Houston Auto Repair

The timing belt is a component of your car's engine that keeps the crankshaft and camshaft rotating in rhythm and ensures that each cylinder fires when it should. It is made of nylon-reinforced cables that are wrapped in high-quality rubber to increase its durability, though you will still need to replace your timing belt about every 90,000 miles. However, the timing belt is subjected to significant stresses within the engine, which cause it to wear out with time. Here are a few signs that the timing belt needs replacement. Ticking sound Timing belt operation is made possible by several pulleys holding the belt firmly in place. A ticking sound from the engine may be heard if the timing belt begins to wear out. A ticking sound could also be a sign of low oil pressure or inadequate lubrication, but you should still have this checked out by a professional right away. Engine misfire A worn timing belt will hinder the ability of the engine to ignite. Occasionally, the belt may slid ... read more

HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors. They can be designed to fulfill a variety of goals, such as enhanced power or greater fuel economy. Hybrids work by combining the power of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to drive the wheels. They're all reliant on the same fundamental concepts, which are listed below: When you press on the gas pedal at low speeds or when softly advancing from a stop, the electric motor kicks in and drives the drive wheels. The gasoline engine will kick in and power the wheels after you reach a specific speed, usually about 35 to 40 miles per hour. When traveling at high speeds on the highway, the gasoline engine takes care of the labor. The gasoline engine in a standard hybrid or mild hybrid car usually recharges the battery that powers the electric motor. When you coast or brake and remove your foot off the pedal: In a hybrid car, you are often using the battery when coasting downhill or comi ... read more

Front and back brake pads wear at different rates. As your car moves forward, it puts a strain on the front brakes than it does to the rear brakes, resulting in more tearing down at the front. However, if your brakes are degrading quicker in one part of the car, for instance, the driver's seat vs. the passenger side - the problem is a little more difficult. You can tell there is an issue if you observe the following; Slide Pins These are the metal pins that allow the braking caliper to move back and forth with the wheels. When these pins rust, the caliper can no longer glide. As a result, the caliper becomes trapped in one position; if it is stuck in the correct position, the pads on that side may wear out faster. Corrosion is usually removed with a wire brush and some grease. Misalignment When new brake pads are fitted in your car, the mechanic may not position them perfectly, which can be caused by a bent bracket on the rear of the pad. When your brake pads are misaligned, th ... read more

Have you noticed puddling of antifreeze or coolant in parking spaces, garage floors, or driveways after driving your car or truck? This is one sign of potential water pump failure. Leaking coolant is one of the primary signs of an issue with your water pump or cooling system. How Does a Water Pump Work? Today's vehicle manufacturers design water pumps with either an engine-driven pulley system or an electric pump. Water pumps that use engine-driven pulley systems that rely on a network of belts, bearings, and hoses to circulate water and coolant between the engine and built-in cooling systems. Electric water pumps derive their energy from the electrical system instead of relying on the pulley system to circulate coolant. Signs Your Water Pump is Failing or Needs Service #1. Smoking and Overheating - if you see or smell smoke and your car or truck overheating, this is a clear sign there is an issue with your cooling system or water pump. Water temperature gauges will spill over ... read more

As we go into this holiday weekend, there are some things that you should anticipate when it comes to road travel. Many Americans will be taking road trips, meaning there will be an increase in traffic jams and accidents.  While the crowds are inevitable, there are certain safety precautions that you can take to stay out of breakdowns. Consider these driving tips below: Hit the road at the right time - According to Fox Business, 34 million Americans are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend. The best times to travel are before 7 AM and after 9 PM on Friday and before 10 AM on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Don't speed - While this is a no-brainer, you need to watch your speed limit throughout your travels. Not only will there be a ton of cops giving out tickets, but keeping a slower speed will allow you to save some gas money too. For your overall safety, just don't speed. Wear your seatbelt - It's the law, but it is vital for you to stay buckled up througho ... read more