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What does your car’s exhaust smoke color mean? This quick guide will help you know what the different exhaust smoke colors mean and when it’s time to seek automotive repair services in Texas! Read on to learn more about common car exhaust smoke colors and what they mean.

Blue Smoke

If you’re wondering if your vehicle has a problem, there are a few things to look for. One is blue smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, which indicates that your engine is burning oil. This happens when you burn more oil than usual; it could be because of faulty rings or valve seals or other parts that need replacing. If you see blue smoke regularly (such as every morning), it’s likely that something needs replacing; otherwise, it shouldn’t happen frequently. Another cause of blue smoke is rust from an old catalytic converter. Blue smoke on occasion won’t harm your car immediately, but regular occurrences will degrade performance over time by using up necessary resources like oxygen and fuel needed to go faster or further before refilling gas tanks.

Black Smoke

This is a sure sign that something is seriously wrong. Black smoke usually results from oil burning, which happens when there’s not enough air for fuel to burn completely, or when excessive amounts of fuel are present. It can also be caused by mechanical issues with your engine. Either way, you should stop driving and check under your hood right away. The best thing to do in case of black smoke is to find a safe place to pull over and call for help.

Gray Smoke

This is normal exhaust smoke. It’s actually water vapor. If you see gray, blue or white smoke when you look at your tailpipe, don’t worry; it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your car. The color of gray smoke comes from unburned hydrocarbons (HC) in oil; HCs are present in minute amounts in combustion gases of all internal combustion engines. When catalytic converters were introduced on passenger cars to reduce emissions, unburned HC concentrations in exhaust fell quickly because modern catalysts convert nearly 100% of these compounds into carbon dioxide and water. The presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in car exhaust may give rise to a visible plume that has a ‘rotten egg’ smell.

White Smoke

Your engine has an air-fuel mixture that is too rich. This can be caused by a leaking fuel injector or faulty fuel pressure regulator, or it could be because of an incorrect oxygen sensor reading. The white smoke means there is too much fuel for your car to burn; therefore, some of it ends up in your exhaust pipe. If you don’t get it fixed soon, you will have damage to your catalytic converter(s). A clogged converter can lead to expensive replacement work. So if you see white smoke coming from your tailpipe, bring your vehicle into a shop right away.

In Conclusion

Catalytic converters use platinum and palladium to convert gases into less harmful chemicals, but eventually they run out of those metals. In some areas, car owners can request a renewal inspection at their local DMV—but not all states have one—where experts will confirm whether it’s time for a new one. Some vehicles may emit both white and blue smoke occasionally due to overheating under extreme conditions such as mountain driving or heavy loads that require large amounts of torque to move. If you have any concerns about your car’s exhaust, it’s always best to discuss with your local mechanic to get an professional opinion.

During the summer, your car’s air conditioner is a piece of really vital equipment, especially in Central Texas where temperatures soar during the summer months. A properly functioning air conditioner in your car makes those summer road trips much more bearable and fun. Luckily a car’s air conditioner doesn’t stop working instantly without some crucial warnings. Here are some common signs that will help you determine whether it is necessary to have your vehicle’s air conditioner fixed.

Not Cooling Efficiently

If you use your car’s air conditioner frequently you can usually detect ac problems immediately: you already know how each setting is supposed to work and feel. When your vehicle doesn’t provide the usual cooling effect that it should, it might be a red flag about a malfunction with the air conditioning system.

At times the signs of reduced cooling are not very noticeable. Other times however there is a drastic change and the cooling it provides is very little. Also at times, your ac may release warm air or none at all.

There are several factors that might be causing the loss of your vehicle’s cooling function. Some of them include the build-up of mold and mildew in the air conditioner’s evaporator system, a loose hose causing air not to reach the vents, a grilled ventilation fan, or something else.

Strange Sounds While the AC is On

Usually when your air conditioner is functioning perfectly there will be no noticeable noise. If your air conditioning system starts to produce funny noises when you are running it, it may be a sign you need to fix it.

The car’s air conditioner functions with the vital help of a part called a compressor. The compressor ensures there’s proper flow of cool air, by pressurizing the system. The compressor also relies on a pulley bearing to function. The air conditioning system will start producing noises if the bearing is shabby, such as squealing or grinding sounds. The bearing can be replaced.

Another vital part of the compressor that suffers wear and tear in time is the clutch. It leads to rattling sounds when it’s worn out. To solve the clutch problem you might need to buy a whole new compressor, or sometimes just a new clutch will do.

Water in the Vehicle

Typically water is supposed to be cleared out through the bottom of the car by the air conditioning system. In the case that there is a problem with the drains, the water might be blocked and accumulate inside the car. When this happens water might come out of the dash and front mats which indicates a problem that needs fixing.

Noticeable Odor

When the car’s cabin air filter is worn out, the air conditioner will pump stale air to the cabin. This can be from mold that accumulates on the evaporator case of the air conditioning system.

Detecting these problems early will help you fix your air conditioner before it stops working completely. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, or something else that indicates you need ac repair for your vehicle, contact Reliable Automotive. We’ll be happy to help you at one of our Kyle, Buda, or San Marcos auto repair shops.

Current cars have many safety improvements that can prevent you from having an accident. The most vital part of the car that can prevent accidents, however, are the brakes. Keep your brakes in good repair so you won’t be the victim of a front end crash. Pay attention to the signs that brakes are having trouble and get our car to the shop to get them fixed as soon as possible.

1. Soft Brake Pedal

You notice that the brake pedal in your car can be depressed easily, or it rests closer to the floor. There is a chance that something is wrong with your brakes. It is possibly a brake fluid leak. Leaking brakes are a dangerous situation and could cause you to lose all braking. Brake master cylinders or individual wheel cylinders can leak and also cause problems.

2. Dashboard Indicator Light

Technology has given us sensors for just about everything. Sensors include the brake system. A dashboard indicator light may light up if a problem with your brakes is detected. The light will read ABS, which stands for antilock braking system.

3. Car Pulls When Braking

Do you find your car going left or right when applying the brakes? This is another indicator that there is something that is preventing the brakes from operating correctly. You could also have impurities in the brake fluid or irregular brake pad wear, causing your car to pull when you brake.

4. Shaking in the Steering Wheel

Vibration in the steering wheel could mean your brake rotors that sit inside the wheels are worn. Rotors need to be smooth, and even in thickness so your brakes will work properly.

5. Grinding Noise When Braking

A common sign of brake problems is a screeching or grinding noise that happens when you apply the brakes. Perhaps the pads on your brakes have completely worn away, and metal is grinding on metal. Get your car to an auto repair shop ASAP if you hear grinding noises when braking.

Grinding noises can also be gravel or rocks caught in the caliper, or you may have gone too long without a brake check. Grinding could also indicate a lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes. Rust could also cause grinding noises. Whatever it is, get it checked out as soon as possible.

6. Brake Pedal Vibrates

If your brake vibrates, this can be an indication that the rotors need to be machined to a fine finish. The rotors are the parts of the system that the brake pads push against to produce the friction that stops your car. If the rotors do not have a smooth surface, the surface area available for the brake pads to use is diminished and your braking power is greatly reduced.

Sensations, sounds, and smells signal brake problems. If you hear noises like squealing, rubbing, grinding, or screeching, these are normal signs that your brake system requires attention. Address any brake noise before worn brake parts, including brake pads, cause harm to other parts of the brake system. Brakes can be expensive to fix if you let your brakes go without preventive or restorative maintenance.

Need to have your brakes checked? Reliable Automotive offers free brake checks at any of our three locations. Call today to make an appointment at one of our Kyle, Buda, or San Marcos auto shops.

Our tires are easy to forget about. After all, when we are on the road and behind the wheel of our car, we can’t see them. It’s easy to remember that old saying about things that are out of sight. Most folks probably know, however, that our tires are important to the performance and safety of our driving experience. If you are running on tires that aren’t optimal, your car, truck, SUV, or minivan won’t run as well and it might even put you, and your passengers, in danger. For this reason, and many others, it is important for you to maintain the health of your tires. An important way of doing this is by making sure that your tires are rotated at the proper intervals.

The Reasons You Should Rotate Your Tires

Instinctively, many people already know that they should rotate their tires, but many people don’t understand why they are doing it. There are several reasons why you should rotate your tires, but here are some of the most important reasons to do it:

Prolongs the Life of Your Tires – We all know the purchasing a set of tires can be expensive and not something you relish doing often. Rotating your tires when you are supposed to will help keep your tires in good shape for a longer period of time. Failure to rotate your tires could mean that you’ll be forking over money for a new set of tires sooner than expected.

Prevents Uneven Wear and Tear–A part of you might be curious to know what happens when you push the limits of rotating your tires. When a driver does that, it can lead to the uneven wear and tear of a tire. Uneven wear and tear can hurt the performance of the tire and put you in an unsafe situation.

You Will Get Better Performance–When you rotate your tires at the recommended intervals, it will maintain the health of the tire and give you better performance. This is because the tire will maintain better traction and grip longer, leading to better stability and handling for the driver.

Your Tire Warranty Requires It–All tires, like most consumer products, come with a warranty. If you want to maintain protection under that warranty, rotating your tires at the recommended intervals is required. Any expert who looks at your tires if you come in for a warranty claim will be able to tell whether they have been properly rotated or not.

Other Potential Issues May be Noticed–When you bring your vehicle into have its tires rotated, most auto shops will check other things at the same time that benefit you. They will make sure your tires are properly inflated and some mechanics may even do a cursory inspection of your brakes since the tire is off and they are easy to see at that point.

Take Charge of the Health of Your Tires

As you can see, the health of your tires is important to your vehicle’s performance and your safety. If you don’t already know, find out the proper intervals for your tire rotations and make sure you get on a regular schedule of rotating your tires.

Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex piece of equipment that is made up of multiple gears and shafts that takes power from the engine and utilizes and disperses it throughout the vehicle so that it can get you where you need to be. If something is wrong with your transmission, your vehicle cannot run properly. There are a couple of signs that issues are developing under your vehicle’s hood, and if you begin experiencing them, you will want to have your vehicle checked out by a professional San Marcos mechanic. Catching problems with your transmission early is key in avoiding costly repairs or worse, irreversible damage. Here are a few common symptoms that your transmission needs some repairs.

Burning Smell

If you ever smell a burning odor coming from your engine, this is likely a sign of a transmission issue and you will want to have this checked out immediately. This odor could be indicating a couple of different things, from the transmission overheating to old or burning transmission fluid. When you first notice the hint of a burning odor, the best thing you can do for your vehicle is get it to your mechanic before the issue escalates.

Slipping Transmission

One early warning that your transmission is having issues is if you experience it slipping. Examples of a slipping transmission can look like the acceleration being delayed, the gears shifting abnormally hard, or the RPMs going excessively high randomly while driving at a normal pace. These are all symptoms of transmission issues that you will want your local auto repair experts to be aware of so they can identify the source of the problem.

Leaking Fluid

One of the easiest symptoms to identify when it comes to transmission issues is a fluid leak. Transmission fluid is typically slick and a red color, but it can also be a brownish color if it needs to be changed. If you notice oil underneath your car after it has been parked, you can start by consulting your owner’s manual to see how to check your fluid level. If it is low, it might be due to a leak.

Rough Gear Change

If your car is having issues with shifting gears, this is probably an indication that you need transmission repair. Another symptom, more common in automatic vehicles, is a grinding or shaking when the gears do shift. It’s important to get your vehicle to your mechanic if you feel or hear anything strange while shifting as it is typically an indication of transmission issues.

Check Engine Light

Your check engine light could be an indicator of a wide range of issues, even small ones. Your dashboard has several lights to let you know if your tire pressure is off, your engine is overheating, if your gas is low, if the sensors are busted, and much more. It’s always best to find out what is causing your check engine light to come on because while it might be as simple as a loose gas cap, it could also be an indication of an issue with your transmission.

Do you suspect your vehicle might need transmission repair? Contact Reliable Automotive, an auto repair shop with locations in San Marcos, Buda, and Kyle, TX to make an appointment today.

For the fourth year in a row Reliable Automotive has been the recipient of a Best of Hays award (or two!). This year we were thrilled to be presented with the following awards:

Best Auto Repair – Mechanical

Best Transmission Repair

Curious about Best of Hays or want to learn more about our services? Just keep reading below.

About Best of Hays

The Best of Hays awards are presented annually after a ballot vote in which citizens of Hays County nominate and vote for the best businesses in a variety of categories. Traditionally the contest has been determined by paper ballots included in the San Marcos Daily Record, however in 2020 SMDR made the choice to make the voting process digital.

Once voters have had an opportunity to nominate their favorite local businesses, the top three nominations were determined in every category. Citizens were then able to vote which of these would become Best of Hays in each category.

About Reliable Automotive

Reliable Automotive has been serving the Hays County community since 2012 with auto repair shops in San Marcos, Buda, and most recently, Kyle, TX (see photos from our Grand Opening). Since the inception of our business, Reliable Automotive has striven to be the one-stop auto shop for the people of Hays County and their families. From offering car care clinics free to the public to supporting our fellow local organizations and businesses, our goal is always to bring the very best auto service to everyone who comes through our doors.

Our Auto Services

While Reliable Automotive was awarded Best of Hays recognition for our mechanical auto repair and transmission repair, we also offer a wide variety of auto repair services. Whatever the problem, when you bring your vehicle to Reliable, we’ll find a way to help. Some of our specialties include engine diagnostics, quick oil changes, brake repair, suspension repair, and more. In addition, we offer a free shuttle service to customers for their convenience.

Our Auto Repair Locations

To better serve Hays County and beyond, Reliable Automotive now has three auto shop locations in San Marcos, Buda, and Kyle, TX. Learn more about each location here:

San Marcos

Buda

Kyle

Thank You Again

Once again, we’d like to thank Hays County for voting for Reliable Automotive for Best Auto Repair – Mechanical and Best Transmission Repair. We would not be here without your support!

We’d also like to say a big thank you to all the staff at Reliable Automotive for always striving to provide the best auto repair services in Hays County. We appreciate all that you do!

Understanding how your miles-per-gallon, or MPG is affected and what can be done to keep it as high as possible can help you in many ways. All vehicles are sensitive pieces of equipment that need to be maintained, so you don’t have a problem down the road. Taking some everyday maintenance for granted can cost you at the pump. If you are ever concerned about the health of your vehicle, make sure to take it into Reliable Automotive to have the experts take a look at it.

Check Your Tire Pressure

The most common reason why you will lose MPG is due to improper inflation of your tires. This may not seem like a significant issue, but improperly inflated tires can cause the vehicle to perform less efficiently. With the vehicle performing less efficiently, it puts more strain on the engine, which causes hirer RPM’s and a loss of miles due to engine strain. Improper inflation of tires can also cause a pull making your vehicle work harder as it goes down the road. Checking the door sticker on the driver side will allow you to make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Checking your tire pressure regularly can help you stay more fuel-efficient daily.

Bad Air Flow

Air is essential when you are hoping to get the best out of your vehicle. When filters are not changed regularly, it leaves the vehicle with restricted airflow that hurts the combustion process. All engine requires a mixture of air and gas to have proper combustion allowing the engine to perform at its peak. Clogged air filters restrict the flow of air and don’t allow for the engine to get all the air it needs. Bad O2 sensors can play a role in the engine, not getting enough air. Like air filters, if the O2 sensor is bad, it will restrict airflow because it is not ready the right amount of O2 in the system and will try to compensate for that issue. The airflow needs to stay consistent, and regular maintenance of air filters are a great place to start.

Improper Combustion

Along the lines with airflow understanding that the engine needs a pure spark can also affect your fuel economy. Sparks plugs do have a life span, and if they are not sparking correctly, they can cause a miss fire making the engine work with fewer cylinders. This will drive MPG down because the engine is trying to compensate for missed cylinders. The missed cylinder will lose power output, thus cause more inefficiency in the engine. The other part of the combustion process is fuel, and the fuel filter in your vehicle helps filter out any impurities that are left in the gas during the manufacturing process. If the fuel filter is not allowing proper fuel flow, then you can see a dramatic drop in MPG due to more air getting into the system.

At Reliable Automotive, you will find a place that you can trust and experts that know just what to do when your vehicle is not running at peak performance. Having a trained professional check on your vehicle regularly will help you get the most out of your vehicle’s MPG and keep you from major repairs down the line.

Thank You Kyle, Texas!

Tuesday, March 10th 2020, local auto shop Reliable Automotive held their first Car Care Clinic at their new location in Kyle, TX. The event was free to the public and offered anyone attending the opportunity to learn basic maintenance tips about their vehicle.

Reliable Automotive Staff

Among other topics, our certified mechanics taught attendees how to check their vehicles’ fluids and gauges, tire air pressure, how to change a tire, and more. In addition to learning how to extend the life of their vehicle, those who attended the clinic were gifted free safety kits to keep in their cars for when trouble strikes on the road.

Have a Bite!

Aside from providing free information to the community about vehicle maintenance and safety, the staff at Reliable Automotive also provided food free at the event. Sausage wraps, BBQ, and even cake were served to anyone attending.

Thanks to Everyone Who Partnered with Us

The staff at Reliable Automotive put incredible effort into making the Car Care Clinic a success. They were helped along by the efforts of several local organizations that pitched in to bring even more excitement to the event. 104.9 The Horn appeared for a broadcast and gave out badges for their Ultimate Listener Appreciation Party on May 2nd, 2020, Quantum Towing helped provide food, the Kyle Police Department provided security, the Johnson High School Rosettes came to support the event, and Longhorns players Ricky Williams, Fozzy Whittaker, Marcus Johnson, and D’onta Foreman all made appearances to take photos and sign autographs.

Everyone at Reliable Automotive was pleased with the success of the event and would like to extend a truly heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and assisted at the Car Care Clinic. We can’t wait to see everyone again at future events!

Driving is an everyday experience. Being on the roads always exposes the driver and passengers to the possibilities of incidents and accidents. One contributor of accident is the result of hydroplaning. This refers to the short term or long term lost of vehicular control occurring when the tire of the vehicle looses contact with the road surface, resulting in a collision. Here we discuss ways to identify and prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning.

Track your vehicle’s tire condition

This is possibly the most important rule to remember as a driver and arguably the most important part on a vehicle since it keeps you in contact with the ground. If one isn’t firmly grounded when driving, hydroplaning becomes inevitable when the vehicle comes in contact with wet roads. Many become complacent with just any inflated tire, thinking this will keep them safe on the road. But proper tire threads are needed to keep the car safely on the ground in rainy or dry time.

Track the daily weather

No one necessarily wants to drive in rainy weather. Driving in this condition is only done when there is no other alternative or you were already driving before the rain began. Tracking future weather patterns gives you the opportunity to mentally prepare for the unpredictability of wet driving. Whenever you have the option of driving in dry conditions rather than wet, it is best to choose dry. The unpredictability of weather patterns can also be issue when the dry pavement you are driving on suddenly turns wet because of earlier scattered showers.

Choose all-season tires

All-season tires enables you to be adaptable and maintain control of the vehicle in various weather changes. So instead of having tires perfect for the wet and perform undesirable on dry, you get a tire that is good for transportation all year round.

Have Auto Shop monitor wear pattern of tires

Irregular wear pattern is a major contributor to hydroplaning in rainy weather. This pattern is most often overlooked or goes unrecognized by the everyday driver. An irregular pattern of tire tread wear is often diagnosed by qualified auto mechanics. This irregularity developes overtime from drivers neglecting the maintenance of suspension components, over inflating as well as under inflating tires. When anyone of these three situation arise, it reduces the grooved contact patch of the tire to the ground. Consequently, whenever the road is wet, the tire loses its capability to channel water outwards or inwards way from the vehicle, thus maintaining the driver’s in control of the motor vehicle.

Rotate tires regularly

Frequent tire rotation is another overlooked aspect of car maintenance that can result in a vehicle hydroplaning when the road surface is wet. This practice ensures that the driver get the most possible life and control out of each tire. In addition, it keeps a balanced tread wear pattern on all vehicle wheels (provided the vehicle’s suspension geometry is maintained). Rotating tires along with a quality tire purchase gives a driver added security when driving on the roads.

Regular vehicle maintenance reduces breakdowns and the need for costly repairs. Basic routine maintenance also extends the life of the vehicle. Some of the basic maintenance that a vehicle needs is easily handled by the driver, although following the routine maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual is also important. Drivers who follow routine maintenance needs enjoy a smooth operating, efficient vehicle for many miles ahead.

Read the Owner’s Manual

How often should the oil in the car be changed? When is it time for new spark plugs? This information and more is available inside of the vehicle owner’s manual. Better acquaint yourself with this information and follow all of the recommendations if you want a well-maintained vehicle that operates smoothly for a long time to come. If you no longer own the manual, free copies are available from the manufacturer’s website.

Air Filter Test

Remove the air filter from the car and hold it up to a light. Examine the filter. If you cannot see through the filter, it is time to replace this component. A clean air filter is a vital component for smooth vehicle operation.

Check Your Tires

Check the tires before you drive off in your car each day. Tires should always be properly inflated to ensure they provide a smooth, safe driving operation. If cars are not properly inflated, trouble can ensue, whether they’re over or under-inflated.

Track Vehicle History

Tracking your vehicle’s history report can fill you in on the potential problems with the vehicle and better ensure the vehicle receives the maintenance that it needs according to schedule. A Carfax vehicle history report is the best way to learn more about the vehicle history.

Examine the Belts & Hoses

Inspect the belts and hoses located within the engine bay. The hoses direct coolant to prevent the engine from overheating. If the hose is cracked, separated, or otherwise damaged, then it should be replaced to prevent leaks and other damage to the engine.

Oil Changes are Important

No matter what vehicle make or model you drive, an oil change is an invaluable service that prolongs the engine and promotes smooth driving efficiency. Most vehicles need an oil change once every 3,000 miles they’re driven, although some vehicles that use synthetic oils may not require a change until 6,000 miles have passed. Don’t forget to change the filter when you change the oil.

Schedule Service

It is vital that you schedule maintenance service for the car when it is time for an oil change, transmission fluid check, or other services. However, it’s important that you also schedule an appointment for service when things with the vehicle go haywire. Ignore problems and the damage only worsens, resulting in the need for even more expensive repairs and breakdowns.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, oil changes and engine checks usually come to mind, but most people tend to forget about their windshield wipers. Because windshield wiping involves relatively simple work and the wipers aren’t used that frequently, it may seem like they don’t require that much maintenance. But wipers are a crucial component to ensure safe driving, particularly when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Signs of Damaged Windshield Wipers

Ranging temperatures, frequent usage, and even humidity can all leave traces of damage on your wipers. From the wiper blades to the wiping mechanism itself, there are several different ways to tell if it’s time for you to fix or change your windshield wipers:

Streaking on the windshield after activating the wipers

A squeaking or chattering sound when wipers are running

The rubber splitting or falling off the wiper arms

The wiper blades tipping away from the windshield

The wipers don’t move when activated

Why You Should Maintain Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wiper usage can vary from city to city depending on the weather conditions, but typically the general rule of thumb for replacing wipers is to change them every six months or so. This will make sure that they function optimally to produce better visibility for the driver. And it’s no secret that visibility is one of the most important aspects of safe driving, especially if the weather takes a turn and you find yourself driving through a powerful hurricane or a storm that’s pouring rain.

A damaged windshield wiper can also lead to scratches or scuffs on your windshield, which could cause you to pay more. Rather than having to pay for windshield repairs, it’s much easier to just check and replace your wipers regularly.

How to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades

Everything, from bad weather to accidents, can cause damage to your vehicle’s wiper blades. Fortunately, replacing the blades can be quick and easy. Here are the steps you can take to change your windshield wiper blades:

Determine the size of your blades

Remove the old blades

Attach the new wiper blades

Test the windshield wipers

First, you need to measure the length of your wiper blades or check the car’s manual for the correct size. Then you can purchase replacement blades and install them. To remove the old blades from the wipers, lift the arm away from the windshield, press down on the small tab under the wiper and slide the blade off downwards. To attach the replacement, simply pull the new blade onto the arm, tightly. There should be a clicking sound when it is successfully slid into place. You may then lower the arm back onto the windshield. Now repeat the process for the opposite wiper.

Windshield wipers are an important part safe driving and should be maintained throughout the year. Regularly inspecting and replacing your wipers will ensure that they are working properly to give you the safety and security that you need. If you need help replacing your wiper blades, or are experiencing issues with the blades’ movement, visit Reliable Automotive, an auto shop in Buda, Kyle, and San Marcos, to get help from one of our professional technicians.

Want to learn more about basic maintenance for your vehicle? Come by Reliable Automotive’s Car Care Clinic to learn more about your car for free! Visit Reliable Automotive on Facebook for more information.

If you have ever taken your car in for a tune-up or to get regular maintenance done, then you have more than likely been told that you should get at least one of your car’s filters changed. If you are a good car owner, then you probably went along with it and got them changed, but chances are that you did not really know what you were doing or why you needed new filters in the first place. If you didn’t change them, what would really happen? Would your car break down? Would you be able to breathe? There are two main filters in your car: the air filter and the engine filter. Below is a guide that explains what each is, their functions, and when you need to change them.

What is the Cabin Air Filter?

When you are inside your car and breathing naturally as all humans do, then you are breathing air that gets filtered through what is known as the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter traps all of the dust, pollutants, dirt, and other gross particles that get in the air and can harm you when you breathe. In essence, it makes sure that the air that you are inhaling is fresh. If you have a dirty cabin air filter, you will end up breathing in things like pollen, mold, bacteria, car smoke, dirt, dust mites, car chemicals, etc. It is absolutely vital to make sure your cabin air filter gets changed when recommended so that you stay healthy when you drive.

What is the Engine Air Filter?

In much the same way that you breathe, your car breathes as well. The air that goes through the engine gets filtered but instead of being filtered through the cabin, it goes through an engine air filter that is found in the engine itself. The same pollutants that can get into the cabin of your car such as pollen, road dust, dirt, chemicals from the exhaust, etc. can also get into the engine. If these dirty pollutants are allowed to get into your engine, it can build up and cause it to not be able to perform at its peak performance. Your engine needs clean air in order to operate the way it should which is why it is important to change it when it is time to do so.

When to Change the Cabin Air Filter

Your cabin air filter should be changed every 30,000 miles just as you change your oil. This will make sure that the air in your car is good quality and that the airflow, whether air or heat, flows significantly better. A new cabin air filter can make the air feel less stale or musty when the air is turned on.

When to Change the Engine Air Filter

Your engine air filter should also be changed every 30,000 miles. It can help you get more gas mileage, better your air-flow, and improve the way your engine is able to perform. It will help to protect your engine from wear and tear and keep you from having to pay for expensive, preventable, engine repairs down the road.

Is it time to change your cabin or engine air filter again? Visit Reliable Automotive, an auto repair shop with locations in San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda, TX, to get your filters changed today!

The best way to compare your car’s transmission to another object with a similar purpose would be to think of how the skeleton of a human body works in general. Much like how the human skeleton keeps the human body moving, a transmission helps keep the car working as it should. Both objects also need to be taken care of, with the skeleton requiring calcium and exercise and the transmission needing maintenance regularly.

Basic Facts on Transmissions

The transmission works by making use of a gear ratio that has both the engine and drive wheels correlate as the speed changes. It’s mainly controlled by the clutch, which has both parts of the car disconnect when it’s moved around by the shift stick. This description best describes how manual transmissions work because automatic transmissions don’t exactly function like them. In comparison, automatic transmissions make use of a torque converter installed that doesn’t require its driver to change gears because it already knows when a vehicle is accelerating or slowing down.

What to do With Transmission Fluid

This is mainly recommended for any car owners that know how to check on their transmissions without a problem, so to speak. First, you should search for the fluid dipstick on the engine and see if it’s covered in the substance when it’s removed. Then wipe it away if it’s entirely covered and see how far it reached to the indicator. Finally, insert it into the transmission before removing it and determining if it’s good or not. This should mainly be done when your car reaches a specific amount of miles, though that will vary depending on the manufacturer’s vehicles. To add transmission fluid, simply have the dipstick removed and slowly pour it into the engine. There are other pieces of info to take note of regarding transmission fluid:

The color of transmission fluid starts as pink or red before it starts to get darker due to use or color fade, though it also depends on the brand used to make the color.

Each car model has its own transmission fluid specifications, and using the wrong one will affect your warranty

Mixing transmission fluids is strictly prohibited; it’s better to stick with what comes in a single purchase of fluid.

Your fluid may need to be checked on more often if your vehicle continuously accelerates or is in constant traffic.

Pouring too much transmission fluid can mess up a vehicle’s engine, so be sure to take your time with the fluid while checking on how far it reaches to the indicator.

How Do Mechanics Check Your Vehicle’s Transmission?

If you’re not entirely comfortable with checking on your car’s transmission, it’s probably best to leave it to the mechanics instead. Their diagnostic services will determine what’s causing a specific problem in the transmission by running a fair number of tests. Aside from checking over the condition of the fluid, they also check on the performance of your vehicle as well as have its controls looked over while it’s on a lift. Additionally, they can use their computers to better pinpoint what needs to be fixed, which helps in preventing human error in the long run.

According to mechanics, if there’s one area that people are most confused about in their cars, it’s the suspension system. Car owners generally only know that shock absorbers are supposed to smooth out the ride. Here we discuss how a vehicle’s suspension works and why it’s important.

Your car’s suspension system is essentially designed to maximize the friction between the tires on the road and the body of the vehicle in order to provide better control and handling of the vehicle and to ensure the comfort of the driver and passengers.

How It All Works

The purposes of the suspension system is to handle all the up and down forces of the tires as a vehicle turns corners or hits bumps. This allows you to not only have better control of the vehicle but also to avoid severe bouncing on the driver and the passengers.

There are many parts of the suspension such as the springs, the dampers, the shock absorbers, the suspension system and anti-sway bars for example. They each work together to keep your tires solidly in touch with the pavement, and to control the counter-forces that occur while driving.

One thing to consider is that certain parts of your suspension system like the ball joints, the shock absorbers and the struts don’t last forever. Manufacturers might have you believe that you may get 50,000 miles on a set of shocks, but it would be smart to have them inspected shortly before the 36,000-mile mark since many car warranties end shortly thereafter.

Why It’s Important

Imagine if your vehicle was traveling 70 miles an hour, and then out of nowhere a huge block of wood was right in front of you. You swerve, but one wheel goes substantially over the wood. Without a suspension system, you might have a severe rollover effect.

Not only do you want to avoid accidents due to a poor suspension system, but if the money is coming out of your pocket, it can get expensive. Expect to pay $450-$900 for a pair of replacement structs, and $250 to $580 to replace a pair of shock absorbers.

Five things you can do to check your suspension include:

#1. Pay attention to whether the drive seems rougher.

This, of course, can be because of bad roads, but if general the road seems rougher almost everywhere, you may have a problem with your suspension.

Also listen for noticeable squeaks as you drive.

#2. Pay careful attention to how your vehicle turns

If you feel like as your vehicle turns your car or truck is fighting you, the chances are great your suspension needs to be checked.

#3. Inspect the wear of your tire tread

Your tires should wear evenly and if they don’t, there is likely a problem with your vehicle’s camber. the angle your wheel sits in relationship to the road.

#4. Brake sharply and watch your hood.

If your hood dips as you brake, you may have a suspension problem.

#5. Look to see if your car looks level

Your car shouldn’t sag anywhere but should be level in both the front and back

It’s so essential to keep your suspension system operating properly that the alternative, either a complete suspension replacement or a major accident makes the fees involved seem quite reasonable.

There are plenty of reasons to be thankful your car has an on-Board Diagnostic system(OBD). The invention and innovation of the OBD system allows cars to perform more efficiently and cuts back on much carbon is released from a car. Not all car owners will be worried about the efficiency of a car or how much carbon their car is emitting but every car owner wants to keep their investment running. With your cars OBD system, keeping your car running is much easier for you and your mechanic.

How does a Car Diagnostic test work

In the past, it was impossible for car manufacturers to create a system that could manage and keep track of multiple parts of a vehicle. Since 1996 all New vehicles have been required to use OBD-II(The latest standard and specification for car OBD systems) There can be more than a dozen different sensors on your vehicle, these sensors are constantly feeding this information to different ECUs(Electronic control units) throughout your car. This system as a whole is called the Controller Area Network bus(CANbus). It allows all systems on your car to constantly be connected, similar to how you can share a folder between multiple computers. A mechanic can access and sometimes make changes to this information by using a scanner tool.

What problems can a Car Diagnostic test find

While generally, a diagnostic test will not tell a mechanic exactly what is wrong with your vehicle, the test can help narrow down where the problem can be found. using a scanner tool a mechanic may receive a code from any of the following electronic control units.

Engine Control Module(ECM) The ECM monitors sensors in the engine bay to ensure your vehicle is receiving the correct air-fuel mixture and regulates the emission control system. The ECM uses sensors to control things like the timing of spark plugs firing, the timing and amount of fuel released into each cylinder, oxygen to fuel ratio around the exhaust to detect problems.

Transmission control Module TCM The TCM uses information from the ECM and Transmission Control Unit(TCU) to decide when the transmission needs to shift. The TCM can even take information from the throttle body and traction control system to reduce things like wheel spin. Traditional manual vehicles do not have a TCM.

Powertrain Control Module(PCM) The PCM usually contains the ECM and TCM in a single unit. By having the ECM and TCM in a single unit it allows for better coordination between the two systems, which can allow for smoother shifting or better fuel economy.

Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) The EBCM controls and monitors the antilock braking system(ABS). The EBCM uses information like wheel speed and other braking system sensors to activate the ABS when it is needed.

Body Control Module (BCM) The BCM controls and monitors various electronic accessories in your vehicle. This includes things like lights, door locks, mirrors, and air-conditioning.

When to take your car in for a Diagnostic Test

Anytime your car is throwing a trouble code or potentially showing signs of having an issue you should take your car in for a diagnostic test but you can also take your car in annually to be tested. Taking your car in annually for a diagnostic test can help you avoid major repair bills by resolving small problems before they become big issues.

You should always have your tires aligned. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Sometimes, drivers wait until their car is vibrating on the road, pulling in the opposite driving direction, or their tires are being destroyed long before they should wear and tear. Your tires should last three to four years, so make sure you get your money’s worth. It would be a shame to need new tires before you actually do, because all you really need is a tire alignment.

What to Expect

During a tire alignment, the mechanic will adjust the suspension. Against contrary thought that the actual wheels are being adjusted themselves, all the mechanic has to do is fix the angles at which all of the tires touch the surface you are driving on. Without the proper angle, steering can become difficult and sometimes altogether inaccurate. Once the suspension of the vehicle is adjusted, the vehicle can proceed to drive forward, left, or right, depending on the steering motion.

Although you should be cautious, this information is not to scare you. There are ways to know you should have your tires aligned. Today, most drivers are on a budget and look to save as much money as possible. To do so, unnecessary mechanical fixes are something to avoid. So, pay attention and you will learn the warning signs of a tire alignment that needs fixing. Also, please do not use this information as a means of certification. It is always recommended to get a licensed professional to take a look at your car, at a time of uncertainty about your vehicle’s condition.

When to Get Your Tires Aligned

If you notice that your tires are not receiving the wear and tear from the road at an evenly distributed pace, this may be a sign your car needs to have a tire alignment. With the proper alignment, your vehicle’s tires will wear and tear evenly, and they can usually be replaced at the same time. To avoid having to replace one tire before the others, pay attention to the wear and tear on your tires. If you notice one or more tires are not in as good condition as the others, it may be time for you to have a professional take a look at your vehicle to see if you need a tire alignment.

If you are driving on a straight path and notice that your vehicle is pulling to the left or right instead of going forward, this may be another sign that your vehicle might need a tire alignment. Drive with extreme caution and do not panic. With the proper alignment, your vehicle should always we going straight and not pulling to the left or right.

If you are steering your vehicle straight and notice that the steering wheel is off center, then it may be time for you to have a professional take a look at your vehicle to see if it needs a tire alignment. Your steering wheel should always be centered, so this is a red flag in any scenario, while driving.

Also, if you ever feel your steering wheel vibrating as you drive, then this is another red flag that you should have a professional look at your vehicle. Your vehicle’s steering wheel should not be vibrating, and the proper wheel alignment will prohibit this from happening.

The fuses in the car can overheat or meltdown leading to additional issues. If one small fuse is blown this can cause a lot of problems and the car may not run until the fuse is replaced. These are some tips for checking the fuses to determine which fuse may no longer be working.

How to Check the Fuses

The fuse blocks are often located on the front driver’s side of the car. They may also be in the kick panel on a truck. Use the owner’s manual to locate the fuse box. Use the owner’s manual to look at the different fuses to try to determine which one is causing the issue. The manual will explain what the different fuses are used for and what they operate. There are some ways to check and see if the fuse is blown.

Multimeter

A multimeter is a digital unit that can be used to check the fuses. It will be able to tell a person is the fuse has gone bad and if it needs to be replaced. This device can be found at the local automotive parts store.

Voltage

The DMM can be used to measure the voltage of a fuse to determine if it is still working. The DMM should be set to 12 V and then connect to the battery negative terminal. The positive side should be put on the fuse in question. If the fuse is good it will have a measurement of 12V or 13.5 if the engine of the car is running. If the fuse is bad it will have a zero reading on either side.

Voltage Drop

This is another test to determine if the fuse is good. Both positive and negative probes can be used. A good fuse will have a reading of 0V with no drop. A fuse that is no longer good will have a rating of 12V and there will be a full drop. This means no voltage is available for the fuse.

Continuity

The fuse should be removed from the fuse box and each end should be examined for continuity. A good fuse will have a measure near 0 and the bad fuse will show 0L.

Test Light

An LED test light is an easy way for a person to check a fuse. The light’s clips are connected to the power and the ground or the battery terminal. Each side of the fuse is then probed. A good fuse will show a power reading which will turn the light red. If the fuse is no longer good only one side will show the power and the other will showground. A green light will turn on the device.

These are some ways that a person can test the fuses in their car to see if they are blown. A blown fuse needs to be replaced so a person can continue to operate their car.

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