Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

A stock photo of a gear lever in a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Are you basing your car-buying decisions on outdated information

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Posted in Just for Fun, Tips and Tricks

Are cars with a manual transmission more fuel-efficient? 

In the 100-plus years automobiles have been in production, the platform has come such a long way. Even the changes made in the 10 to 15 years can make a car buyer’s head spin. One question that gets asked quite a bit at Third Coast Auto Group showroom is, ‘Are cars with a manual transmission more fuel-efficient?’ Like so many other things in the automotive world, this is one of those things that started off true but has since changed. In fact, modern automatic transmissions can offer so much more than just strong fuel economy scores and manual transmissions are becoming rarer. Let’s take a look at a few things you might need to know for your search for a new (to you) vehicle.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a table set of Thanksgiving dinner.

Are you breaking out the air fryer for Thanksgiving? Watch this first!

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving Turkey Air Fryer Tips Videos 

We are just a week away from Thanksgiving and you may have chosen to scale back your plans to keep yourself and your family safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If it will just be you and your in-house family, you probably don’t need to cook a huge turkey in the oven, when there are other modern kitchen appliances at your disposal. Our team was talking about their modified Thanksgiving dinner plans and found these Thanksgiving turkey air fryer tips videos from the professionals at Consumer Reports. Regardless of what you choose to do with your holiday season, everyone at Third Coast Auto Group wants you to have a safe and happy time with your loved ones. If a new vehicle would make that easier, come talk to us when your schedule opens up again.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a couple holding a new set of keys.

Have you saved enough for your down payment?

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Posted in Finance, Tips and Tricks

How much should a down payment be for a used car? 

Third Coast Auto Group specializes in connecting people with the most reliable vehicle that can fit their budget. Buying a vehicle cannot be a spontaneous purchase. Responsible buyers need to factor in their monthly budget for housing, food and other required expenses, in addition to making sure they can afford their monthly car payments and keep up with maintenance. If you’re currently working through this process, you might also be wondering, ‘How much should a down payment be for a used car?’ After speaking with the financial team at a few Third Coast Auto Group locations and doing a little bit of poking around online, the consensus is that people should put down as much as they can afford. Let’s take a look at some things you should know.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a person checking the oil in their vehicle.

Is outdated information preventing your vehicle from being at its best?

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Posted in FAQs, Technology, Tips and Tricks

Does synthetic oil still cause engine leaks? 

The car, truck or SUV that is sitting in someone’s driveway is likely one of the biggest assets a person can own. It only makes sense that people will want to make sure they can wring every mile they can out of that investment, and the best way to do that is to make sure that the vehicle is well-maintained. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep any vehicle of almost any age running in peak condition. One of the biggest challenges to this goal is outdated thinking. If you’re wondering, ‘Does synthetic oil still cause engine leaks,’ this is the kind of outdated information we’re talking about. While Third Coast Auto Group doesn’t have a service department, it is still a question that comes up a few times a month while we’re helping customers. Let’s take a look at a few things.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A photo of a vehicle with a sunroof.

Third Coast Auto Group helps you understand popular features

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Posted in FAQs, Tips and Tricks

How are a sunroof and moonroof different? 

There is a lot to know about modern automobiles. Even as vehicles get more technologically advanced, one of the most common questions we hear around the various Third Coast Auto Group showrooms is, ‘How are sunroof and moonroof different?’ At the most basic level, there really isn’t much of a difference anymore. However, in automotive circles, there is a distinct difference. Our team thought it would be useful to get into the weeds a bit and explain the differences between these two very popular features. Let’s take a closer look at what our team put together.   Read the rest of this entry >>

woman dealer showing vehicle info to mother with baby at dealership

Best Tips to Follow as A First-Time Car Buyer

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

Buying your first vehicle is a major milestone, but we know it can feel a bit overwhelming when you are navigating the process for the first time. At Third Coast Auto Group, we have helped countless Austin drivers drive off the lot with confidence. To help you get started, we have put together these essential Tips for First-Time Car Buyers to ensure you find a vehicle that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.

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car driving on highway

Noisy Wheels? This Video Can Help You Troubleshoot

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Troubleshooting Worn Wheel Bearings

At Third Coast Auto Group, we know that keeping your vehicle safe on the Austin roads starts with paying attention to the small details. While many drivers focus on tires and brakes, your wheel bearings play a critical role in keeping your wheels turning smoothly. If you have noticed unusual noises or a change in how your car handles, it might be time for Troubleshooting Worn Wheel Bearings.

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someone using a penny to check the tread of a tire

Worn Tires? Learn an Easy Trick to Check Your Tread Here! Video

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Easy Way to Check Your Tire Tread

Maintaining your vehicle doesn’t always require a toolbox full of expensive equipment. At Third Coast Auto Group, we want to ensure our Austin neighbors stay safe during those sudden Hill Country rainstorms. One of the best ways to prepare is by learning an Easy Way to Check Your Tire Tread right in your own driveway.

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traffic brake lights on of vehicles

How to Tell When You Need to Get Your Brakes Replaced

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Signs You Need New Brakes

Our vehicles have many parts that help them run smoothly and efficiently. These parts need to be changed, fixed, or flushed regularly to ensure that they work properly. One of the most important parts to get changed regularly is the brakes. If these get worn down or broken, it can lead to more problems and is a safety concern. In this post, we will be teaching you how to read the signs that you need new brakes.

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knocking sound of car cartoon person listening

Knock Knock: Four Reasons Your Car Is Making a Knocking Sound

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Why Is My Engine Knocking?

Hearing an unusual sound from under the hood can be a nerve-wracking experience for any driver. At Third Coast Auto Group, we believe that an informed driver is a safe driver. If you have noticed a repetitive tapping or thumping sound while driving through Austin, you are likely asking yourself: Why Is My Engine Knocking?

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