Austin's Best Choice for Auto Repair

When most people think of tire maintenance, they think of tire pressure. Is your tire under-inflated, over-inflated, or completely flat? All of these aspects are important and deserve your undivided attention. However, there is one aspect of a tire that is infamously forgotten about - the tire valve stem. The tire valve stem is just a piece of plastic, right? So, what’s the big deal? The tire valve stem cap is a critical component of the tire because it helps maintain tire pressure. Every tire has a Schrader valve; this valve is necessary to keep tires inflated. The tire valve cap acts as a cap for the Schrader valve. Without the tire cap, the Schrader valve is not completely leak proof. When the tire cap isn’t on, the Schrader valve becomes exposed to road elements such as water, dirt, and road salt. If the valve becomes dirty or damaged, air from the tire is more likely to leak out. Tire leaks can cause significant damage to all components of your tires and lead to a de ... read more

This year summer is bringing a lot of sun and blazing heat. This season is the perfect opportunity for a road trip. Gas prices may not be as low as they once were, but with some simple adjustments to your driving habits, you can get summer gas mileage. Below are some fuel-saving ideas to get better gas mileage for your summer road trip. Avoid driving too aggressively. Take your time and drive safely. There is no need to drive in a way that risks your life and the lives of others. Not only is weaving in and out of traffic dangerous, but it’s also bad for your gas mileage. Aggressive driving with hard braking and acceleration decreases your gas mileage by 33%, according to energy.gov. Slow down. Do you like to do a little “pedal to the metal” sometimes? It’s a guilty pleasure for most. To save on gas mileage, slow down a bit when driving. For every 5mph that you drive over 50 mph, your fuel efficiency drops. Use the A/C strategically. Using the A/C at high spee ... read more

How to Deal with the Dashboard Light You're driving along when a light illuminates on your dashboard. You look down and see a little icon of an oil can. That is your change oil light. If you are like a lot of drivers, you aren't fully sure what it means. So, most of the time, you just take it to your mechanic. Of course, a lot of other drivers just ignore the light. Below is a little of what you need to know about what it means. The Change Oil Soon Light Most vehicles have a change oil soon light. This turns on when you need to change your oil soon. Undoubtedly, you are shocked by this revelation. Don't wait on getting that oil change. Whether you do it yourself or have someone take care of it for you, it is best to take care of it right away. You can likely drive for around a week after it turns on without an issue. However, it is not worth the risk to push the limits. Just get the oil change then continue driving. This type of light counts the miles between oil changes. When you have ... read more

From Oil Changes to Engine Repair Whether you live in Austin or are just passing through, it's important to make sure your Audi is in good working order, so you don't end up stranded on a busy roadway. Fortunately, Austin's Automotive Specialists is here to perform Audi repair whenever you need it. To make sure you need repairs as infrequently as possible, here are some Audi maintenance tips you may want to follow. Transmission Maintenance Is your car having trouble shifting, or does it tend to make strange noises when you shift? These are common indications of a transmission problem. You may be able to resolve the issue by performing the following maintenance tips: Replace your transmission fluid Replace your transmission filter Replace your outer CV joints if you're having issues with your driveline You can figure out your transmission code by looking up your vehicle's VIN number. If these fixes don't resolve the issue, schedule Audi repair in Austin as soon as you can. Engine Main ... read more

What You Need to Know and Why Are you using the proper oil in your vehicle? Motor oil comes in a range of types and weights, and every brand seems to have slightly different additives featured. If you're feeling lost comparing motor oils for your next oil change, find out all you need to know about oil viscosity and convenient oil changes. What Is Viscosity? Viscosity refers to the thickness of your motor oil. More importantly, it describes the thickness of oil at various temperatures. As your engine is running, your motor oil heats up and thins out. Cooler temperatures, particularly freezing temperatures, dramatically thicken the engine oil. That this means is that your oil weight and climate both play a part in the efficiency of your engine. Why Does It Matter? To properly lubricate your engine, your oil needs to remain within set parameters of viscosity. Too thin, and it won't properly coat moving components. Too thick, and it won't flow properly to avoid friction. This balance can ... read more