Austin Auto Repair

The alternator makes up your vehicle’s electrical charging system. It is responsible for charging your car battery as well as powering many accessories. When your alternator gives out, your car will eventually die and stay dead until it gets fixed. The good news is that you can sometimes tell when the alternator is about to die.  When your battery is dead or not working like it used to, please do not skip the step of looking at your alternator. If the alternator is the culprit, your vehicle will not be able to provide the spark plugs with enough power to start your engine and keep it running. Below are all the signs that indicate your alternator is at the fault of your starting problems: Dashboard Warning Light On Some cars have an ALT or GEN light that comes on when the alternator is faulty. In other cars, it may simply be the light that looks like a battery. Either way, please bring your car to our auto repair shop to have your dashboard warning light diagnosed.  ... read more

Like other filters in your car, the fuel filter serves to keep dirt, debris, and other harmful particles out of your vehicle's critical systems. It allows your gas or fuel to pass through the pump and eventually injectors cleanly. Unfortunately, fuel filters will be dirty over time. As a result, you will allow the harmful contaminants to pass the filter and clog up the injectors and harm the fuel-burning process. To save you from frequent fill-ups and expensive repairs down the line here is how to be on the lookout for a dirty fuel filter. Trouble Driving at Lower Speeds Rough Idling - due to fuel flow restriction and inconsistent delivery of fuel. Stalling - the engine may cut off altogether if the blockage in the fuel system is severe enough. Problems Starting - if you can't get your engine to start, consider checking out the fuel filter. Most of the time, it is due to the inability ... read more

Your vehicle's brake pedal should be firm and sturdy when you press down on it. So, if it feels spongy and soft, there must be a problem. This component plays a crucial role in controlling your vehicle, so the unnerving sensation can compromise your vehicle's overall performance and safety. You must therefore have your car checked immediately and the issue resolved before getting back on the road. Here are some of the common symptoms of spongy brake pedals: The brake pedal is always sinking You have to constantly pump your pedal to prevent it from creeping ahead The brakes warning light comes on Causes of Spongy Brakes Air is a Major Culprit It is not unusual for air to find its way into the brake lines interfering with the smooth flow of the brake fluid. Besides, your vehicle's brake fluid might have absorbed moisture with time, especially when your bleeder valve loosens. In such a case, a mechanical technician will perform brake bleeding (flushing the brakes) to elim ... read more

When people think of automotive maintenance, oil changes are usually the first thing that comes to their mind (and with good reason). This quick, inexpensive service is absolutely essential in ensuring your vehicle’s health and performance. Without clean engine oil flowing through your motor, you can suffer numerous problems that can lead to outright engine failure.    Here are the top 3 reasons why oil changes are mandatory services that you should never miss: Lowers Engine Temperature - Motor can help keep your engine cooled in two ways. First, it does so by minimizing friction between the moving parts of the engine. Secondly, certain oils are advanced enough to absorb some of the heat. After some time, the oil loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced. Remove Build-Up in the Engine - Engine oil also picks up dirt, metal shavings, and other contaminants as it flows. This can build up over time to create oil sludge, which can overwork your engine. To prevent ... read more

With hot temperatures in Austin, you can cool off AND get a chore done by washing your car. Who doesn’t want a clean, sparkling car for the summer? Before you bring out the hose, buckets, and sponge, read on to learn about the best at-home car wash practices. Car Washing Tips Have all the supplies you need - You're going to need a hose, sponges, at least one bucket (preferably two), and microfiber cloths. And be prepared to dress for the occasion. Wear clothes and shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting wet and dirty. Avoid using harsh cleaners - When people opt to wash their vehicle at home, they tend to grab what is available. A cleaning agent that people tend to grab is dish soap. However, we strongly advise against using dish soap as it could be too harsh for your car’s paint. It is better to invest in a car cleaner instead. Wash your car in the shade - While this may sound counter intuitive, you don’t want your car drying too fast. Otherwise, it could ... read more