Posted on 12/26/2019
Into the Garage Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the garage doors at the auto repair shop? Get a peek into what the technicians at Austin's Automotive Specialists in Austin, Texas, do every day! One of the most common tasks we do is engine diagnostics. In this post, we explain how we diagnose and fix check engine lights on all makes and models! Check Engine Light Triggers Before a car arrives in our shop, the check engine light comes on, alerting the driver that some kind of professional service is necessary. What causes that? There are so many reasons why a check engine light might come on. The computer system that tracks the health of major systems — the engine, exhaust, electrical, and so on — detects when something's wrong. Then it illuminates the check engine light. Behind the Light The only way to know what has triggered a check engine light is to use a scanner tool. You can purchase one at home or visit your local automotive professional to have them r ... read more
Posted on 12/23/2019
Why You Need Auto A/C Repair We're all familiar with the struggle. You get into your vehicle in the heat of summer, turn it on, and the A/C won't work. It doesn't get cold, or it doesn't blow strong enough to cool you down. When this happens, some people get into the shop right away for repairs. Others don't mind and decide to deal with it, but is that bad for your vehicle. Auto A/C problems might be more complicated than you think. Our pros at Austin's Automotive Specialists in Austin, Texas, can offer some insight, so you know what to do if your car's A/C breaks. Potential Damage When your A/C stops working, you might shrug it off and think, “what's wrong with being hot for a little while?” There's always the option of rolling down the windows to get the air moving while you're driving. While this solution might be suitable for some, it might not be the best for your vehicle. Some causes of A/C failure will lead to severe damage if they aren't handled quickly. Sometimes t ... read more
Posted on 12/20/2019
Will Your Car Need These Repairs? As Volkswagen repair experts, the technicians at Austin's Automotive Specialists in Austin, Texas, are familiar with the unique needs and weaknesses of those vehicles. While Volkswagens are designed to meet the same standards as every other competitive brand in the world, they are still susceptible to a unique set of issues. Like with other manufacturers, there are some areas of auto manufacturing that fall short over the lifespan of the vehicle. This shouldn't make you wary of purchasing a Volkswagen — they are great cars! This information can just help you prepare for the repairs it will need throughout its lifetime. Leaks Fluid leaks can occur in any vehicle, but they are notably problematic in some Volkswagen models. Whether or not your VW develops an oil leak will depend on how often you service it. Following a routine oil change schedule and sticking to the brand's maintenance recommendations may help you avoid oil leaks altogether. Oil lea ... read more
Posted on 12/18/2019
Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Explained Do you own a Mercedes? Do you understand its maintenance needs? Since your vehicle is a high-performance machine, it requires specific services. If you're curious about what those services are, keep reading! The pros at Austin's Automotive Specialists in Austin, Texas, explain what we do during Mercedes A and B Service. How it Works Taking care of a luxury vehicle isn't the same as it would be for just any car. You have to know what it needs and when. Fortunately, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have already figured this out. They lay out the requirements to make it easy for both drivers and mechanics to follow. Each maintenance schedule — A and B — has a list of services that the car needs. Those schedules will be required at different intervals, such as when your car reaches 10K, 50K, or 100K miles. Don't worry about keeping track of the intervals, as your car's computer tracker, the Flexible Service System, will let you know! Our technicia ... read more
Posted on 12/16/2019
What Affects Vehicle Lifespan? There are many reasons for the popularity of Toyotas in Cedar Park, Texas — their style, driveability, safety features, and so on. One of the most alluring features is the brand's well-known reliability and longevity. They make cars that will last a long time. Or so you hear. For some people, that expectation falls short when their car suddenly needs major repairs. So what's the truth? How long can you expect your Toyota to last? The pros at Austin's Automotive Specialists dive into the main factors that affect your vehicle's lifespan to help answer that question. Are Toyotas Built Well? A good foundation is the starting point to a healthy vehicle. Historically, there have been some cheaply produced cars that are known to have short lifespans. It's hardly worth investing in a vehicle that won't last long. Fortunately for Toyota owners, these vehicles are designed to meet the highest standards. They are built using state-of-the-art technology and hig ... read more