Archive for the ‘Tips and Tricks’ Category

Get the right amount of car insurance for your TX vehicle

Wednesday, August 15th, 2018
man and woman look at the front of cars in an accident

Car insurance documents are some of the things you should always keep in your glove box (or someplace else easy to reach in your vehicle), but how much car insurance do you need in Texas? In order to get a driver’s license or renew their driver’s license car owners in Texas must show that they have insurance that will cover the damages and injuries from any accident that they cause. Liability insurance is therefore required in our great state (unless you can prove with a surety bond or deposit with the state Comptroller or county judge or certificate of self-insurance that you can meet liability limits), but you may also want to get other insurance that will cover other costs related to an accident or breakdown. (more…)

Ways to stop a car alarm without a keyfob

Monday, July 30th, 2018
a key and keyfob hanging in front of a car door handle

Many cars come with what are called “nuisance alarms”. As the name implies, these are loud, obnoxious shrieking sounds that are meant to frighten off car thieves (though they are often more useful for scaring car owners and irritating neighbors). The easiest way to shut off your vehicle’s alarm is to hit the lock or alarm button on your keyfob. However, what do you do if your keyfob is broken, low on battery, or you are unfortunate enough to have a car with an alarm but not a keyfob? Here are a few ways to stop a car alarm without a keyfob. Hopefully one will work! (more…)

Tips for finding the right infotainment system

Friday, July 20th, 2018
car infotainment systems

What are the best infotainment systems on used cars?

One of the things that you may be looking for in your next pre-owned vehicle is an advanced technology system. What are the best infotainment systems on used cars? Honestly, the best technology systems are those that work the best for you. But what should you be looking for when you shop? Whether you are moving into a vehicle with a tape deck or the latest streaming radio technology, here are some things to keep in mind on the test drive. (more…)

Be safe on the road by avoiding these dangers

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018
cars driving on a city highway in the evening

We’ve written before about what to do if you see an accident, but what causes accidents in the first place? In this blog we are looking at some of the top causes of car accidents. Knowledge is power, and knowing the risks of driving gives you the power to avoid some top factors as much as you can. (more…)

What are the most popular car colors?

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018
White 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport parked in front of trees in forest

Popularity of different colors and shades on used vehicles 

It’s always fun to drive a used vehicle that seems to have an inside read on your personality. The kind of car you own and the colors that it exudes can make a significant first impression, which is why it’s so important to have your favorite hues well-represented. In the automotive market, however, there are a few shades that take the cake for half the population – to see what they are, come check out the popularity of different colors and shades on used vehicles with Third Coast Autos today!   (more…)

What vehicles are safest for parents and kids?

Monday, July 9th, 2018
are minivans or SUVs safer? 2018 Honda Odyssey background

We’ve written before about the family-friendly features on minivans and SUVs, but in this blog we wanted to focus in on a topic near and dear to the hearts of parents. Are minivans or SUVs safer? Both of these styles of vehicles offer up to three rows of seating and plenty of cargo-carrying capacity, but which ones can keep your loved ones safest in the event of an accident? Check out some considerations below. (more…)

Can You Cook Food in Your Car?

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
chocolate chip cookies and milk

Can you cook food in your car? It’s summer in Texas and it’s HOT. We’ve talked about how the interior temperature of a car can get hot enough to cook an egg, but did you know that you can branch out from breakfast food to dessert? In this post we are sharing a couple fun recipes, including a video on how to bake cookies in your car, and directions on how to make sweet tea in the sun. Do you have a wacky recipe for inside your car? Let us know in the comments! (more…)

Enjoy 4th of July fireworks safely (and legally!)

Monday, June 25th, 2018
what fireworks are legal in Austin TX? Fireworks background

The 4th of July is right around the corner, which means that ’tis the season to have fun with fireworks ranging from tiny firecrackers to big boomers. But what fireworks are legal in Austin TX? Be safe (and don’t get in trouble!) this year by choosing fireworks types that are okay to use even in the city. For larger displays, you will need a permit, have a space that would be safe for the fireworks to be set off, and  have a professional doing your fireworks. Fortunately, there are plenty of small, fun things you can have that do not require a permit, and won’t get you a citation. (more…)

How does repossession affect your future car buying?

Friday, June 22nd, 2018
car being towed away

If you have had a vehicle repossessed, that can be bad news one way or another. Not only do you no longer have that vehicle, but because the vehicle is lost when payments aren’t made that information can make a big impact on your credit score. Can you get a car loan after a repossession? How long does that information affect your credit? Keep reading to find out. (more…)

When do you change to a front-facing car seat?

Monday, June 4th, 2018
baby in a rear-facing car seat looking at the camera

We’ve talked before about car seat laws (specifically here in Texas) but in this blog we want to explore two types of car seat and when you should use them. Should you have a car seat front- or rear-facing? That depends on the age and size of your child. If you are looking at a specific car seat, you may want to look for the owner’s manual on that option for precise details. This blog is general information for the curious. (more…)