McKinney & Bonham Auto Repair

With more people heading back to the office and back to school, gas prices don't seem to be getting any cheaper. Regardless of what time of the year it is, you should always try to get the best out of your gas mileage. The way you handle and operate your motor vehicle has a significant influence on your MPG #. There are plenty of hacks that you can find on the internet that may help you save money on gas, but the best way to do it is to take good care of your car with proper maintenance. Besides adequate car care, here is some additional advice to improve your fuel economy:   Your Tires Are the Key to Everything There are three aspects concerning your tires that will determine how much fuel your vehicle takes: tread, alignment, and balance. You should make sure that your tires wear evenly, are inflated at the correct pressure, and are aligned and balanced.   Slow Down Research shows that driving slower at a steady speed yields significant savings in the long run. Th ... read more

It's no secret that the top essential maintenance step you can take to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently is simply getting regular oil changes. You've probably already heard of the three months or 3,000 miles rule, but it's not 100 percent accurate. Some cars can go longer between changes, while some older vehicles or ones with high mileage may need more frequent replacements.    How do you know when it's time to take your vehicle in for an oil change?  CHECK YOUR OIL REGULARLY We can't emphasize enough how important it is to inspect your oil levels on a regular basis. Oil is necessary to keep your engine running smoothly, and if you don't have enough or it's dirty, the parts aren't getting lubricated. You can sustain severe damage if you don't get it taken care of. To check your oil: Start by removing the dipstick. Wipe it on a paper towel or cloth and place it in the reservoir. Remove it again and inspect it on th ... read more

If you stepped into your car this winter and turned on the heat only to find that your heater is just blowing cold air, you may not be alone. This is actually not a completely uncommon car problem. While not uncommon, it is frustrating, especially on a cold winter morning when you have to sit in a freezing cold car on your way to work. There are a few basic issues that usually lead to the blowing of cool air from one’s car heating system: There isn’t enough coolant in the engine There is a problem with your heater core Your thermostats are not working correctly Your heating controls are broken You may have water leaks Knowing and understanding a bit more about how your heater works and the problems that can go wrong will only aid you in the journey to having the problem fixed at your nearby McKinney Car Shop. When there isn’t enough coolant in the engine ... read more

While the holidays are all about spending cherished time with our loved ones, family and friends, that often entails traveling to see one another. The holidays are a special and happy time of year; however, they are also a very busy time of year. Inevitably, busyness often leads to carelessness. When we are distracted by all the things on our to-do list, or by our noisy family in the car, it can lead our minds to wander while we are driving. If you aren’t completely focused while you are driving it can very dangerous, especially when the roads are busy during the holidays. Despite all that you have going on, remember the importance of practicing these driving tips for safety and efficiency while traveling this Thanksgiving. Make sure your car is road ready The first step you should take before any long road trip is ensuring that your car is road ready. This means making sure your vehicle’s servicing is up-to-date, etc. If you have a ... read more

Regular servicing and car maintenance help to keep your car running smoothly to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. However, unexpected car trouble can happen and without knowing what the problem is, it can run you a pretty penny to get your car fixed. Here are 5 of the most common auto repairs of which you may encounter at some point or another. Oxygen Sensor Repair The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust which is unburned. It communicates with the computer in your car and tells it if the levels are too high or too low. The oxygen sensor is important to get fixed ASAP. If not, you run the risk of causing damage to the catalytic converter, wasting gas, and damage to the engine. A knowledgeable mechanic will be able to diagnose if your oxygen sensor is going or has gone out. Engine Coolant Temperature ... read more