McKinney & Bonham Auto Repair

It’s still very much winter here in Texas, and it has been a pretty cold one. So, when you get in your car in the morning to head to work, and as you wait for your car to warm up, you may notice that your tire pressure light is on. This may seem peculiar to you if you aren’t’ aware of how the weather and temperature outside can affect the air pressure in your tires. Most cars have tire pressure monitors built into the dashboard area, and whenever the tires are not at the proper level of inflation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will sense it and become activated. Whereas hot weather can cause your tires to overinflate, very cold weather can do the opposite, causing your tires to become under-inflated. Either one of these is not good for your car or your safety. Not only is it dangerous to have underinflated tires, but it will negatively affect the gas mileage of your car, or even the steering and alignment if the tire inflation is off centered. It can also cause faster w ... read more

Each and every car service is different and unique to the vehicle, just like each doctor’s visit depends on the person! However, there are a handful of items that should be checked in order to ensure everything is running smoothly with your car. While some cars may require more service than others, all cars are designed and manufactured with a service schedule in mind for the car. By making a point to follow this schedule and bring your car in for a regular full-service checkup when necessary, you will have a much better chance of keeping your car running for many, many years. So, how do you know what type of service your car requires? As mentioned, be sure and check your owner’s manual or manufacturer guidebook, as it will have all the relevant information you need. It is also important to note that how your vehicle is checked and what they look for will likely v ... read more

One of the most important maintenance needs of any car is getting the oil changed on a regular basis. However, there is a lot of debate surrounding what kind of oil you should use and how often your oil should be changed. Most people have been advised to get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but auto manufacturers are now coming out and saying this isn’t necessarily true. According to leading auto industry experts, not every single car requires an oil change at the 3,000-mile mark. Your best bet is to check your vehicle’s owner manual and see what it recommends. Technology has progressed over the years, making it unnecessary for many modern cars to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. Many years ago, it was a good idea to change the oil and filter frequently, but these days most manufacturers recommend 7,500 miles. Again, when it comes to getting your oil changed, it is always a good idea to consult your owner’s manu ... read more

You may not think about them very often, but your vehicle’s brakes are perhaps the most important component and should be kept in great working condition at all times. As the colder weather settles in, this is even more important. It is easy for most of us to forget just how important our brakes are and how necessary they are to keep us safe. Chances are you don’t give them a second thought most of the time, that is until you suddenly need to stop while traveling at a high speed and they bring you to a standstill. It is then that you are likely very thankful you have stayed on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and your brakes are in great working condition. Brakes may not be the most exciting part of a car, but they are undoubtedly one of the most critical. This is why it is so important you pay attention to the warning signs that may indicate they need a little TLC from your local McKinney car service company ... read more

Winter is here, which means it’s time to make sure your car is ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. While we may not see blizzard conditions on a regular basis here in Texas, it is still important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the lower temps. While most modern cars are designed to handle a wide range of inclement weather conditions, there are still a few steps you should take as a car owner to make sure you will be safe on the roadways this winter. Just as you take the time to switch out your closet and bundle up for colder temps, your car needs a little extra care and preparation to make it through the winter. Keep in mind that getting your car ready is only half the battle – you must take extra precautions when driving. Winter driving conditions mean you must drive differently than you would during the summer months. Whether you live somewhere like Texas, where we see lower temps and heavy rain or elsewhere in the country with regular snow and ice, take your ti ... read more