‘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. Read the rest of this entry
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? Read the rest of this entry
Lacing up a pair of skates in the middle of Central Texas might seem like a tall order, but the Austin area is home to several fantastic rinks that offer everything from holiday magic to year-round athletic training. Whether you are looking for a festive winter date night or a cool escape from the summer heat, here is your guide to the best places for ice skating in Austin, Texas.
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! Read the rest of this entry
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? Read the rest of this entry
When you are looking for a new car, there are a lot of different things you look at. From the vehicle’s size, to its power levels, design, upkeep (if it’s used), and even its drivetrain. You may have noticed that the sportier models tend to be equipped with manual transmission, while typical family sedans and SUVs generally have automatic. But what’s the difference between these transmissions? What are the benefits of each? Let’s take a closer look!
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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, the engine is a key component. While the wheels and tires may have the most contact with the road, the engine literally keeps everything moving. Whether it’s a four-cylinder or a V-6, it’s important to keep everything in top condition, which can sometimes depend on the fuel that you use. We are going to explore the difference between premium and regular fuel below to answer the question: “Should I put premium or regular gas in my car?”
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Did you know that the average day-to-day commute in America is 26.4 minutes or about 15 miles? In the Austin area, the average daily commute is 12.3 miles with commute times that range from 5 minutes to 75 minutes. If you live in the Austin area and are looking for a high-quality, pre-owned car, you may have asked – what is the best commuter car? With an extensive inventory of used cars, trucks and crossovers at Third Coast Auto Group, we have what you need for your day-to-day commute with available on-site financing and affordable prices.
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December is right around the corner (or here already, depending on when you are reading this blog) which means that kids are excited about Santa and parents are pushing to get holiday prep wrapped up. If you are hoping to combine photos with Santa and a little Christmas shopping, these malls with Santa photos 2017 near Austin TX could be perfect. Meet the jolly man from the North Pole, take some photos, and grab a few goodies for the special people in your life at the same time.
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When drivers think “Chevy” and “major capability” their minds probably jump first to the classic Chevy Silverado truck. While we do have several attractive trucks like the Silverado in our inventory, two other Chevy models currently in our inventory that can deliver serious towing, hauling, and transportation options are the Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe. Both of these SUVs can offer enough seating for a growing family, or can deliver towing and hauling options. But what’s the difference between the Chevy Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe? Read the rest of this entry