What should I check on my car when getting gas?
January 18, 2024
Every few gas fill-ups and especially before any longer road trips, for proper vehicle maintenance, inspect the following:
Open the hood of your car and look at two important things when the engine is cool: the oil and coolant levels. If these levels are too low, it can cause problems for your car's engine if you don't fix them.
Oil Check:
Find your car's owner's manual to see where the oil dipstick and coolant reservoir are in your specific car. Look at the color and texture of the oil. It's normal for oil to be black. But if it looks like chocolate milk, that's a big problem. It means you should take your car to a repair shop. To check texture, touch the oil between your thumb and finger. If it feels like water, you need to change the oil right away. If it feels smooth and slippery, everything is okay
Coolant Check:
Check the color of the coolant, also called anti-freeze. Different cars have coolants of different colors like green, red, blue, yellow, purple, or pink. Check your car's manual to find out what color your coolant should be. If the color is too light or dark, go to a repair shop to have the coolant replaced.
Air Filter:
Think of your car's air filter as a security guard. It keeps out dirt and tiny particles from going into your engine. Taking care of it can help your car in a few ways; your car will use less fuel, saving you money on gas. It will produce fewer harmful emissions. Your car's engine will last longer. You can easily check and change this filter at home by following the instructions in your car's manual.
Keeping your tires in good shape is important for a safe and fuel-efficient ride. Here's what you can do:
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth:
Look at your tires regularly to make sure they're okay. Measure the air in your tires every month, before long trips, or if you're carrying heavy things. Don't forget the spare tire! You'll need a tire pressure gauge to check the air. In cold weather, remember that for every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tire loses one pound of pressure. Your car's manual will tell you the right air pressure for your tires. You can check your tire tread by using a simple penny test.
Headlights, Taillights, Brake Lights, Reverse Lights, Turn Signals and Fog Lights:
It's important to make sure your car's lights are working correctly, but we often forget to check. Here's what you can do about once a month: park your car in front of a flat surface and turn on your headlights to see if both are working and aimed right. Take a walk around your car and look
at your turn signals and parking lights. Finally, have a friend stand behind your car while you step on the brakes to make sure they're working too. Pro tip: if you can’t find someone to help you, use your phone. Prop up your phone and record a video using the back cameras, not the selfie camera (You’ll have a mirror effect with the selfie camera and get confused on which light is out). This way, you can be sure that all your car's lights are doing their job.
Serpentine Belt:
Even though it might look like just a piece of rubber, your car's serpentine belt is very important. It helps power things like the alternator, power steering, and air conditioner. Check the belt regularly to make sure it doesn't have cracks or other damage. If it's damaged or as recommended by your car's manufacturer, replace it to keep your car running smoothly.
Most of the time, the big tickets we see are just routine maintenance that hasn’t been performed over the years. It adds up. Sticking to a car maintenance schedule, and keeping good records of what you’ve done, can help extend the life of your vehicle and protect you against breakdowns, expensive repairs, and other unwelcome surprises.
Instead of letting the wheels lock up, the ABS system quickly pulses the brakes to help the tires keep their grip on the road. This makes it easier to steer and helps prevent skidding. When the ABS system is working right, it gives you extra safety during sudden stops or wet road conditions. Over time, parts of the ABS system can wear out. Sensors can get dirty, wires can weaken, or the ABS module may be failing. When this happens, you might see the ABS light on your dashboard. You may also feel the brakes act differently during a hard stop. Heat, rough roads, and daily driving can all add stress to the system, especially here in North Texas. A professional ABS check can help make sure each part is responding the way it should. This kind of testing looks at the sensors, the module, and the signals they send. Finding problems early helps keep the system ready to protect you when you need it most. A healthy ABS system gives you better control, better stopping power, and more confidence on the road. If your ABS light is on or your brakes feel different, call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation at David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony. We’re here to help keep your brakes and your family safe.
When you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid through the system. This helps the brakes slow your car down. When it is working like it should, the brake pedal feels firm and steady. As your car ages, the master cylinder can start to wear out. The seals inside it can weaken, and the fluid may not move the right way. When this happens, the brake pedal may feel soft or sink lower than normal. You might also notice that it takes longer for your car to stop. Hot weather in North Texas can make this wear happen even faster. Professional testing can find early signs of trouble before the brakes become unsafe. A bad master cylinder can make your brakes feel uneven and cause other parts to wear out faster. Taking care of it helps your whole brake system work better and keeps your car safe for everyday driving. If your brake pedal feels strange or your car is taking longer to stop, call us at 972-625-1836 or click the red "Make Reservations" button to schedule a reservation at David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony. We’re here to keep your brakes strong and reliable.
When tie rods are in good shape, your car feels steady, easy to control, and safe on the road. But as they wear down, you might notice loose steering, shaking in the wheel, or uneven tire wear. Tie rods face a lot of stress during daily driving. Rough roads, potholes, curbs, and normal wear can all cause them to weaken over time. In North Texas, the mix of heat and changing road conditions can make this wear happen even faster. When a tie rod becomes worn, it can create extra play in the steering system. This can make the car harder to control and may affect your ability to keep the vehicle straight at higher speeds. Routine check ups by a professional can help find early signs of tie rod problems before they become unsafe. A worn tie rod can lead to poor alignment, faster tire wear, and reduced steering control. Taking care of this part of your vehicle helps protect your tires, improves safety, and keeps your car driving the way it should. If your steering feels loose, you hear clunking sounds, or you notice uneven tire wear, give us a call at 972-625-1836. We will schedule a reservation at David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony for a check up. We are here to help keep your steering system safe and reliable.
When the transmission is in good shape, your car feels steady, strong, and easy to control. But as time goes on, heat, stop-and-go traffic, and heavy loads can put extra strain on the system. This can lead to rough shifting, slipping, or delayed movement when you press the gas. Transmission fluid plays a big role in keeping everything running well. It cools the transmission and keeps the internal parts moving smoothly. When the fluid gets old, dirty, or low, the transmission has to work much harder. This can cause it to wear out faster. Many drivers do not notice transmission problems right away because they often start small. That is why regular check ups are so important. Routine care can reveal changes in the fluid, early signs of damage, or parts that are starting to wear down. Catching these issues early can help prevent major repairs and keep your vehicle safe on the road. A healthy transmission also helps your car drive better and use less fuel. Keeping up with transmission service is one of the best ways to help your vehicle last for many years. If you are noticing any issues with your transmission, call us at 972-625-1836. We can schedule a reservation at David’s Automotive Repair to check out your transmission. We are here to help keep your transmission strong and reliable.
When the fuel system is clean and working well, your engine gets the right amount of fuel at the right time. This helps your car start easily, accelerate smoothly, and get better gas mileage. Over time, parts of the fuel system can wear out or get dirty. The fuel filter can clog, fuel injectors can build up deposits, and the fuel pump can weaken. When these things happen, you might notice slow starts, shaking, or a loss of power. You may also feel the car hesitate when you press the gas pedal. The weather in North Texas can make these problems show up sooner because high temperatures can stress these parts. Professional testing and analysis can help catch early signs of fuel issues before they become bigger problems. A weak or dirty fuel system makes the engine work harder than it needs to, which can lead to lower fuel economy and more strain on other parts. Taking care of your fuel system helps keep your car running smoothly and protects your engine for the long haul. If your car feels different than usual, call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation. Our team is here to help keep your vehicle safe and dependable.
When spark plugs are clean and working well, your car starts quickly, runs smoothly, and uses less fuel. But as they get older, they can wear down or get covered in buildup. When that happens, your car may shake, feel weak, or take longer to start. Your ignition system also includes parts like ignition coils and wires. These parts send power to the spark plugs at the right time. If one part starts to fail, the spark may not happen when it should. This can cause rough driving, loss of power, or a burning smell. Hot Texas weather can make these problems show up faster because heat puts extra stress on these parts. Professional testing helps find small problems before they turn into bigger ones. A weak spark can make your engine burn more fuel and work harder than it should. Taking care of your spark plugs and ignition system keeps your engine healthy and helps your vehicle stay reliable for daily driving. If your car is starting slowly, shaking, or losing power, give us a call at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation at David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony. We’re here to keep your car running strong.
An end-of-year vehicle check helps make sure your car is ready for whatever 2026 brings. During this visit, our team looks over your brakes, tires, fluids, belts, and battery to catch small issues before they become costly repairs. It’s also a great way to review your maintenance schedule. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, tire rotation, or fluid service, now’s the time to get back on track. Regular care not only keeps your car reliable but also protects your family’s safety. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, we treat every car like it’s our own. Our goal is to help you drive with confidence, knowing your vehicle is ready for the road ahead. Start the new year right—call 972-625-1836 or make your reservation online today. Let’s keep your car running strong into 2026 and beyond.
Your engine oil thickens in the cold, making it harder for your engine to start and for the oil to reach all the moving parts. That’s why using the right oil for the season is important. In Texas, we are fine using standard oil weights. But in colder areas, a better flowing oil might be necessary. Your coolant—also called antifreeze —protects your engine from both freezing and overheating. If it’s old or mixed wrong, it can’t do its job properly. Even your transmission and brake fluids can be affected by cold weather. If they’re dirty or low, you might feel rough shifting or slower braking response. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, we check every major fluid during seasonal maintenance. Making sure your fluids are clean and full keeps your car running strong no matter how chilly it gets outside. Keep your car healthy this winter—call 972-625-1836 or schedule your reservation online for a full fluid check today.
Front tires tend to wear out faster because they handle the steering and most of the braking. Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps even out wear so you get more life out of them. It also improves traction, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. Ignoring tire rotations can lead to uneven wear patterns. This can cause vibrations, pulling, or reduced braking performance. You might even end up needing new tires sooner than expected. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, our team can rotate your tires and check alignment, balance, and air pressure at the same time. It’s a quick service that helps keep your car driving safely and smoothly. Schedule your next tire rotation today by calling 972-625-1836 or booking your reservation online. We’ll help your tires last longer and your family travel safer this season.
Start by having your car checked before you go. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, our team looks over your brakes, tires, battery, and fluids to make sure everything is ready for the road. A quick inspection now can prevent big problems later. Your tires are what keep you connected to the road. Make sure they have good tread and the right air pressure. If they look worn or uneven, you may need a rotation or alignment to help your car handle better. Your brakes are just as important. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel shaking when you stop, have them checked before your trip. You want strong, reliable brakes when traffic slows suddenly or when you’re driving in wet weather. It’s also smart to test your battery and check your coolant and oil levels. Cold mornings can make weak batteries fail, and old fluids can cause your car to overheat. Our technicians can help make sure your car is road-trip ready. Before you head out, don’t forget your wiper blades, headlights, and defroster. Being able to see clearly—day or night—keeps you and your family safe no matter where your travels take you. At David’s Automotive Repair, we care about keeping your family safe on the road this holiday season. Call 972-625-1836 or make your reservation online today, and let us help you start your trip with confidence and peace of mind.
