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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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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A woman changing a tire

Should you drive on a flat tire?

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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A poster wishing Happy labor Day

Celebrate Labor Day 2017 on a Budget

Free Labor Day Weekend 2017 Events in Austin TX

Labor Day is a great marker for the end of summer, and also one of the last three-day weekends of the year. If you are looking for something fun and interesting to do on a budget, some of these free Labor Day weekend 2017 events in Austin TX might be right up your alley. From museums to movie showings, there are plenty of strange and wonderful things to do in our city for Labor Day.

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Customer talking to a salesman

No credit and poor credit financing at Third Coast Auto Group

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 >>

Customer talking to a salesman

How to get financing at Third Coast Auto Group

Drivers who have struggled to get credit approval in the past may be wary about applying for credit. Fortunately, here at Third Coast Auto Group, we make applying for a car loan, and getting that loan even if you have a bad credit situation, straightforward. If you are interested in getting financing for one of our quality used vehicles at one of our four locations around Austin TX, we can help. One of the first steps is filling out our easy online pre-approval form. But is it safe to do a credit application on the Third Coast Auto Group website? Absolutely! Keep reading to learn about a few of the ways we keep you safe when you apply for an auto loan at Third Coast Auto Group.

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Front view of the car being washed at a service station

When, where and how often should you clean your car?

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 >>