Side view of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

What’s the Difference Between Automatic Transmission and CVT?

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Posted in Technology, Tips and Tricks

Automatic Transmission vs Continuously Variable Transmission

The general understanding of most drivers is that you have two choices when it comes to the transmission in your vehicle. The differences between those two are obvious, in that one of them requires the driver to personally switch gears themselves. However, in recent years, many car models have begun adopting a continuously variable transmission system. While it is also a variation on automatic transmission, what it is the difference between them? Read more for an automatic transmission vs continuously variable transmission comparison. 

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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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Food items kept for donation

What car companies are supporting Hurricane Harvey relief?

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Posted in Community, Texas

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

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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 >>

A family showing keys of a vehicle

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

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Posted in Finance

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?

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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 >>

Side view of the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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

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Posted in Technology

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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