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 good working order. To ensure your vehicle has enough of this precious slippery juice in its system, it’s a good idea to check your 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 under which oil should be checked. One area that seems “hotly” debated is the ideal engine temperature. Should you check your oil with a hot or cold engine?

Read the rest of this entry >>
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 to their vehicle?

Read the rest of this entry >>
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?

Read the rest of this entry >>
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 in 1995, and since then, most states have set their own standards for acceptable speeds. 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 >>