Houston Auto Repair

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

There’s nothing that puts a lump in your stomach like finding out your vehicle has been recalled. A vehicle manufacturer may recall a vehicle if it doesn’t meet federal standards with the FMVSS, or a safety defect is detected. The manufacturer can notice an issue and voluntarily issue a recall, or vehicle owners can reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with feedback regarding any mechanical issues. A recall doesn’t necessarily mean that there are issues with the entire vehicle, but more so a specific component. If a problem is identified, manufacturers will do their best to reach out to vehicle owners and offer them a free repair.  There are two types of vehicle recalls, safety and non-safety-related types. The safety-related recall is one in which there is an issue that poses a significant safety risk for all vehicles of a specific model. A few examples of a safety defect is: Gas pedal sticking or breaking. Failing seats Failure o ... read more

Every so often, you’ll notice that your car key gets stuck in your vehicle’s ignition. You start to panic because no matter how much you wiggle or pull, you can’t figure out how to get it out. If you use too much force, you may end up breaking the key inside the engine. If that happens, you can find yourself with a much bigger problem. Below are a few reasons why your car key may not easily slide out of the ignition: Your steering wheel could be locked. If you wiggle the steering wheel while your vehicle is off, it may activate the steering wheel lock. This will prevent you from removing the key from the ignition and moving the steering wheel altogether. You should be able to release both simultaneously by moving the steering wheel and turning the key at the same time.   Your car key may be dirty. If you use your car key to open items or packages, there may be cardboard or tape pieces still stuck on the key. You may notice i ... read more