stay safe in any situation. And don't forget those other must-haves like jumper cables or tire jacks! Change Your Oil & Air Filter Next, change the filters in your vehicle. An air filter is essential to keep debris from entering the engine, while an oil change will help decrease friction in your engine and make it run more efficiently. Check Your Tire Pressure Another thing you don't want to forget is to check your tire pressure. T ... read more

Virtually every driver on the planet has experienced a steady check engine light going on for no obvious reason. In most cases, if the vehicle is still running with no apparent problem, most drivers ignore the light. There are, however, times when a check engine light is blinking and should not be ignored. Here is what either type of check engine light means. A Steady Light is a Warning A steady light means something is wrong or about to go wrong, but it is not a dire emergency. It could be something as simple as a sensor going bad, which normally is an inspection issue and nothing more. A Blinking Light is Bad In most cases, a check engine light will shine steadily, a serious reminder that something is amiss in your vehicle. If the light is blinking, however, your minor annoyance and concern just got elevated. If the check engine light is blinking, get to the nearest trustworthy mechanic you know. What a Blinking Light Means It could be overheating or an oil pressure issue. I ... read more

A blue engine coolant temperature light only indicates one thing: that your coolant, or antifreeze, is too cold. In fact, the temperature is so low that it is possible for your radiator to get too cold, thus resulting in your engine freezing up and not being able to start. But for this light to come on right at startup is normal. If anything, it's simply telling you that you just need to let your engine warm up a bit. In the meantime, your vehicle's system is performing a routine temperature check, and that's normal. It's also an excellent safety feature that wakes up your engine prior to take-off. Allowing your vehicle a couple of minutes to warm up is equivalent to you enjoying that delicious first cup of coffee that starts you up and keeps you going the rest of the day. In most cases, this blue light only stays on for a minute or two. When this happens, driving off right away is ill-advised, especially in certain gears. The blue light will go off when you've gi ... read more

Many vehicle owners do not understand the magnitude of their daily driving habits and the pivotal impact on a car's longevity. A few of the most common driving habits that are damaging your car include: Aggressive Braking and Accelerating Stopping abruptly can be unavoidable in certain situations. Most of the time, aggressive braking behavior results from poor anticipation and attention to your surroundings. And abrupt acceleration is the product of an adrenaline rush. Both forceful braking and acceleration wear out the brake pads and rotors, thus significantly reducing your vehicle's working efficiency. Cold Starting Cold starts are when you start your vehicle after sitting inactive for some tie. When the engine starts after these events, the engine has difficulty lubricating the transmission. Repeated cold starting affects the life expectancy of your vehicle's engine. So, it is recommended that you allow the engine to warm up before d ... read more

Automobiles top the list of the pollutants that are hampering our environment day in and day out. This has driven modern manufacturers to design eco-friendly vehicles that consume less fuel and emit fewer fumes. People are also adopting greener ways to minimize environmental damage by adopting carpooling, cycling, walking, and using public transport. Despite all these measures, driving is inevitable for most people, so here are some environment-friendly driving tips that can bring about a reduction in our carbon footprints. Invest in an eco-friendly vehicle. Modern technology has made energy-efficient vehicle options more accessible for us, such as hybrids, hydrogen battery-operated, and electric cars. Purchasing a vehicle with reduced carbon emissions benefits the environment as well as your fuel economy. Get rid of extra stuff from the vehicle. Extra weight such as bike racks, strollers, boxes, etc., in the truck or around the car increases the aerodynamic resistance, reducing th ... read more

A vehicle contains numerous components that aid in reducing discomfort during car rides. A muffler is among the essential features that ensure a smooth ride. The muffler is placed under the vehicle's rear and forms part of the vehicle's engine's exhaust system. Mufflers are made of steel, which is then coated with aluminum to shield them from the exhaust system's heat and chemicals. The Function of the Mufflers Whenever exhaust valves open, there is a large burst of burnt gases that have been used during engine combustion, and it's released into the exhaust system. Mufflers thus help in minimizing the noise emitted from the engine and controls the engine backpressure. Mufflers considerably increase the performance and endurance of the engine. How do Mufflers Work The functioning of the muffler is precise and straightforward. Mufflers are fit with tubes. That have perforations that direct sound waves through the muffler and out. The sound waves pass through a cen ... read more

Modern vehicles have more electrical demands than generations before. Your car’s battery has to be in good condition to meet those demands effectively. The battery’s primary function is not only to supply a steady stream of electrical current to your vehicle’s accessories but also the starter motor. Hence, it cranks on when you turn your key. It’s no secret that summer heat can destroy batteries, but winter chill can also be damaging. Cold temperatures can be hard on the battery, forcing it to work almost twice as hard in the winter as it would in typical climates.   Common signs your battery is starting to die:  It takes longer to start your car.  The headlights and interior lights are starting to become dim.  The engine clicks, but your vehicle won’t start.  Car and Truck Battery Maintenance Tips:  While your vehicle is cold, check the battery ... read more

Most manufacturers recommend having your vehicle serviced around the 30k, 60k, 90k mile intervals. This gives you the opportunity to have your car inspected for any wear and tear. The factory scheduled maintenance is an inspection that foresees any potential problems and corrects them before they cause costly repairs. Staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance saves you not only money but also boosts engine performance and longevity.    All systems in your vehicle work together. If there's an issue in one area, it can lead to a problem in another. The 30k/60/90k maintenance service retains the value of your car. If you choose to sell your vehicle, these service records indicate your vehicle has been kept in pristine shape. For new car buyers, your warranty may even become void if you choose to skip it.  What does a factory scheduled maintenance service include?  Checking fluids and topping them off or replacing old fluids Replacing spar ... read more

Engine oil is like the blood of a vehicle, and without it, it can’t operate efficiently. The engine gets extremely hot. Oil lubricates the essential components within the engine to absorb heat and prevent it from overheating. If the oil is old or sludgy, significant friction can occur, resulting in engine damage. While it’s important to get your oil changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles, a change in driving habits can mean a change in how often your oil should be changed. Below are five signs that it’s time for your old oil to be replaced to prevent a hazardous driving experience.  1.    Dirty Oil Clean oil is usually bright amber. If you go too long between oil changes, the oil will appear black and sludge-like. Make a habit of checking the oil after driving several thousands of miles. Remove the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, and inspect the quality. Dark oil signifies that it’s ready to be changed.  2.    Poor Fuel Economy O ... read more