All posts by Admin

what fireworks are legal in Austin TX? Fireworks background

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

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Posted in Community, Texas, Tips and Tricks

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. Read the rest of this entry >>

car being towed away

How does repossession affect your future car buying?

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Posted in Finance, Tips and Tricks

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. Read the rest of this entry >>

young man with a broken car calling someone

What is electronic stability control and how does it prevent accidents?

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Posted in Technology, Used Cars

While many new cars are available with flashy safety features like automatic emergency braking and autonomous cruise control (which will independently adjust your cruise control speed so you don’t ram into a slow car in front of you on the highway) there are some simpler technology options that have made a big difference. One of these is electronic stability control. What is electronic stability control and how does it prevent accidents? Read the rest of this entry >>

baby in a rear-facing car seat looking at the camera

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

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

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. Read the rest of this entry >>

generic silver sedan driving on the road in the summer

Summer car temperatures and cooking adventures

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Posted in Texas, Tips and Tricks

As it starts to get hot out there this spring and summer in the Austin TX area, you may be looking for ways to prepare your car for hot weather. Or maybe, when you are wincing every time you touch your steering wheel, you just want to know if it’s going to burn your hands. So, realistically, how hot can it get in your car in the summer in Texas? And can you actually cook an egg in there if you want to? Read the rest of this entry >>

water bill too high? Question with blurred house exterior background

Is your water breaking the bank? Here are some reasons why

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Posted in Community, Texas

There are plenty of reasons that your water bill may skyrocket. We are into summer, after all, and that means that keeping any kind of garden or plant alive may require more water. You may even be washing your own car, which can add a water cost. If you are wondering “Why is my water bill so high in Austin TX?” here are a few other common reasons your water bill might go up, and also one big local one. Read the rest of this entry >>

couple sitting on the hood of a car hugging

Can you sit on the hood of your car? What about the roof?

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Our vehicles are a huge part of life. We take them everywhere, they haul our stuff, and sometimes we use them to prop ourselves up. Most people have probably leaned against their vehicles, put a cup of coffee on the roof, and maybe thought about sitting on the hood when visiting with friends. But can you sit on the hood of your car? And can the roof take your weight? We think that the answer to both questions is: mostly yes. But there are some things to think about before you decide to throw away your lawn chair in favor of your Corolla. Read the rest of this entry >>

2018 Dodge Challenger in Plum Crazy seen from the side and front

How do you break in a new car engine?

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

Even though the inventory we carry here at Third Coat Auto Group is all used vehicles (the better to offer Austin drivers affordable financing no matter their credit situation) we thought it would be fun to talk about one of the steps of getting a new car. No, not enjoying that new car smell! We wanted to write about how to break-in that new, shiny, and expensive piece of powerful equipment. But how do you break in a new car engine? Whether you have a compact or midsize car perfect for that daily commute, or are raring to get out on the track (or, you know, gun it on one of the 85 mph highways here in Texas) you should take it a little easy while your car is getting used to its job. Read the rest of this entry >>