Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog

While here in Austin we aren’t going to get the intense ice and snow you can see in the northern part of the country, fall still marks the changing of the seasons, and the slow transition into winter. Regular car maintenance can be important all the time, but when it changes from summer to fall is a great time to take a little more care. Following a few basic fall car care tips is a great way to extend the life of your vehicle, If you are wondering “How should I get my car ready for winter?”, check out our overview below. (more…)

Roundabouts, also called traffic circles, aren’t that common in Austin TX. However, these circular intersections are becoming more and more popular. According to one study, roundabouts decreased traffic delays by 20 percent. In a study of intersections that had changed from a traditional stop light to a roundabout, the traffic circle reduced the overall number of collisions by an estimated 37 percent, and dropped fatal collisions by up to 90 percent. That’s a huge drop in driving accidents! But how should you drive in a roundabout? We have step by step instructions. (more…)

While there are plenty of warning signs for many car problems (weird noises, weirder smells, dashboard warning lights) one of the most disturbing signs of something going wrong is shaking. Whether it happens at high speeds or low speeds, this is a pretty clear sign that something is out of wack. But what can make your car shake? There can be a lot of causes, but the most common issues have to do with your tires or brakes. Keep reading for a better idea of some problems.

It’s finally the weekend and your excitement for the annual family retreat to Willow Point and the cabin on Lake Buchanan rouses you from your slumber with the rising sun.  You scramble some eggs while the bread toasts, and then sit on the back deck and enjoy a solemn breakfast beneath the warm sunrise.  Breathing in the fresh morning air, you take the last sip of your coffee and decide to start your weekend of leisure by washing the car while everyone else sleeps.  After all the suds have been rinsed away and the Chevy Suburban sparkles like a diamond under new day sunshine, it’s time to tackle the interior.  You open the rear passenger door and climb inside with your trusty vacuum hose in hand and are immediately hit in the face with the foulest odor man has ever created.  You attempt to filter the filthy smell by breathing strictly from your mouth while you scurry out of the vehicle.  The smell is so terrible you consider lighting the Suburban on fire and replacing it before anyone wakes and is any wiser, but better judgement takes over and you attempt to pinpoint the abomination and remove it without force.

What happens if you drive with a flat tire? 

A flat tire can completely ruin your day. Not only will you not be able to get where you need to go on time, you’ll likely end up paying for an expensive new tire, and if you don’t know how to change your tire, you’ll need to call a tow truck. If you don’t react to a flat tire the right way, it could make your already bad day worse.   (more…)

A car is probably one of the most important purchases we will ever make. Whether you are buying or leasing a vehicle, it’s important to keep it in great condition so that it can do its job: namely getting drivers, passengers and cargo safety from place to place. If you are wondering “When should I wash my car?” or about other details of car cleaning, this post may clear  up some of your questions. (more…)