Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

A man's hands check oil under the hood.

Should I check my oil when the engine is hot or cold?

Ideal Engine Temperature for Oil Check

Oil is a very important part of an automobile, as it lubricates the machinery inside so that everything can stay in healthy motion. In order to ensure your vehicle has enough of this precious slippery juice in its system, it’s a good idea to check one’s oil from time to time. In fact, Consumer Reports recommends doing so at every other fuel-stop.

But different opinions abound on the exact conditions that oil should be checked in. One area that seems “hotly” debated is the ideal engine temperature. Should you check your oil with a hot or cold engine?

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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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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 >>

generic car driving through a city at night

How fast can you drive in Texas?

What is the fastest legal speed limit in Texas

If you’re a big fan of driving fast, you’re in the right place. The federal speed limit cap of 55 mph was repealed back in 1995, and since then, most states have chosen to set their own standards for what is an acceptable speed. Texas was one of those that upped their speed limit by quite a bit. Find out what the fastest speed limit is here in Texas and where you can go to ride it out! Read the rest of this entry >>

person pouring oil into a vehicle engine

How to change your oil fast

One of the most common maintenance needs is an oil change. Oil changes are recommended every six months or every 5,000 – 7,500 miles, whichever happens first. Those costs can add up over time, so if you’re looking to save a little extra money, it may be in your best interest to try changing the oil yourself. Take a look at the short video here on our blog to learn how to change the oil in your car fast and efficiently! Read the rest of this entry >>

Man holding a car key

Understand what you’re paying for

What is an administration fee when buying a car?

If you’ve ever purchased a new car, you’ve probably seen an administration fee on your final bill (if you haven’t yet purchased a car, you can expect to see that). While some parts of the final bill, such as sales tax, are pretty self-explanatory, the administration fee may not be. Find out what this fee is and what it covers below! Read the rest of this entry >>

Teen driver adjusting the rearview mirror

Simple ways to save money while driving

Money-saving driving tips

If you’re a money-saving fanatic, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Third Coast Auto Group, we only offer used vehicles. That affords drivers like you the opportunity to get some big discounts on vehicles simply because they’ve had another person sitting in them. While buying a used car is a great first step to save money, there are some other money-saving driving tips you can adhere to to save a few bucks. Check them out below! Read the rest of this entry >>