Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
Archive for December, 2017
Common reason a vehicle stops while driving
Thursday, December 28th, 2017
Cars are complex compilations of moving parts, which means that there are many ways for them to fail. One of the scariest things that can happen is for your car to simply stop running while you are on the road. Whether you are going 25 mph around a roundabout or flying at 85 mph down the highway, suddenly losing power in your vehicle can be terrifying. Here are a few reasons why your car could stop running while driving. (more…)
Holiday Credit Card Safety 101
Monday, December 18th, 2017
‘Tis the season for Christmas shopping and ice skating, but December is also a big month for credit card scammers to work overtime. With many people making large charges for Christmas presents, it’s a good time for criminals with stolen credit card numbers to sneak in under the radar. In this blog we are going to talk a little about how to prevent credit card fraud during the holidays (or any time) and what to do if you become a victim of this sort of attack. (more…)
What does “Top Safety Pick” mean, and why does it change?
Wednesday, December 13th, 2017
When buying a new or quality used car, it can be important to get one that offers valuable safety options. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been doing evaluations on the safety of vehicles for years, including several different crash tests and even rating crash prevention technology and headlights. Ratings from the IIHS include “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick Plus”. The criteria for these safety honors is slightly different almost every year, which means that a vehicle that won in one year may or may not the next. But why do IIHS safety ratings change every year? (more…)
What’s The Best Place for Ice Skating in Austin TX?
Tuesday, December 12th, 2017
We’re already written about the best place to get a delicious ice cream cone in Austin, but what if you want a different kind of cool treat? There is one year-round ice rink open to the public in Austin, and a hockey rink, plus several Christmas seasonal options. But what’s the best place for ice skating in Austin TX? Keep reading to check out the pros and cons of various locations. (more…)
Where can I find my car manual online?
Thursday, December 7th, 2017
When it comes to figuring out what kind of gas to put in your vehicle, or how often you need to check or replace your timing belt, the advice often comes down to checking your owner’s manual to find the right maintenance interval or recommended fuel. But what if you have an older car, a pre-owned model, or just can’t remember where you put the thing? Fortunately for everyone whose owner’s manual has vanished, most car manufacturers also put their owner’s manuals online for anyone to access. But if you are wondering “Where can I find my car manual online?” we’re glad you asked! (more…)
Timing Belt – signs it’s going and when it’s gone
Tuesday, December 5th, 2017
The timing belt, also known as a camshaft belt, is one of the essential pieces of your engine. While some under-hood components can fall apart and it will just make life unpleasant, when the timing belt dies it can actually cause significant damage to your engine. This belt is usually hidden by the engine cover, and it coordinates the cam and crankshaft, and makes sure that your engine cylinders are firing at the right times. When this belt goes, it can throw everything off, and actually deform other engine parts that rely on the timing belt. But how can you know when the timing belt is going? (more…)