Lucas Auto Care and Repair-Houston,Tx-Automotive Care Blogs

Corvette Repair Houston – C5 Corvette Maintenance

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

The C5 Corvette is spectacular with it’s engine, interior and of course, all new body panels. For the owners of the fifth design series who have owned C1 through C4 Corvettes, there are some important maintenance procedural differences from the earlier designs they need to be aware of.

History

General Motors has made some significant improvement with this fifth design series of the Corvette. In fact, the differences are so vast that there are literally no body parts that have been carried over from any of the previous models. The engine is even an all-new design. Other changes include the manual and automatic transition, which has been combined with the differential and moved to the rear of the car. These improvements have called for the C5 Corvette to require different maintenance and repair procedures. The location of service parts has also been changed as part of the redesign. For example, the air filter is now located in front of the radiator. The changes are vast, but any mechanic at a certified Corvette repair shop will be able to help you navigate your car.

Maintenance Requirements

There are also other changes in the C5 design. For example, there is now an oil life indicator light. This device monitors the different parameters that affect oil life. One of GM’s recommendations include using the dash-mounted oil change light to indicate when to change the engine oil. Instead of using the same oil used for the previous designs, the C5 Corvette uses Mobile 1 Synthetic and should be changed ever 10,000 miles. Of course, this depends on your driving style. Those operating under severe driving conditions may need to change it sooner. There has also been a change in several of the parts and fluids, which include the engine oil filter, the spark plugs, the air filter and the clutch fluid. Instead of using their predecessors, you will need to switch over the new parts. The best way to ensure you get these changed correctly would be to take to a certified Corvette repair shop. This way, all services get done correctly by a trained and certified technician.

Recommendations

It is recommended that you check your engine fluid level every time you gas up. During this time, you should also clean your windshield, removing and and all dirt particles. Clean off your wiper blades as well. There are other recommendations as well. Check your engine serpentine belt often for wear and material flaws. You also should raise your headlamps to ensure that you headlamp sensor’s electric motor is in full operation. You need to also clean the headlight lenses.

Words of Caution

Be aware of where the battery is located. In the C5 Corvette, the Delco battery is on the passenger side of the engine bay, right above the engine computer. This batter has been recalled before due to failures. If you see that there are fails or cracks in your battery, it is important to bring it into a repair shop as soon as possible. Battery acid leaks and may drip onto your engine computer, which will disable your engine. It will be cheaper to replace the batter than to replace the engine computer or even possibly the engine.

Be careful if you decide to work on your C5 Corvette yourself. If you are new to this, mistakes could end up costing you more in the long run. Take it to a certified Corvette repair shop instead. The technicians are more than qualified to take care of your Corvette repair and maintenance needs.

Muffler Repair Houston – Some Things to Keep in Mind

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

Every part of you car plays an important role in ensuring that it runs correctly and safely. The muffler is just one of them. This device reduces the noise being released by a car, ensuring that (most) of your neighbors do not wake you up coming home at one in the morning. If your muffler develops a crack or fault, however small, you will need to repair it soon. Some of the noticeable effects of a failing muffler include your car being noisier than usual. Those on the road beside you or simply passing by will be able to hear it, which may result in getting a ticket for having your car too loud.

Listening to your car may help you determine if and when you need muffler repair. Loud and abnormal noises that appear to be originating from your car can be indicative of muffler cracks or holes. Another sign is there is any rust or soot on your tailpipe. If a damaged muffler goes unfixed, there will be an increase of air pollution from you vehicle, potentially earning you a ticket. Many cities such as Houston have noise pollution ordinances and it is important your car stays within them.

If you feel that a fault has developed in your muffler, you need to go to a muffler repair shop as soon as possible. It is such a common problem that your mechanic is most likely specialized in muffler repair already. Technicians will be able to examine it for any cracks or faults, making repairs so that your car meets noise pollution standards.

Any garage you take your car into needs to be certified, with technicians who specialize in muffler repair. If possible, take it a repair shop that also specializes in your specific vehicle. This will ensure that your car gets the best treatment available. Check the reputation of the repair shop and how long it has been around. Ask friends for referrals to reputable shops. Any reputable shop will have a standing place in the community with satisfied customers.

The costs of the repair depends on the amount of damage the muffler underwent. Muffler repair centers will be able to provide you with a quote. This should include parts, labor and if applicable, any warranty. The difference in costs will depend on if the part is from the manufacturer or if it comes from an off-brand company. Off-brands tend to be less expensive, but they may not work with your vehicle the same way a manufacturer made one will. Your manufacturer designs their parts specifically for your vehicle, ensuring that it runs to the best of its ability. You do not have the same grantee as an off-brand. Also, using an off-brand could void any warranties on your vehicle.

When your car needs muffler repair, it is advisable to get it repaired as soon as possible and to go with a repair shop which uses original manufacturer’s parts.

Posted in Muffler Repair Houston | Tagged Houston, Houston Muffler Repair, Muffler, Muffler Repair Houston, repair | Leave a comment

Volvo Service Houston – How To Take Care of Your Volvo

Posted on July 26, 2011 by admin

Buying a Volvo means you are putting money down on a top of the line vehicle. These vehicles deserve the best, which include frequent auto service. Unlike your “average” car, the core of what makes a Volvo is in the details. Every part of car is designed to be in sync with the rest of the vehicle, and is tested carefully for individual as well as overall performance. Your Volvo is built to be sturdy, durable. It’s performance is amazing and there is unmatched in safety. You know and understand there are much higher quality parts resting beneath the hood, making your car the best. As a result, these cars need to be maintained to that standard with service from an qualified service center. It is best to go to a service center that specializes in Volvo. This way, you get the best service for your car.

The quality of the work being provided is one of the main requirements of every Volvo owner needing to service their car. Find a service center that will provide you with details about their service, including the approximate costs if possible. Unless you can specifically let the shop know what you need, the service center may not be able to provide you with cost estimations until they have seen and diagnosed the vehicle themselves.

The best Volvo Service Centers take pride in their quality of service and the satisfaction their customer’s get walking away. Talking to other Volvo owners can lead you in the right direction of a great service shop. Be sure to also take a look at a service center’s website and read about the shop. Doing these two things can let you know where to take your car in your area.

Now, there are other service centers that are general service establishments. They may try to get your business and it may be tempting. But remember, you have invested money in a car with one of the highest qualities in a vehicle. You want to make sure that any mechanic who touches it has the experience and the expertise in working on these cars. They will have the equipment needed to work on your car, and be able to tell you more about it. Service shops that specialize in Volvos will be able to give you the best service.

They will be able to adhere to the specifications that Volvo manufactures have set. They will also be able to subscribe to Volvo’s VIDA diagnostic system. This is crucial because it is connected to both the Volvo check sheets and technical assistance. Taking to a general shop, you face the risk of losing any warranties if the repair is not done correctly according to Volvo’s standards and using specialized parts. A specialized Volvo center employs the best, most qualified technicians and use the best parts. There will be no reason to worry about your warranty because all repairs will be fully compliant with your warranty guidelines.

Find a reliable, fully certified Volvo technician for your auto service needs. This will ensure your car is in the best hands possible.

Posted in Volvo Service Houston | Tagged Houston, Houston Volvo service, Service, Volvo, Volvo Service Houston | Leave a comment

Lexus Service Houston – Keeping your Lexus Running Smoothly

Posted on July 25, 2011 by admin

Owning a Lexus can fill the owner with joy and happiness. However, that can only happen if it remains in top condition. The way to achieve that is to service it regularly at an independent repair shop that specializes in Lexus service and maintenance. This will ensure that anyone working on your car is both fully certified and experienced in working with your specific vehicle.

It is important to know details about what your Lexus service entails as well as how often it needs to occur. Routine service is a must in order for your car to continue to run in good condition. Without regular service, your vehicle can face many challenges such as breaking down, increased pollution, and the loss of gas mileage (a catastrophe in the Houston area) among others. Some of these reasons may even lead to accidents. A luxury car, like your Lexus, needs to be cared for. Otherwise, you will end up paying more in the long run.

Know what to expect when you take your car in for service. For example, you need to have your Lexus serviced every 5000 miles (5K), or every six months, depending on which one comes first. More particular and first time owners may want to have theirs brought in at 1000 miles. When you bring your car to the service center, the technicians will be changing your oil and filter, as well as do a full checkup. These checkups include a compression test on the engine. This should be done regularly. Now, there are also milestones for your car where more needs to be included. Service for a vehicle at 90,000 miles is far more comprehensive. The technician will check your timing belt, the brakes, the water pump, coolant, differential and transmission fluids and the engine air filter. There will also be a check on the alignment and rotation of the wheels. If your spark plugs are warn it, it may be included in this 90K service. There are, of course, other milestones. Talk to your service shop in order to know when these are.

While going to the dealer is always an option, the better option would be taking it to an independent Lexus service shop. These service centers are top notch and will charge you less than the dealership. They use the top of the line equipment and materials, ensuring your car in the best hands. Of course, you always want to do some research on the shop you are taking it to. Make sure it has a long standing reputation, the proper credentials and certifications, and are ASE and Toyota certified. Technicians who have been around for longer periods of time are preferred because they will have the experience needed to treat your Lexus correctly.

Make sure to treat your Lexus right so that it will treat you right!

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Engine Repair Houston – What Does That Check Engine Light Mean?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by admin

Having the check engine light come on tends to cause some initial panic. What does it mean? Can I keep driving? Do I ignore it until I get home? How much is this going to cost me to repair? These are all questions that come to mind. To help alleviate the stress, here are some tips to help you know what to do should the engine warning light come on. Although this can happen for a variety of reasons, it is always important to get your vehicle to a repair shop to get the vehicle examined.

The first step is to not panic. Then you need to double check that you are not looking at a maintenance service light. When you vehicle hits a certain number of miles or uses a certain amount of fuel, it may trigger the maintenance service light. It is your car’s way of letting you know that it may be time to get your car serviced. Once you have determined it is in fact the check engine warning light, it means that your car’s computer is sensing a diagnostic issue.

For example, it could be letting you know that you have a faulty emission control system, which means your car is polluting the air. Or it could indicate that there is something far more serious. Unfortunately, we are not all mechanics so we have to pay attention to how the vehicle is operating to decide what course of action to take next. Does the warning light flash on and off depending on where you are driving? Also, how does the car drive when the light is on compared to when it is off? These are items to consider.

If the light stays on consistently, but there is no difference in your car’s ability to drive, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a major problem. You could have a permanent fault in the emission control system that allows the car to run, but you still run the risk of the car not starting. The best way to know what is happening is to get the vehicle to a repair shop for a correct diagnosis.

On the other had, if the engine warning light stays on consistently, and the car is showing signs that continuing to drive it will prove to be more of a challenge, the safest bet is to stop as soon as you can (safely of course) and call for a tow. This can indicate your car could stall, or stop without warning, leaving you and your passengers in a dangerous position. A car repair shop that can tell you what the warning light means.

The worst situation you could find yourself in is if there is a flickering warning light. This indicates there is a severe engine problem and every time the light flashes, the catalytic converter misfiring, causing damage. If this is what is happening, your car could be overheating and there is potential for a car fire. When this happens, pull over immediately and call for a tow. Do not try to make it to your destination.
Regardless of how the check engine light is flashing, the most important thing to do is get your vehicle to an engine repair shop as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you.

Posted in Engine Repair Houston | Tagged engine, engine repair houston, Houston, houston engine repair, repair | Leave a comment

Keep on Top of Audi Repair Issues

Posted on July 21, 2011 by admin

Audi car repair is not something owners typically take on themselves. This is because the car is not only expensive, but trying to tackle a problem yourself may end up aggravating the situation. Sometimes, the result ends up costing more money to fix the new situation than it would have if the own had just taken it to a certified Audi repair shop. Another important reason is that the part you may be trying to fix could be still under warranty or is insured.

Maintenance

One thing many Audi owners need to remember is that it is crucial to care for the vehicle by constantly doing routine maintenance as instructed by the manufacturers’ manual. This will prevent frequent trips to an Audi repair shop. In the Houston area, here are a number of owners who just drive their cars without even checking what it needs to run smoothly. People may not know when they are due for a check up. Your Audi will need to be taken to a certified Audi repair garage for checkups, especially if you find yourself with a light on your dashboard. Today’s cars have an onboard computer which warns you of potential trouble or when you need to bring your vehicle into a service garage. It is important to check your manual if you suddenly see a light come on the dashboard.

One aspect of maintenance that many owners do not consider is regularly washing your vehicle. This is even more important when there has been heavy rain or you’ve been near the ocean. The same Houston shop warns that leaving rain or sea water residue on your car to dry may leave rain spots which become more and more difficult to remove as time goes on. When you reach that point, rebuffing may be the only way to remove it. Otherwise, your vehicle may end up rusting. There are a number of Audi repair problems that stem from rust, which occurs when a car is frequently exposed to wetness and moisture. Rusting could also occur when there is mud and dirt, even in places such as the wheels.

Tips for Audi self repairs

Owners who wish to do their own Audi repairs should mainly work on items that do not concern the engine. The only exception is if you are a certified mechanic who knows and understands how to fix this specific type of car. One of the items easier for owners to do themselves is fixing the wiper system on the windshield. in the event the wipers are not working as well compared to when they were new, the solution to check for debris that are stuck in the blade. If when doing that, you find there is no debris, or that it is still inefficient, it may be time to change the blades. Make sure to select the right measurement of the blades. The wrong size blade will make your Audi function incorrectly.

One final easy fix is the amount of noise emitting from the vehicle. There are times that new or strange noises can occur in your Audi. Take some time to assess where it is originating from then check to see if it is something that can be fixed easily. Check to see if you need to tighten something, close it well, add more rubber or even greese. Check to see if it is a quick fix. If you cannot find the source, take it a certified Audi repair shop as soon as possible for a check up.

Posted in Audi Repair Houston | Tagged audi, audi repair houston, Houston, houston audi repair, repair | Leave a comment

The Importance of Good BMW Repair in Houston

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

Cars today serve many purposes for their owners. While it is a necessity for many, there are also those who see their vehicles as a luxury. When it comes to choosing cars, people tend to be picky in their selection. There may be a desire for a car which have maximum performance or is luxurious. Other traits people search for include cost and convenience.

Among one of the most popular makes of cars is BMW, which is one of the leading producers of high quality cars. It is a German car company, which also produces both motorcycles and engines. BMW is know for its luxury and performance vehicles. It’s reputation for optimal performance and quality automobiles and motorcycles is world renowned. Nothing beats a BMW in terms of quality and comfort. If you are to be stuck in Houston traffic, why not be in a BMW?

Owning one of these vehicles can be very rewarding, but it also requires the owner to be

diligent in its upkeep. When looking for a place to go to for BMW repair, it is important to search for a German automobile center. These centers provide various services, including repairs for air conditioning, alignment, trans axle clutch service, wheel baring replacement, electrical system, trim and body, chassis and suspension, engine repair and replacement and catalytic converter tune up. Know the track record of any car center you take your vehicle to and what their specialties are because each service center provides various services. Remember, your BMW needs to maintained by certified experts and with advanced machinery. Luckily, there are many of these centers around the United States, especially in the Houston area.

When you buy a BMW, you are paying for the name, the luxury and performance. It’s cost is worth every penny. Owners should protect their investment by having it maintained correctly at a legal vehicle center. Even more so, you should look for one that specializes in German automobiles and specifically BMW. These centers will have mechanics trained and prepared to handle any issue that comes up with your car. BMW shops will have any machinery specific to BMWs that a general mechanic may not have. This will ensure your car lives a long, healthy life.

There are about 51,971,328 cars in production in 2009. About one third of these cars were produced in the European Union. Today, there are approximately 600,000,000 cars on the road world wide. This means that every color that can be manufactured has probably already been produced. There are always new and innovative cars being created every day. Due to this, there is a high demand for service that is appropriate for each individual car. Be sure to take your BMW for repair to a place that is certified and geared to take care of your car’s special needs.

Posted in BMW Repair Houston | Tagged BMW, BMW repair Houston, Houston, repair | Leave a comment

Finding Mercedes Repair in Houston

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

Mercedes Repair in Houston

It takes a certified mechanic that has the experience, and the necessary tools, to correctly do Mercedes repair

and provide proper maintenance. Having the proper tools will ensure these vehicles are serviced and repaired correctly. Foreign vehicles are far more sophisticated than what your average mechanic is used to so it is important to service and repair you Mercedes at a Foreign Car Repair shop, which specializes in Mercedes service and maintenance.

It is vital to check for any reviews online, or ask around for a personal referral when looking for a shop to handle your Mercedes repair. This ensures the people you are entrusting with your vehicle are reputable and trustworthy. Make sure to be specific for your area when searching online. Type in “Mercedes Repair Houston,” for example if you reside in the Houston area. You should also check to see how long that shop has been in business. Look for shops that have been in business for a minimum of 5 years. Any mechanic that burns their customers or does faulty repair work will not survive this length of time. This will help you find the right shop for your Mercedes repair.

It is important to note foreign repair shops also differ when it comes to their specialties. A shop specializing in Toyotas does not necessarily work on Mercedes. European cars are typically grouped together since they tend to require similar special equipment. This means that most certified Mercedes shops will also specialize in BMW, Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen repair. Similarly, Japanese import shops will usually work on Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.

It is essential to stick to your vehicles maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs. Mercedes makes superior vehicles which contain the most modern technology. This means that you should always adhere to their maintenance schedules to keep your vehicle running in top shape and out of any repair shop.

Whatever happens, you should only let someone certified in Mercedes repair tinker with your car should you find yourself in need of a repair. Mercedes repair shops are equipped with the special tools required to properly service or repair the car. Working on the vehicle yourself might actually damage it, voiding any warrantees. For warrantee work, the dealership is the first place you should turn to. If this is not an option, then a certified Benz mechanic is the next best bet.

Sticking with a shop that specializes in your make of vehicle will ensure that the people working on it has the experience as well as the equipment to do the job correctly. You also want to make certain the mechanic working on your car has diagnostic equipment, which will be able to analyze the codes on your car’s on board computer. The computer will allow mechanics to determine what the issue is with your car. All shops should have a type of machine that can read the codes on your car, as well as clear them when needed. An example of this is when your car needs an oil change. You will see a light on your dashboard that indicates you need to have your car serviced. However, these codes do not clear automatically even if you have already serviced it. These need to be cleared by the authorized Mercedes Repair Shop.

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Common Types of Brake Repair Houston

Posted on July 18, 2011 by admin

Brake Pads and Rotors

In this post we would like to go over the most basic types of brake repair and what to look

out for when your brakes have issues. You will eventually need to have your brakes serviced. Brake repair is often very affordable, but can become expensive if brakes are not serviced on a regular basis. The first most common problem is the brake pads. These need to be replaced periodically to prevent the lining from wearing down and causing the brake shoe to rub on the rotor causing damage and reducing brake efficiency. The disc rotor has a highly machined surface where the brake pads contact it. Just as the brake pads wear out over time, the rotor also undergoes

some wear, usually in the form of ridges and groves where the brake pad rubs against it.

Brake Fluid

Another issue that can be an issue is brake fluid most modern cars have a clear brake fluid reservoir that allows you to see your brake fluid level easily. If you notice that the brake fluid is dropping in a short period of time you need to have your brakes check as soon as possible. Also brake fluid should be clear or slightly yellow if the fluid is dark or dirty it needs to be flushed.

Master Cylinder

The most common problem is an internal leak. This will cause the brake pedal to slowly sink to the floor when your foot applies steady pressure. Letting go of the pedal and immediately stepping on it again brings the pedal back to normal height. If the master cylinder fails, the brake warning light on the dash will light, alerting you to the problem.

Brakes Lines

Brake Fluid comes from the master cylinder to the wheels in tubes called the brake lines if any of the contections or tube fail they must be replaced

Calipers

Brake Repair Houston

The caliper is what pushes the brake pads onto the rotor when you step on the brake pedal. If the calipers lock up, the brake pads will wear down to metal and then damage the rotor. Caliper pistons can also leak hydraulic fluid, causing the pads to be unable to press agaish the rotor, and the brakes will fail.

In this article we sumed up some of the basic brake repair issues you are likely to encounter. Please feel free to Call us at (281) 379-5800 to make an appointment if you are having trouble with the brakes on your vehicle.

Posted in Brake Repair Houston | Tagged brake, brake repair houston, Houston, houston brake repair, repair | Leave a comment

Top Ten Tips for Auto Repair in Houston

Posted on July 15, 2011 by admin

Auto Mechanic Houston

Many of our customers have asked us what they can do to extend the life of their vehicles.

To help you keep your vehicle running at its peak performance our technicians have compiled a list of the top ten maintenance and repair items that will extend the life of your vehicle.

Change the Oil
Changing your oil at the factory recommended interval keeps the engine free of sludge and combustion elements that can harm your vehicle.
Perform Tire Maintenance Regular tire rotation and proper inflation will not only lengthen the life of the tires, but also increase fuel mileage.
Change the Air Filter for the Engine and the Cabin If your air filter gets too dirty, your engine won’t be able to pull enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then run rich (i.e. too much gas and not enough air). When this happens gas mileage suffers.
Replace the Spark Plugs Replacing the spark plugs in your engine can prevent misfires and poor performance as well as dramatically decrease emissions and improve gas mileage.
Flush the Cooling System Flushing the cooling system prolongs the life of the radiator, engine and heater by washing away corrosive elements like dirt and rust particles that can clog up the cooling system and cause problems in winter and summer. This should be done every two years.
Maintain the Brakes If you neglect your brake pads and shoes, you can cause damage to other, more expensive brake parts such as rotors, drums and calipers.
Perform a Fuel Injection Service Performing a fuel injection service not only prolongs the life expectancy of the injectors, but can increase fuel mileage with benefits that far outweigh the cost of the service.
Change the Transmission Fluid Changing your transmission fluid at regular intervals can extend the life of the transmission by 50%. If you perform this service on a regular basis chances are you may never experience a major transmission failure.
Replace the Timing Belt Replacing the timing belt, before it breaks can save you hundreds of dollars. Most manufacturers recommend replacement between 60,000 and 105,000 miles depending on make and model. If the belt fails, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded.
Perform a Seasonal Complete Vehicle Inspection Having your vehicle inspected seasonally can prolong the life of many major components of your vehicle by diagnosing repair issues before they become major problems, and don’t assume that getting your oil changed at a “quick lube” comes with a thorough inspection. Have a qualfied shop perform the inspection to insure that nothing is missed.

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