A woman driving a vehicle

What does “Top Safety Pick” mean, and why does it change?

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

When buying a new or quality used car, it can be important to get one that offers valuable safety options. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been doing evaluations on the safety of vehicles for years, including several different crash tests and even rating crash prevention technology and headlights. Ratings from the IIHS include “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick Plus”. The criteria for these safety honors is slightly different almost every year, which means that a vehicle that won in one year may or may not the next. But why do IIHS safety ratings change every year?  Read the rest of this entry >>

A person doing ice Skating

What’s The Best Place for Ice Skating in Austin TX?

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Posted in Community

Best Places for Ice Skating in Austin

Lacing up a pair of skates in the middle of Central Texas might seem like a tall order, but the Austin area is home to several fantastic rinks that offer everything from holiday magic to year-round athletic training. Whether you are looking for a festive winter date night or a cool escape from the summer heat, here is your guide to the best places for ice skating in Austin, Texas.

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A family in a vehicle

Where can I find my car manual online?

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Posted in Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Tips and Tricks, Toyota, Used Cars

When it comes to figuring out what kind of gas to put in your vehicle, or how often you need to check or replace your timing belt, the advice often comes down to checking your owner’s manual to find the right maintenance interval or recommended fuel. But what if you have an older car, a pre-owned model, or just can’t remember where you put the thing? Fortunately for everyone whose owner’s manual has vanished, most car manufacturers also put their owner’s manuals online for anyone to access. But if you are wondering “Where can I find my car manual online?” we’re glad you asked! Read the rest of this entry >>

Mechanics checking a vehicle

Timing Belt – signs it’s going and when it’s gone

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Posted in Tips and Tricks

The timing belt, also known as a camshaft belt, is one of the essential pieces of your engine. While some under-hood components can fall apart and it will just make life unpleasant, when the timing belt dies it can actually cause significant damage to your engine. This belt is usually hidden by the engine cover, and it coordinates the cam and crankshaft, and makes sure that your engine cylinders are firing at the right times. When this belt goes, it can throw everything off, and actually deform other engine parts that rely on the timing belt. But how can you know when the timing belt is going? Read the rest of this entry >>

A woman driving a vehicle

What’s the Difference Between Manual and Automatic Transmissions?

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

Differences between manual and automatic transmission

When you are looking for a new car, there are a lot of different things you look at. From the vehicle’s size, to its power levels, design, upkeep (if it’s used), and even its drivetrain. You may have noticed that the sportier models tend to be equipped with manual transmission, while typical family sedans and SUVs generally have automatic. But what’s the difference between these transmissions? What are the benefits of each? Let’s take a closer look!

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Car fueling at a gas station

Should I put premium or regular gas in my car?

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, the engine is a key component. While the wheels and tires may have the most contact with the road, the engine literally keeps everything moving. Whether it’s a four-cylinder or a V-6, it’s important to keep everything in top condition, which can sometimes depend on the fuel that you use. We are going to explore the difference between premium and regular fuel below to answer the question: “Should I put premium or regular gas in my car?”

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A family near a car

Best Cars and Crossovers for Your Day-To-Day Commute in the Austin Area

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Posted in Honda, Toyota, Used Cars

What is the Best Commuter Car?

Did you know that the average day-to-day commute in America is 26.4 minutes or about 15 miles? In the Austin area, the average daily commute is 12.3 miles with commute times that range from 5 minutes to 75 minutes. If you live in the Austin area and are looking for a high-quality, pre-owned car, you may have asked – what is the best commuter car? With an extensive inventory of used cars, trucks and crossovers at Third Coast Auto Group, we have what you need for your day-to-day commute with available on-site financing and affordable prices.

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Santa Clause telling stories to kids

Meet Santa at These Austin Area Malls

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Posted in Community

Malls with Santa photos 2017 near Austin TX

December is right around the corner (or here already, depending on when you are reading this blog) which means that kids are excited about Santa and parents are pushing to get holiday prep wrapped up. If you are hoping to combine photos with Santa and a little Christmas shopping, these malls with Santa photos 2017 near Austin TX could be perfect. Meet the jolly man from the North Pole, take some photos, and grab a few goodies for the special people in your life at the same time.

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Side view of the Back view of the 2016 Chevy Tahoe

What’s the difference between the Chevy Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe?

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Posted in Chevrolet, Tips and Tricks

When drivers think “Chevy” and “major capability” their minds probably jump first to the classic Chevy Silverado truck. While we do have several attractive trucks like the Silverado in our inventory, two other Chevy models currently in our inventory that can deliver serious towing, hauling, and transportation options are the Chevy Suburban and Chevy Tahoe. Both of these SUVs can offer enough seating for a growing family, or can deliver towing and hauling options. But what’s the difference between the Chevy Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe?  Read the rest of this entry >>

A poster of Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoy Turkey Day on a budget with these Austin restaurants

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Posted in Community

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and there are plenty of places in Austin that will be open on the holiday to feed those who don’t want to cook for themselves. However,  not all of those Thanksgiving menus will be affordable. That is why we wanted to put together a few options for Thanksgiving dinner 2017 in Austin TX for under $30. Just because a family or individual isn’t rolling in dough doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy Thanksgiving classics like roast turkey and all the fixings. Check out our selections below!

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