Category Archives: FAQs

Hands pick a windshield wiper up off the windshield, presumably for the purpose of replacing it.

How do I attach new windshield wipers?

Windshield Wiper Attachment Instructions

Like headlights, brakes, tires, and many other parts of the automobile, windshield wipers are a necessity that often go taken for granted until they break down. When this sad state of affairs occurs, it’s time to replace your windshield wipers and attach new ones. A service shop can certainly do this for you, but a fair amount of labor costs can be saved by doing it yourself.

How does one replace and attach new windshield wipers on their vehicle?

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An oil pump pumps oil in a desert at sunset.

Why is there a lot of oil in the Middle East?

Middle Eastern Oil: Where It All Comes From

Most Americans tend to use a lot of oil in their daily lives. The most obvious use, of course, is in our automobiles, for which oil provides the basis for both fuel and lubricant. For this reason, we here at Third Coast Auto Group spend a lot of time thinking about oil.

The main sources of oil in our modern world are located in the region commonly referred to as the “Middle East” (although this nomenclature may admittedly be problematic). Why does the Middle East have so much oil?

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Rear view of vehicle going through car wash

What’s the Difference Between Soft Touch and Touch-Free Car Washes?

Soft Touch vs Touch-Free Car Washes

Have you ever heard horror stories about local car washes leaving scratches on vehicles and decided then and there to avoid ever going near it? Or maybe you prefer to wash your vehicle at home but would like a more convenient wash option as well. This guide is going to breakdown the pros and cons of both soft touch and touch-free car washes to help you find the wash that is right for you and your vehicle. Check out the info below before letting a friend’s horror story keep you out of your local car wash.  Read the rest of this entry >>

An assortment of beers sitting on a bar

What are the best pubs in Austin, Texas?

The Best Pubs in Austin, TX

A good pub is a treasure. The inexpensive comfort food, the perfect beer selection, and the laid-back atmosphere all combine into something greater than the sum of its parts. Austin is a big city, and it can be hard to know where all the best spots are. So, we decided to do the research for you and figure out which pubs the locals think are the best.

Here are the best pubs in Austin, TX. Read the rest of this entry >>

A green 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser drives along rugged earth with a Toyota logo in the upper lefthand corner.

Will Toyota bring back the FJ Cruiser?

Back in 2014, the acclaimed Toyota FJ Cruiser was given one final special edition and then discontinued, an action that struck straight to the heart of its often-fervent fanbase. This rugged, off-road oriented small SUV paid homage to the adventurous powers of the famed Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. It provided its niche market with exactly what they were yearning for (perhaps without even realizing it). And then it was all taken away.

To this day, Toyota execs report getting continuous requests for the return of the FJ Cruiser. There have been many hopeful rumors circulating and fading for years. Is it just wishful thinking? Or will Toyota truly bring back the FJ Cruiser? Read the rest of this entry >>

Are car wash tokens universal?

Token Cross Acceptance: Where it works and where it doesn’t

Many car washes these days take tokens instead of actual quarters. While these little trinkets can be kind of fun to have, sometimes you end up with extras for a car wash that you’re not going to be returning to. At times like these, you might be wondering if you can use those same tokens elsewhere. Are car wash tokens universal? Read the rest of this entry >>

Mechanic with a tool

How can I prevent carbon build-up in my direct injection engine?

Causes and Prevention of Direct Injection Carbon Build Up

A direct injection engine brings many benefits- higher fuel efficiency, more power from smaller engines, and fewer emissions. Unfortunately, they also reintroduce an old automotive problem- the threat of carbon build-up. Carbon build-up can cause a variety of serious problems, including making an engine misfire.

So what does the owner of a direct injection engine do when faced with the threat of carbon build-up? Is it just a fate we must accept? Nay! Read on to find out the causes and prevention strategies for the issue of direct injection carbon deposits.

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An overheated car stranded on the road

What can cause a warped cylinder head?

Having a misshapen cylinder head can lead to some pretty big problems in your vehicle. Like, really big- it could damage your engine so much that the whole mechanism needs to be replaced. Instead of dealing with that, the best path to take is to prevent your cylinder head from ever getting harmed in the first place.

In order to prevent a cylinder head from warping, you need to know: what causes a warped cylinder head, and what should I do to prevent it?

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