McKinney & Bonham Auto Repair

Every vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring the reliability and safety of their vehicle through preventive maintenance. Replacement of fluids is an essential component of routine maintenance. Here is a discussion of the various lubricants for automobiles and the significance of replacing them. Brake Fluid Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transfers force from the brake pedal to the braking shoes or pads. If the brake fluid is exposed to moisture for an extended period, its boiling point may drop, and its performance may suffer. It could result in diminished or failed stopping performance. Brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every two to three years or as the manufacturer recommends. Power Steering Fluid The power steering oil in your vehicle makes the steering wheel smoother. If dirt and other debris are in the fluid, your power steering system may wear out. Leaks of power steering fluid, whining sounds, and difficulty turning the steering column indicate that the ... read more

If you have a friend, significant other, dad, brother, uncle, or another person in your life who loves cars and their birthday is coming up, you may be wondering what to get them as a gift. Here are some gift ideas that will impress the car fanatics in your life: Detailing Kit Some vehicle enthusiasts love to keep their vehicles looking their best, so a car detailing kit can be a great gift idea. Look for a kit that includes high-quality wax, polish, and detailing spray. Performance Parts If your car fanatic friend or family member enjoys working on their vehicle, performance parts can be a great gift idea. Consider buying them a new air intake system, performance exhaust, or upgraded suspension components. Racing Experience For the car aficionado who loves to drive, a racing experience can be a thrilling gift. Look for a local track that offers driving experiences, or consider buying them a gift card to a racing school. Car Magazine Subscription Car fans love to stay up-to-da ... read more

Air conditioning is a must for those of us in Texas, especially during hot summer days. Your car's air conditioning system works by using a chemical substance known as refrigerant, to cool down the air. But do you know what kind of refrigerant your car needs? Before we dive into the details of which refrigerant your car needs, it's essential to know that using the wrong type of refrigerant can cause damage to your car's AC system, and it's not only illegal but also hazardous to the environment.  There are two types of refrigerants used in vehicles: R-12 and R-134a. R-12 was commonly used in older cars, but due to its harmful impacts on the environment, it was phased out and replaced by R-134a. R-134a is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant that is currently used in most cars manufactured after 1995. To determine the type of refrigerant your car needs, you can check the owner's manual or the label under the hood. The label should have information on t ... read more

Brakes are a complex system, and they may look different from one vehicle to another. However, they all serve the same purpose – to slow and stop your car. Most vehicles on the road today utilize a disc brake system as their service brakes. Within the disc brake system, the brake pads are responsible for pressing against the rotors. They endure a lot of wear and tear over time, which is why you may be asked what kind of brake pads to use on your vehicle next time you serve them.  There are three main types of brake pads that we will discuss in this blog – Organic, Semi-Metallic, and Ceramic.  Organic Brake Pads - As you can probably guess, these brake pads are made of organic matter, usually a mix of rubber resin, glass, and other substances. The pros of organic brake pads are that they are less noisy and easier on the brake rotors. They are fairly inexpensive and are fit for the everyday driver. More than half of vehicles on the road today hav ... read more

When it comes to taking care of your car, regular tune-ups are essential. They help keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. They also help prevent major issues that can be expensive to repair. So, how do you know when it's time for a tune-up? One of the most common signs is reduced fuel efficiency. A car that is due for one may experience a decrease in fuel economy due to faulty spark plugs or other issues. If you notice that your car is using more fuel than usual, it might be time for a tune-up. Having trouble starting your car is another indication that it might be ready. If your car is having difficulty getting started, it could be due to worn spark plugs or other issues that can be resolved with an appointment. Another symptom that could indicate that your car needs a tune-up is poor acceleration or a decrease in power. If your car is having difficulty accelerating, it could be due to a fuel system issue that must be resolved immediately. If you're noticing ... read more