Is Your Engine Control Module Failing? Here’s What to Watch Out For When many people think of essential car components, the engine control module (ECM) may rarely come to mind. Also known as the engine control unit (ECU), this intelligent system is the main computer in your car and processes all of the information from […]
How to Remove a Car Battery in 3 Simple Steps Have you ever tried to start your car but the engine wouldn’t turn over? Are your automotive lights dimmer than usual? Is the check engine lit up on your dashboard? If so, your vehicle probably has a dead or dying battery. While a dead battery […]
Why Is My Transmission Making Grinding Noises? It’s essential for all drivers to have an efficiently functioning transmission. If your car has transmission troubles, you may notice shifting issues, leakages, and grinding sounds. If your vehicle’s transmission is damaged, it can be a headache and a hassle. It can also cost you thousands to repair. […]
Don’t Ignore Wheel Alignment Extremely worn tires are visible even to the untrained eye. It often becomes obvious when you need to replace them. However, you don’t usually “see” wheel alignment, so it may be tempting to ignore it. This is never a good idea. Wheel alignment impacts how well you’re able to handle and […]
Why You May Need Auto AC Repair Driving in a car without air conditioning is no fun, especially on a hot summer day when temperatures can reach 90 degrees or higher. Having a functioning air conditioning system is more than just a convenience, though, as it also aids in your vehicle’s proper operation. However, with […]
First Tire & Automotive—Auto Repair and Maintenance Maintaining your car is essential to keep it running and lasting for years to come. Not only that, but it can also improve your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other drivers. However, life gets busy for everyone, which can cause us to forget […]
A Threat to Your Summer Comfort Most drivers want to be able to stay cool in summer. For many, it’s about comfort, but for some, it’s a medical necessity. If your vehicle is low on coolant, the refrigerant it needs to operate, your car’s air conditioning system may not work or may blow nothing more […]
A Fresh Start When you invest in a new set of tires, you want them to last. Therefore, you may want to consider also getting a wheel alignment for your car. At First Tire & Automotive in the Greatwood area of Sugar Land, Texas, our ASE certified technicians have been offering all necessary tire services […]
Is My AC Condenser Broken? How Long Does It Last? Springs and summers in Texas can get unbearably hot. If your car sits in the sun, the cabin can feel like a sauna. To stay cool in your car during scorching days, you need to keep your automotive air conditioning system in great shape. Your […]
Review of the Clutch Time was when every vehicle operated using a manual transmission. Therefore, each auto had a clutch, so all drivers knew exactly what the clutch was for. Now that many cars feature automatic transmissions, perhaps you’d like a quick review of clutch function even if you have one in your car. The […]
What is Direct Fuel Injection? A person’s demeanor may be described as direct and to the point. Sounding similarly, your vehicle’s fuel injection system may be either direct or to the port. While the concept of fuel injection as a common feature is relatively young (gaining popularity in the 1990’s), the older style injectors employ […]
Never Ignore Your Brakes When you’re driving, you have to be able to stop your car. Brakes aren’t optional, so you should never ignore the signs that indicate they need service or repair. Also, you should opt to get your brake repairs at First Tire & Automotive in the First Colony area of Sugar Land, […]
A Bad Drama Students of poet Edgar Allen Poe are familiar with the story of how young Edgar (as a toddler) would see his actress mother “die” each night in her stage role as Juliet where he had a front row seat (for lack of a babysitter). While the audience knew this to be a […]
Identifying Limp Mode It’s never a good feeling when your car starts acting up as you’re driving. One such example is when your vehicle enters limp mode. Usually, the check engine will illuminate, the auto will slow to a snail’s pace even though you didn’t let off the gas or depress the brake pedal. This […]
Exactly What Is Meant By Directional? Perhaps you were surprised to learn that you had the choice of symmetrical, asymmetrical, or directional tires for your vehicle. That’s right; you have choices. If you choose directional, exactly what does that mean? Tires can’t give directions. Obviously, they all roll in the same direction. At First Tire […]
Did You Remember the Wheels? You remembered to check the oil. You remembered to renew your registration. You even remembered to detail your car before a big event. But did you remember the wheels? Poor wheel alignment is bad news for your vehicle. Left unaddressed, it can cause premature tire wear and damage other suspension […]
Custom Tailoring Preventive Maintenance Services Most of us have seen or heard of clothing that boasts the simple solution sizing “One Size Fits All.” That might be great for some things such as buying a cover-up to wear over a bathing suit, but it’s a terrible approach to car maintenance. At First Tire & Automotive […]
Is the Storm Coming? Transmission trouble can loom like an approaching storm. The warning signs are there. You hope that the storm will pass . . . this time. You know, however, that unless you take steps to repair and protect your vehicle, eventually the storm will make a direct hit, rendering your auto immobile. […]
Listening to Your Vehicle, Listening to You Every driver has heard his or her vehicle make an unusual noise at some point. At first, you may think it’s your imagination. At some point, however, you have to acknowledge the fact that the sound is indeed real. Perhaps you even ask a passenger, “Do you hear […]
More Than a String of Letters TP what? In your automobile, it’s the TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Thus, it’s more than a string of letters or a minor aggravation that a dashboard light is on. Instead, the TPMS actually provides you with timely and relevant information about your tire air pressure. If you’re […]
It’s Bigger. Is it Colder? You’ve heard the saying that everything is bigger in Texas. In the height of the summer sun, it may feel as if the heatwave is bigger, too. The interior of your car can get intensely hot, but did you know there are steps you can take to help keep your […]
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it’s the perfect time to have your brakes checked before you get on the road to see family and friends. You use your brakes every time you drive your car, so they are a normal wear item and eventually need to be replaced. The brake system should be thoroughly inspected […]
Living along the coast in Texas poses problems for drivers during bad weather. When a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico, TXDOT posts signs to warn drivers of the storm and to remind people to keep their gas tanks filled. Past hurricane seasons have shown the long lines at gas stations when people wait […]
Summer is here and it’s a perfect time to go for a road trip with your family! Before you load up the car and head out of town, be sure you take the time to get your car ready for the hot summer months. Many areas of the country experience extreme heat, which can really […]
Did you know that belts are one of the most important parts of your vehicle? Although you might not see them unless you are looking under your hood, belts work hard to keep your car running. If you lose or break a belt, you can have immediate engine trouble. What do the belts do? The […]
Show your car some LOVE! It’s February and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! You take time to show that special someone some love, but how about your vehicle? No matter where you need to go, your car is always there to get you there safely. So about how taking the time to give […]
Routine car maintenance is often one of those tasks that people tend to postpone for as long as possible. However, keeping your car healthy and maintained not only makes it safer to drive, but can extend the life of your car. Here are some tips to help keep your car in tip-top shape. How long […]
Before you pack up the car to head home for the holidays, take time to make sure your car is ready for the journey. It is easy to get caught up in all the holiday festivities, but don’t forget about making sure your car can get you there in a safe and timely fashion. Check […]
The holidays are here which means plenty of friendly greetings, eating sweets, and traveling to see your family. AAA estimates around 99 million people will travel by car for Christmas. If you are one of those millions driving somewhere that has a real winter, you need to make sure your car is ready. Even if […]
SUVs have become very popular, especially in urban areas. Their size makes it easy to haul kids to and from practices or take everything you need on a road trip. As convenient as they are, they should not be driven like normal sedans. There are some things you need to know to make sure you […]
School is starting which means the roads will be filled with buses, cars, bikes, and walkers, all trying to get to school on time. This influx of people can mean increased danger. This is a serious concern for parents and school administration. Here are few important reminders for drivers that will help keep our kids safe. […]
We know auto-care costs can be the reason you put off your car’s maintenance, but handling issues on a car are nothing to take lightly. They are a serious safety hazard to you, your passengers, and the other cars out on the road. Come to us today to get your car tuned up.
Your car’s battery plays a key part in your vehicle’s performance and safety. Did you know there are several things you can do to maximize and extend your battery’s life and avoid car trouble? Let’s take a closer look at some helpful car maintenance advice. FOLLOW THESE NINE MAINTENANCE STEPS TO MAXIMIZE THE PERFORMANCE OF […]
Preparing your car for Texas summers isn’t expensive or complicated. Auto maintenance isn’t a part-time thing either because it helps reduce your chances of running into heat-related car trouble, let’s look at a few things you can do to to keep your vehicle running in top shape this summer. AVOID SUN DAMAGE Simple things like parking […]
We all know summer road trips aren’t always trouble-free. Dealing with snarled traffic, bad weather, or restless passengers can be taxing but they won’t necessarily stop you from getting to your destination. However, would you be able to deal with an emergency on the road? You can handle car trouble better if you are prepared. […]
Tires are the most often overlooked safety item. Tire inspection should be part regular auto maintenance. Your car’s tires can tell you if there’s a problem as long as you know the what to look for. In addition, since everyone’s safety rests on your tires, you should replace your tires when their time is up. Tire […]
When the economy took a downturn a few years ago, a few car owners neglected maintenance while other owners began wondering if they could handle their own auto maintenance instead of letting a certified mechanic do the job. Now that things are looking up again, handling your own auto maintenance isn’t necessarily a bad thing […]
Texas weather can takes a toll on your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades and make them wear out quickly. It’s a part of basic auto maintenance to inspect your wiper blades regularly and have them replaced in the spring and fall. However, most of us skip this inexpensive maintenance step and, unfortunately, wait to change them […]
Let’s face it, paying for gasoline is expensive. Fuel prices have been at high levels in Fort Bend County for some time. So, now is a good time to review some of the best ways to save money at the pump because, while you can’t control the price of gas, you can control how much […]
Proper wheel alignment preserves your vehicle’s safety and tire tread life, and doing so will ensure handling and maintain correct tire contact with the road. Some forgetful or new drivers only do this when they buy new tires. However, proactive drivers remember to have their tire alignment checked between tire purchases too. We often find that many […]
Because of modern technology, today’s cars are the better than ever, however that doesn’t mean they are completely trouble-free or that you can skip routine auto maintenance. So, what’s changed? Do the things that we’ve been told to do in the past like oil changes, brake jobs, and tire safety still apply? The easiest way […]
Most drivers are familiar with auto care basics like remembering to rotate your tires, change your oil and replace air filters. However, there are three common things that vehicle owners often overlook. Fortunately, these are easy to remember if you take note of them and keep them on your owner’s radar. Your Body Yes, keeping […]
Teenage drivers account for more auto accidents than any other age group. According the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 25 percent of accidents involve teenage drivers. This statistic is sobering, especially if you’re a teen driver or the parent of one. Getting a driver’s license is a huge family milestone and is cause for excitement […]
The number of motor oils available today is overwhelming and the variety seems big as the soft drink section at the grocery store. Not too long ago, there only were a handful of motor oils on the market. However, beginning in the 1970s, synthetic oil first became popular with fleet owners, auto enthusiasts and racers. […]
Most of us understand that when a car’s Check Engine light (CEL) comes on, we know there’s a problem with the car. But what kind of problem could it be? On the one hand, a CEL could indicate a costly problem, like a faulty catalytic converter. On the other hand, it could just be something […]