Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

A close up of a flat tire

What can make your car shake? High speed and low speed suggestions

While there are plenty of warning signs for many car problems (weird noises, weirder smells, dashboard warning lights) one of the most disturbing signs of something going wrong is shaking. Whether it happens at high speeds or low speeds, this is a pretty clear sign that something is out of wack. But what can make your car shake? There can be a lot of causes, but the most common issues have to do with your tires or brakes. Keep reading for a better idea of some problems.

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A man using key fob to open gate

Has your key fob stopped working? Try replacing the battery

One of the great advantages of modern cars is the keyless entry that is available thanks to key fobs. Whether your vehicle has automatic unlocking doors and pushbutton start, or you can just lock the doors from a few feet away, key fobs can be a huge benefit. But sometimes when these lovely devices stop working, it can be a huge hassle (and expensive to get one replaced). However, if you have been using the same key for a long time, you may not have an issue with the hardware, it may just be running out of power. But how do you replace the battery in a car key fob?

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Man changing the cabin air filter

How Often Should I Replace My Cars Cabin Air Filter?

It’s finally the weekend and your excitement for the annual family retreat to Willow Point and the cabin on Lake Buchanan rouses you from your slumber with the rising sun.  You scramble some eggs while the bread toasts, and then sit on the back deck and enjoy a solemn breakfast beneath the warm sunrise.  Breathing in the fresh morning air, you take the last sip of your coffee and decide to start your weekend of leisure by washing the car while everyone else sleeps.  After all the suds have been rinsed away and the Chevy Suburban sparkles like a diamond under new day sunshine, it’s time to tackle the interior.  You open the rear passenger door and climb inside with your trusty vacuum hose in hand and are immediately hit in the face with the foulest odor man has ever created.  You attempt to filter the filthy smell by breathing strictly from your mouth while you scurry out of the vehicle.  The smell is so terrible you consider lighting the Suburban on fire and replacing it before anyone wakes and is any wiser, but better judgement takes over and you attempt to pinpoint the abomination and remove it without force.

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Car washing at a dealership

Water Restrictions and Car Washing in Austin

When it comes to water restrictions in Austin, there are a lot of timing concerns and rules that home owners and other residents need to be aware of in order to conserve water. We all know that it’s important to regularly wash your car (especially because the extreme Texas heat can have some adverse affects on your exterior paint job) but you may be wondering “Can I was my car by hand in Austin TX?” We have that answer, and some other trips and tricks, below.

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A woman changing a tire

Should you drive on a flat tire?

What happens if you drive with a flat tire? 

A flat tire can completely ruin your day. Not only will you not be able to get where you need to go on time, you’ll likely end up paying for an expensive new tire, and if you don’t know how to change your tire, you’ll need to call a tow truck. If you don’t react to a flat tire the right way, it could make your already bad day worse.   Read the rest of this entry >>

Customer talking to a salesman

No credit and poor credit financing at Third Coast Auto Group

Here at Third Coast Autos we know that many nasty credit situations can happen to people through no fault of their own. Whether that means a divorce, unexpected medical debt, or the serious impact of a bankruptcy on credit scores, it can be hard when you have no credit or poor credit to find an important thing like an auto loan.  It also takes students and adults a long time to build up a good credit history.  Fortunately, if you are looking for poor credit or no credit auto financing in Austin TX, one of our four dealership locations may be right for you. Read the rest of this entry >>

Front view of the car being washed at a service station

When, where and how often should you clean your car?

A car is probably one of the most important purchases we will ever make. Whether you are buying or leasing a vehicle, it’s important to keep it in great condition so that it can do its job: namely getting drivers, passengers and cargo safety from place to place. If you are wondering “When should I wash my car?” or about other details of car cleaning, this post may clear  up some of your questions. Read the rest of this entry >>

A close up of solar eclipse

Don’t forget to prepare for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21!

While here in Austin TX we aren’t going to be in the heart of the Great Total Solar Eclipse of 2017, we are still excited. This solar event on Monday, August 21, is going to go through more of the continental United States than it has since 1918! Areas across the country are going to be mobilizing to handle tons of people traveling to get the longest experience of that total eclipse. In this post we are going to answer “Will I be able to see the solar eclipse in Austin TX”? and a few tips and tricks about viewing the eclipse.

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A salesman talking to a customer

Is buying or leasing a vehicle the better option?

When you are looking for a car, there are a lot of factors to consider. Do you want a new or a used car? Are there some brands that are more dependable than other ones? If you have decided, or are thinking about a new car, then one thing to consider whether you want to buy or lease a vehicle. In this post we are going to go over some pros and cons of leasing vs buying a car. Read the rest of this entry >>