Posted on 12/4/2019
How Auto A/C Works It's nice to know the basics of your car's important systems, especially when it's time for repair or service. That way, you know what is going on with your vehicle. Austin's Automotive Specialists in Lakeway, Texas, is always happy to explain things on the spot, or you can keep reading to learn more about your car's A/C system! Refrigerant Refrigerant, also commonly known as Freon, fills the A/C system. It changes physical properties from gas to liquid as it moves through the different parts of the A/C system — the compressor and condenser. As it changes temperature and state, it absorbs the heat, which makes the air left behind cooler. Car AC doesn't work by creating cool air. Instead, it removes heat and moisture to make the cabin feel more comfortable. Compressor The compressor is powered by the car's serpentine belt. It places the refrigerant under extremely high pressure, causing it to liquefy and warm up. Once it's hot, the refrigerant moves from the com ... read more
Posted on 12/2/2019
Why You Need Regular Service Why does your car need a wheel alignment? The culprits that throw off your vehicle's geometry are often unavoidable. That's why so many automotive professionals, including Austin's Automotive Specialists of Round Rock, recommend regular wheel alignment service. That will ensure you are always driving your vehicle in its best form. Regular Wear & Tear How does a vehicle fall out of alignment? Sometimes, the answer is as simple as this: it just happens. If you are driving your car, it's undergoing normal wear and tear. Part of the process may affect the wheel positioning. That's why it's important for all drivers to stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Even if you don't think that your alignment is off, it might need a few degrees of adjustment to get back to the factory settings. Skipping wheel alignment as part of your routine maintenance can lead to multiple problems. Your tires might wear out sooner. The engine might need more fre ... read more
Posted on 11/29/2019
Supporting Clean Engine Performance If you own a car, you hear about oil changes all the time because your vehicle regularly needs them. One part of fluid service that some drivers don't know about is the oil filter, which should also be changed during your visit. Austin's Automotive Specialists in Leander, Texas, summarizes everything you need to know about the oil filter if you care about having a clean and healthy engine. What it Does The oil filter removes contaminants from the motor oil. “But how does the oil get contaminated if it's brand new?” Good question. Not all motor oils are the same. Some are less pure and may contain particles even right out of the bottle. Dirt, dust, and debris from daily driving also find their way into your vehicle and the motor oil. Since that's unavoidable, oil filters are used to trap them and prevent anything from building up in the engine. Without the oil filter, dirt and contaminants would build up in the engine and damage parts. Tha ... read more
Posted on 11/27/2019
VW: A History Are you a fan of Volkswagen vehicles? Think you know everything about the German brand's history? Some of these facts from Austin's Automotive Specialists might surprise you! Volkswagen & The Third Reich Who does Volkswagen have to thank for its start and initial success in the automotive industry? Adolf Hitler. He commissioned Ferdinand Porsche (yes, the same one who went on to create Porsche cars) to engineer an economical automobile option for families in Germany. He wanted it to comfortably carry two adults and three children and travel at least 60 miles per hour — a version of a vehicle for the people! Porsche came up with the VW Beetle. That explains where the name comes from, too. Volkswagen translates to “the People's Car.” During the Nazi Regime, no one who purchased a VW Beetle received it. The World's Car Despite a lawsuit against Volkswagen, the Beetle gained popularity around the world. VW was sued for the design of the Beetle by Tatra ... read more
Posted on 11/26/2019
Brand-Specific Services If you own a Mercedes, you enjoy a level of both luxury and performance that not everyone experiences. These vehicles are engineered above and beyond, with both impressive automotive prowess and impeccable interior style and design. That's what makes your Mercedes so much fun to own and drive! To keep your Mercedes driving the way it should, it needs specific care. These services aren't like the ones you would perform on just any vehicle. They are tailored to the needs of these high-performance cars and SUVs. Austin's Automotive Specialists of Round Rock is here to explain the unique needs of your Mercedes-Benz. A & B Service Mercedes doesn't play around when it comes to maintenance. All of their newer vehicles are outfitted with onboard maintenance tracking systems, which alert the driver as soon as the maintenance is needed. All the driver has to do is find a trustworthy repair team to handle the service properly. Following the Mercedes-Benz A and B Servic ... read more