Austin Auto Repair

Imagine you hop in the car with your family for a weekend getaway. After a few miles on the road, the engine starts smoking. What would you do?   Ensure that you maintain your engine properly and on schedule to avoid such inconveniences. However, if your engine overheats anyway (it can still happen despite maintaining your car), this article gives you some tips on what you can do (and not do!) during such a disaster.   What Causes Engines to Overheat? Multiple factors can cause your engine to overheat. In most cases, it would be due to something wrong within your car's cooling system; as a result, heat does not escape the engine compartment effectively.   Below are some reasons behind an engine overheating: Broken water pump A cooling system leak Clogged coolant hose Faulty radiator fan No matter the source of the problem, an overheating engine is not something you should ignore. The damage can be far more costly if unatte ... read more

Are you struggling to keep your vehicle in between the marked lines? Your car is most likely pulling in one direction, which means something is terribly wrong. Not only is car pull disturbing, but it can also be very dangerous to a certain degree. Many things can cause your car to pull left or right: uneven tire pressure, wheel misalignment, or worn suspension parts. Here's how to troubleshoot the problem! STEP 1: FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE ISSUE  Does it pull left or right? And does the direction vary? Does it pull when you speed up, or particularly when you apply the brakes? Recognizing these little details can help you (and your technician) hone in the cause quicker. STEP 2: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE  Incorrect tire pressure is the most popular explanation for why your car can't drive straight. With over or under-inflated tires, your vehicle may feel wobbly and lean. This pull can happen right or left, depending on which tires are affected. Not only will you exper ... read more

Thousands of people pack up their vehicles and head to see family for stuffing, turkey, and football during the Thanksgiving holiday season. If you are one of those people traveling this busy holiday, please prepare yourself for the busy roads. Here are three simple steps you should do before your travels: Inspect Your Vehicle - One of the easiest things you can do for your and others' safety is by taking your vehicle to Gordon Automotive for a pre-trip inspection. We can take a look for any noticeable damages, ensure all your lights, tires, and safety features are operational, and more. Additionally, you should also top off your vehicle's fluids before hitting the road, including your oil, antifreeze, etc. Lastly, please remember to refresh your wiper blades, as the holiday season can bring on unexpected weather. Test Major Components - It can be challenging to check all your important components, especially if you're not familiar with where everything is. For instance ... read more

As a vehicle owner, it's imperative to recognize the importance of routine car maintenance and the responsibility of ownership. For your everyday commutes, there are things you absolutely have to have in your car to ensure the safety of you and others. Whenever you get behind the wheel, you should always feel prepared for the worst. First Aid Kit In the event of any unforeseen injuries (vehicle accident-related or not), you need a first aid kit. This little box can be suitable to be stored in your glove box. The items inside the first aid kit will not treat a severe injury, but they can come in handy when a minor injury needs treatment. Major injuries should require professional medical assistance ASAP. Spare Tire One of the most unfortunate and unexpected events that you can experience on the road is a popped tire. A spare tire is always necessary to keep in your vehicle. It is called a spare, after all! To replace your tires, you'll also require the right tools, such as a ... read more

If you get a whiff of gas and you're not filling your car's tank or within proximity of a gas station, then it may be a sign of trouble. You may be wondering how or why it is happening. Today, we'll go over the common reasons why you may be smelling this fume.   Common Reasons for a Strong Gas Smell in Your Car Loose Gas Cap  Your gas cap must be adequately shut and in place whenever you fill it up. It also needs to be in working condition and free of cracks. Gas fumes can escape through your cap, and you will indeed be able to smell them. Some modern cars will notify you if your gas cap isn't closed all the way. Gasoline Leaks  Fuel leaks can stem from several places, including the injector, the fuel tank, the fuel line, or the fuel injection line. An obvious sign you have a gas leak is a dark puddle under your vehicle. If you notice puddles, then you should take your car to a repair shop ASAP. Broken Canister  Your canister accumulates char ... read more