Food items kept for donation

What car companies are supporting Hurricane Harvey relief?

After a huge natural disaster like Hurricane Harvey, many companies large and small pitch in to help communities get back on their feet. Some of the largest companies in the nation are in the auto industry, and these businesses and brands are also chipping in to help Houston recover from the extensive flooding and damage left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. What car companies are supporting Hurricane Harvey relief? Most companies with a large presence in the USA are chipping in to help Houston. Read the rest of this entry >>

Mechanic repairing a vehicle

Basic Fall Car Care Tips

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 >>

A family showing keys of a vehicle

Can you get a car loan with a credit score of 600 or below?

Getting a car loan can be both useful and necessary if you have a low credit score. Vehicles are an important transportation need in many areas, and getting a car loan can sometimes help improve a person’s credit score if a regular payment history is shared with one of the credit evaluation agencies. But sometimes it can be challenging to get financing for a new or used car when your credit score isn’t that good. Can you get a car loan with a credit score of 600 or below? That depends on where you go.

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Traffic roundabout with light trails

What are the advantages of traffic circles?

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 >>

Side view of the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Engine, and motor, and battery, oh my! Hybrid Powertrains 101

Electric and hybrid cars are all the rage these days. More and more manufacturers are starting to produce them and there are multiple different types. But how does a hybrid engine work? The science and technology that goes into an hybrid vehicle is fairly interesting, and looking at it can give you a better idea of what is available in the automotive market today (and what it might mean for car buyers).

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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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