Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Cars during snowfall

What is the difference between all-wheel and 4×4 drive?

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

While we’ve already tackled the differences and advantages of rear-wheel drive vs front-wheel drive, today we want to look at something a little different. While most cars on the road (and the majority of vehicles in our used vehicle inventory here at Third Coast Auto Group) are two-wheel drive models, drivetrains that send power to more than two wheels have plenty of positives, especially in bad weather or rough terrain. What is the difference between all-wheel and 4×4 drive? Keep reading for a few highlights. Read the rest of this entry >>

Side view of the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500

What’s the difference between Chevy and GMC brands?

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Posted in Chevrolet, Tips and Tricks

When you go looking for a truck or crossover vehicle, you may come across plenty of Chevrolet and GMC models. Both of these brands exist under the umbrella of GM (General Motors) along with Buick and Cadillac. Moreover, if you compare similar models in these two brands (for example, the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra light-duty, full-size trucks) then the mechanical similarities are huge. Are they really the same vehicle with different branding? What’s the difference between Chevy and GMC brands? Learn more in this blog.

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Mechanic repairing a vehicle

Basic Fall Car Care Tips

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

While here in Austin we aren’t going to get the intense ice and snow you can see in the northern part of the country, fall still marks the changing of the seasons, and the slow transition into winter. Regular car maintenance can be important all the time, but when it changes from summer to fall is a great time to take a little more care. Following a few basic fall car care tips is a great way to extend the life of your vehicle, If you are wondering “How should I get my car ready for winter?”, check out our overview below. Read the rest of this entry >>

Traffic roundabout with light trails

What are the advantages of traffic circles?

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

Roundabouts, also called traffic circles, aren’t that common in Austin TX. However, these circular intersections are becoming more and more popular. According to one study, roundabouts decreased traffic delays by 20 percent. In a study of intersections that had changed from a traditional stop light to a roundabout, the traffic circle reduced the overall number of collisions by an estimated 37 percent, and dropped fatal collisions by up to 90 percent. That’s a huge drop in driving accidents! But how should you drive in a roundabout? We have step by step instructions. Read the rest of this entry >>

A close up of a flat tire

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

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

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

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

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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Car washing at a dealership

Water Restrictions and Car Washing in Austin

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Posted in Community, Tips and Tricks

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?

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

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, driving on a flat tire, but you’ll also likely end up paying for an expensive new tire. 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. 

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Customer talking to a salesman

No credit and poor credit financing at Third Coast Auto Group

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Posted in Finance, Tips and Tricks

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?

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

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 >>