Great Things In Store For YOU!

By Steve Smith

As we wrap up another year and prepare to start off a new season, it's a good time to reflect on where we've been and what we've learned and experienced in the outgoing year and where we could be going and accomplish in the new one.  

Visualize YOU
We can visualize a version of ourselves, our businesses or our families that we would like to come to fruition and begin to imagine the steps that would have to occur for that version of us to come to pass.  It could seem insurmountable, but it most likely isn't.  The best way to accomplish something is to start- take step #1.

Write it down 
We've all heard it said that people who commit their goals to paper are actually more likely to accomplish them.  When you visualize the goal or accomplishment that you want to come to pass, write the overall concept down and then begin to formulate the various steps required to get there and write those down too.

Make the steps bite-sized and manageable
We are far more likely to complete small goals on a checklist when we break them down into manageable tasks.  If it takes more than a year it doesn't matter as you will have grown and progressed.

Believe in YOU
Give yourself credit for being capable.  Examine those small sub goals that once they are completed will bring forth the big picture accomplishment and imagine yourself actually doing them.  Can you do that one thing?  Can you do that next thing?  Of course, you can!

Live in gratitude
It's no happy people who are thankful, it's thankful people who are happy.  Be grateful for life.  Focus on the good and deal with the bad.  Life is like a Pizza with some things on it you don't like.  The pizza can still be very good, just pick off, ignore or deal with the stuff you don't like.  Don't let a few things that you don't like make your pizza suck!

Speaking of being thankful . . .
We at Groovy Automotive want to thank you all for being great customers.  It is such an honor to serve each of you.  We so greatly appreciate your business and look forward to being YOUR neighborhood garage.

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Groovy Automotive
5405 North Lamar
512-492-8050
www.groovyautomotive.com

It's New To Me! The Groovy Guide to Buying a used car

By Steve Smith

Buying a used car can be a daunting task.  It's hard to know what you are REALLY buying.  Here are a couple of facts and opinions about used car buying.

Do your homework!

It is the buyer's responsibility to thoroughly inspect a vehicle before buying.  In Texas, any repairs that a dealer of used cars does after the sale is out of the goodness of their own heart.  There is no legal recourse if you buy one that has catastrophic issues that are or aren't visible a the time of purchase.  Drive the car, listen to the car, smell the car after it has heated up.  Does the car look like it was owned by someone who was proud of it and took good care of it?  If a seller has a problem with you having a certified mechanic shop of your choice check out the prospective auto prior to the purchase then leave and do not buy from them.

There are warranties available, but beware!  Many dealers will throw in a warranty with the purchase.  In most cases, these warranties only cover the drive train and will be honored only if the motor, transmission or differential fails within the specified time frame.  Some of these warranty companies will use trickery to get out of paying a claim.  You have to be very careful when calling in a claim for a failed component.  It is always best to have a shop with experience in dealing with these warranty companies to make that call on your behalf.

Don't buy cars that cost a ton to work on.

Unless you are ready to pay big money for repairs and upkeep don't buy luxury European cars.  If you by Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes,  Audi, etc. then you are signing up for costly repairs in the future.  Most every repair will be much more costly.

We at groovy find there are some common makes that cost more to fix as well as some that tend to cost less to fix.We find that most Nissan cost more to repair.  We find that Honda tends to lower repair costs.

All cars will last longer and have a lower lifetime repair cost if they are well maintained. 

Groovy Automotive offers a buyers check.  The way we work this program is that you pay for the first one, then if that car isn't for you the second one is 1/2 off and the third one is free!

Mention this blog post and get a buyers check for $79.99!

Where do I buy a used car?

There are many dealers as well as craigslist.  One company that we have had good experiences with and can recommend is Texas Auto Center.  They have several locations in Austin and offer financing and free oil changes in some cases!  Call them at (512) 490-0088.  

Groovy Automotive

5405 N Lamar

512-492-8050

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Groovy Automotive recommends Two Brothers Hand Wash & Detailing!

TWO BROTHERS HAND WASH AND DETAILING

When customers require a wash or detail we recommend Two Brothers Hand Wash and Detailing at 201 53rd St.  These guys truly know what the word "detail" means!  Great prices, great service, and a great wash!  The manager is Chuck and he will hook you up!  Bring a receipt from Two Brothers to Groovy Automotive on North Lamar and get $5.00 off of any service. 

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GET A FREE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION!

Just follow us on Instagram by clicking the link below.  

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You will find great money saving offers, free stuff and more!

To learn about your car, it's warning lights, no start situations, how to reduce the cost of brake repair and more scroll through our blog!  

Stay Groovy!

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Holiday Travel Prep and Savings! FREE OIL CHANGE before you head out of town for the holidays.

It's that time of year again.  We load up and spend time with family for the holidays.  What we don't need is car trouble.  Here are things you can do to help ensure a trouble-free trip.

1.  Make sure all of your vehicle's fluids are clean, up to date and at the proper level.  Get an oil change if it's due and if not, be sure to check the engine oil level before you leave.

2.  Check tires- make sure all tread is good and that there is no significant wear or bulges in the tires.  This could lead to poor traction at best and a blow out at worst.

3.  Make sure your vehicle has the proper mix, type, and level of antifreeze.  If you run your vehicle hot due to improper coolant levels you can damage your motor.

4.  Make sure brakes are in road-ready shape.

5.  Keep a gallon of water, extra quart of motor oil and flashlight in your trunk.  

GET A FREE OIL CHANGE WITH A ROAD READY CHECK by mentioning this blog article at our North Lamar Location only.

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Dog Lovers Week at Groovy Automotive!

IT'S DOG LOVERS WEEK at Groovy Automotive on North Lamar!  Mention this blog post and get $10 off an oil change, up to $200 off of repair work and a FREE DOG TREAT!  (Good only at our N. Lamar store)

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR OTHER FREE STUFF at Groovy Auto ATX

Groovy Automotive
5405 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78751
512-492-8050
www.groovyautomotive.com

Groovy Dog Mechanic

Even our dogs love fixing vehicles!  Pepper isn't for hire, but come on into Groovy Automotive on North Lamar and mention this video and get $10 off an oil change, up to $200 off repairs and a FREE DOG TREAT!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR FREE STUFF at Groovy Auto ATX

Groovy Automotive
5405 North Lamar
512-492-8050

$10 Off Oil Change! $50 Off Brake Work! $200 Off Repairs At Groovy Automotive!

For regular freebies and preferred customer savings specials FOLLOW US ON TWITTER at @groovyautoATX

Save $10 on your next oil change by simply following us on Twitter!  Click the link above, follow us and save on your next visit.

Preferred customers enjoy savings on services that include free tire rotations, free brake checks, $50 off brake work, up to $200 off repairs an more!  

Good at Groovy Automotive on North Lamar.  Call anytime 512-492-8050

What Do the Warning Lights on my Dash Mean?

By Steve Smith

What is your car trying to tell you with all the warning light icons on your dash?

There are many different messages that you will find in the instrument cluster of your vehicle.  Some are obvious and others are a mystery.  Here is a bite-sized post that can hopefully clear up the mystery and inform you as to what you should do when the all too familiar glow from the dashboard shows up.

One of the most common is the dreaded CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. (As seen above)  This can mean many different things. If you've just put gas in the tank and it suddenly comes on it could be as simple as a loose gas cap.  That would likely show up as an EVAP leak.  

This light illuminates when your car's computer finds a sensor taking a reading that falls outside of specifications, or if something occurs during operation that shouldn't have.  If the light blinks stop driving and call a shop.  It is possible to damage a car driving with blinking CEL.  

Another common light is your maintenance light.  Sometimes it blinks.  This light is most often a reminder that it's time for an oil change. 

MENTION THIS BLOG AND GET $10 OFF AN OIL CHANGE AT GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE ON NORTH LAMAR.

Tire pressure light- This light means that your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) senses a problem.  Usually, you need air in your tires.  However, it could mean that you have a tire sensor malfunctioning as well.

Charging system problem- This light means that your vehicles' charging system has a problem.  If your alternator isn't putting out enough electricity to properly charge your car battery this light will come on.  If your battery isn't able to take and hold a charge from your alternator, this light will come on.  You could also have a poor battery cable connection.  Get a charging system check immediately to avoid being stranded.

Avoid auto parts store for this service.  They are seldom accurate.

ENGINE COOLANT PROBLEM- Don't mess around with this light! (or any RED warning light for that matter) Pull over immediately, open the hood, look for obvious signs of a coolant leak. Let the engine cool off before trying to open a radiator cap.  YOU MUST HAVE WATER OR ANTIFREEZE in your car or YOU WILL DESTROY THE MOTOR.  It's better to pay for a tow than to ruin your motor.

 OIL LIGHT- Another potentially serious warning light.  It could be just a sensor, or it could also be that your car is starved of oil, which will also cost you a motor if proper oil levels are not restored to the engine ASAP.  Do not drive your car like this.  Try to get to the nearest place where you can buy motor oil, put it in and go get an oil change and general check out.  IF YOUR CAR BEGINS SOUND STRANGE AND THIS LIGHT IS ON, TURN OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY! 

If you have questions about your car or warning lights feel free to give us a call at Groovy Automotive located at 5405 North Lamar Blvd.  512-492-8050   We will gladly help in any way we can.

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NEED A TOW?  CALL CHOTE'S TOWING AT 512-832-1692

Everyday Things You Can Do To Reduce Repair Costs

There are many easy to form and follow habits that can promote a longer lifespan of your vehicle's components.  By reducing unnecessary wear on your car parts they will last longer and you will experience fewer repairs.

1.  When your gas tank is 1/2 full, consider that your "empty" and fill up.  Most modern autos have a fuel pump that is submerged in the gas tank.  When you have too little fuel in the tank to keep the fuel pump submerged the fuel pump gets much hotter as the fuel actually serves to keep the pump cool.  Having plenty of gas in the tank makes the fuel pump operate at a cooler temperature and keeps it from having to work harder than necessary, thereby helping it last longer.

2.  Slow down.  Try to reduce how often and how hard you have to brake.  This will certainly reduce wear on your brakes, but also your shocks and suspension.  It will also promote better gas mileage.

3.  Rotate your tires at every or every other oil change.  This will spread wear out evenly making tires last longer, as well as alert you to potential problems with your steering, suspension or alignment.  Early detection of existing problems generally means repairs will often cost less.

4.  Turn your A/C off before you turn your car off.  With the A/C compressor turned off when you start the vehicle it's one less component that requires energy to engage.

5.  Don't let yourself get behind on oil changes.

6.  Keep the proper air pressure in your tires.  This will promote even wear and better gas mileage.

7.  At least once a year do a maintenance check on your vehicle. See what your manufacturer recommends by the mileage of your car as well as what should be done by wear.  Example:  Spark plugs may not be due by the mileage, but if they are in bad shape then you would do well to replace them anyway.  Same thing for the filter, etc.

Groovy Automotive offers a Ready Check which generates a 3 priority tier report for your auto.  Things that need attention now, things that can wait a while and things that should be done periodically.  MENTION THIS ARTICLE AND GET A FREE OIL CHANGE WITH PURCHASE OF A READY CHECK.

www.groovyautomotive.com

For regular freebies and preferred customer specials FOLLOW US ON TWITTER at @groovyautoATX

Keeping Brake Repairs LESS EXPENSIVE! $50 Off Brakes

Putting off a brake job is almost sure to increase the cost of the repair.  Once the brake pads have worn completely away, your brakes are now metal to metal.  Metal to metal means that the metal backing of the brake pad, or what's left of it, is now grinding into your rotors.  This most often results in damaging the rotors beyond reuse and requires replacement of a part prematurely, turning a normal brake job into an expensive one.  

                                    

Have your brakes checked regularly and if you begin to hear brake noise have them checked ASAP.  Visit Groovy Automotive at 5405 North Lamar AND GET A FREE BRAKE CHECK by mentioning our blog! 512-492-8050

MENTION THIS BLOG AND GET $50 OFF A BRAKE REPAIR AT GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE ON NORTH LAMAR.

For regular freebies and preferred customer specials FOLLOW US ON Instagram @groovyautomotive

512-492-8050

www.groovyautomotive.com

Know the Condition of Your Car & GET A FREE OIL CHANGE!

Know your car's condition from bumper to bumper.  Know what needs attention now and what can wait with the Groovy Automotive Ready Check!  PLUS mention our blog and get a FREE OIL CHANGE with purchase of Ready Check.

(only good at Groovy Automotive located at 5405 N. Lamar) 

512-492-8050

For regular freebies and preferred customer specials FOLLOW US ON TWITTER at @groovyautoATX

Visit our website www.groovyautomotive.com