Spring and Houston Auto Repair

A long road trip can be a great adventure—but after a few hours on the highway, boredom can creep in, especially if you're traveling with kids. Instead of relying solely on screens or frequent snack breaks, why not make the drive more enjoyable with some classic and creative road trip games? Playing games in the car isn’t just a way to pass the time. It encourages interaction, sparks creativity, and helps the hours fly by without anyone constantly asking, “Are we there yet?” Here are 10 fun and easy road trip games the whole family can enjoy, with no special equipment required. 1. I Spy This classic guessing game is ideal for younger passengers but fun for all ages. One person says, “I spy with my little eye something...” and gives a clue, such as a color or shape. Everyone else takes turns guessing what the object might be. The person who guesses correctly gets to be the next spy. It’s simple, engaging, and keeps everyo ... read more

In places like Houston and Spring, Texas, where summer temperatures can climb well into the 90s and beyond, the color of your car might do more than just show off your style. It can impact how hot your car gets after sitting in the sun. Many drivers overlook this detail, but the color of a car plays a surprisingly significant role in interior temperature and overall comfort. Whether you’re shopping for a new vehicle or wondering why your current ride feels like a furnace after a short park, understanding how car color affects heat absorption can help you make better choices for your daily driving experience. The Science Behind Heat and Color The science is simple: darker colors absorb more light and heat than lighter ones. When sunlight hits a car’s surface, darker shades like black, navy, or dark gray take in more of the sun’s energy. This heat is transferred to the car’s metal body, which in turn warms the air inside the cabin. On the other ... read more

When your car’s battery dies, most people assume the battery itself is to blame. But in many cases, it’s the alternator that’s at fault. The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering your vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine is running. If it begins to fail, your battery won’t stay charged, and you could find yourself stranded—often without warning. Knowing the symptoms of a bad alternator and how to spot them early can help you avoid sudden breakdowns and keep your car’s electrical system operating smoothly. What the Alternator Does in Your Vehicle Your car’s alternator is a small generator driven by the engine’s serpentine belt. It creates electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. That power is used to recharge the battery and operate everything from the headlights and dashboard lights to power windows, radio, and climate control systems. While th ... read more

Off-road driving can push your pickup to its limits—and that’s part of the fun. But before you leave the pavement, it’s important to make sure your truck is prepared for the terrain ahead. Even rugged vehicles need a few checks and upgrades to stay safe and reliable off the beaten path. Whether you're planning a weekend on rocky trails or navigating muddy backroads, here's how to make sure your truck is up to the challenge. Tires and Suspension: Your First Line of Defense The right tires make a huge difference when driving off-road. All-terrain or mud-terrain tires offer the grip needed for dirt, sand, rocks, and inclines. Standard highway tires just won’t cut it—and they’re more likely to get punctured or lose traction. Suspension also matters. If your pickup has stock shocks or coilovers, they might not handle continuous jarring or uneven terrain very well. Consider checking for signs of wear like sagging, leaks, or exce ... read more

You pull the hood release lever inside your car, expecting to hear that familiar pop—but nothing happens. Or maybe the lever feels loose, or you hear the pop, but the hood stays shut. When your hood won’t open, it’s more than just frustrating—it keeps you from checking your oil, refilling fluids, or inspecting your engine. This kind of problem often catches drivers off guard. It usually seems minor until the moment you need to check something under the hood and realize you can’t. Thankfully, most of the time, it’s a mechanical issue that can be fixed without replacing major components—if you catch it early enough. Causes of a Stuck Hood When the hood release doesn’t work, it’s almost always one of three things: a broken cable, a jammed latch, or a misalignment between the latch and the hood catch. The release system works like this: a cable runs from the lever inside your car to the hood latch under the front of ... read more

Your engine relies on coolant to maintain the right temperature, but what if the level keeps dropping with no visible leak? It might seem like a mystery, but in many cases, it’s a warning sign of a hidden issue. From internal leaks to evaporation, several factors could be at play. So, what’s causing your coolant to disappear, and when should you be concerned? Internal Coolant Leaks Not all coolant leaks are visible. If coolant is escaping inside the engine, it may not leave behind a puddle or noticeable drips under your car. Instead, the coolant could be mixed with engine oil or burned off in the combustion chamber. Two key culprits behind internal coolant loss are: Blown Head Gasket – The head gasket seals the engine block and cylinder head, keeping coolant, oil, and combustion gases separate. If it fails, coolant can leak into the cylinders and burn off during combustion, leading to white smoke from the exhaust, rough idling, or overheating. Cra ... read more

Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but it comes with its fair share of risks. While pre-owned vehicles offer great value, they can also hide potential issues that could cost you down the road. That’s why a thorough inspection is necessary before you commit to purchasing. By knowing what to look for, you can make an informed decision and avoid unexpected surprises. Let’s explore what you should inspect before buying a used car to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. Exterior Condition Start your inspection with the car’s exterior. Take a walk around the vehicle and pay close attention to the paint, body panels, and alignment. Are there any dents, scratches, or signs of rust? While minor cosmetic issues may not be deal-breakers, they can indicate how well the car was maintained by its previous owner. Look for uneven gaps between panels or mismatched paint, which could suggest past accidents or poor repair work. Check the window ... read more