Sudden Cold Snap- MY CAR WON'T START! It Doesn't Have to Happen to You

Your car's battery isn't something you spend much time thinking about.  But with upcoming colder temperatures "no starts" are as certain as winter itself.  

By Steve Smith

If you haven't replaced your battery in the last 2 to 3 plus years it is quite possible that one cold morning you will be heading out the door to get the kids to school or yourself to work and when you turn that key to start your vehicle . . . nothing.  Bummer!

How to avoid being stranded:

1.  DON'T WAIT FOR A FAILURE- If you haven't changed your battery within 2 years, have your charging system checked at a certified repair facility. Select a garage with the proper tools and knowledge to truly test the battery and the alternator's ability to charge your battery.  Avoid parts stores when in need of a charging system check.  If your battery fails, replace it.

2.  BE PREPARED- Keep a good quality set of jumper cables in your car.  You can also keep a jump pack in your trunk.  Make sure your jump pack is charged so it will start your vehicle in the case of a dead battery.

3.  TREAT YOUR BATTERY WELL- Nothing is worse for a battery than heavy fluctuation in the level of charge.  Draining and recharging reduce battery life substantially. Don't leave lights on.  Don't use your car's electronics for a long period of time with the engine off.  Unplug phone chargers and other electrical drains when the car is sitting for hours at a time.

4.  MONITOR YOUR GAUGES AND LIGHTS- If your car is equipped with a charging system gauge, keep an eye on it.  If you see a red light come on that looks like a battery or electricity icon get to a shop for a charging system check.

You will avoid frustration and save time and money by being proactive.  Being late to school or work stinks, but paying $89.99 for a tow truck is worse.

Mention this blog post to GET A FREE CHARGING SYSTEM CHECK AT GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE on North Lamar.

5405 North Lamar (Near N. Lamar & Northloop)

512-492-8050

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Groovy Automotive . . . just the repairs you really need at an affordable price.  

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Groovy Automotive in top 3 running for Chronicle's Best of Austin 2017!

Groovy Automotive is an Austin original and has been serving up reliable honest auto repair for nearly 3 decades.  Groovy has built a business on the foundation of honest and friendly service at an affordable price.

Let the world know!  Click the link below, scroll down to Auto Repair and vote for Groovy Automotive as Best of Austin!   CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

SAVE UP TO $200 REPAIRS!
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Groovy Automotive

5405 North Lamar

Austin, TX 78751

512-492-8050

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Your Auto Repair Shop's Integrity and Your Trust

By Steve Smith

Trust is an essential element of the relationship between you and your auto repair shop. 

Over the years some auto repair shops have earned bad reputations and have made it harder for honest repair facilities to gain customer confidence when it comes to transparency in repairs and billing.  At the same time, the people who work in repair shops are human and can make mistakes.  Check your bill, ask for itemized descriptions and account for all charges to be sure that there are no discrepancies or errors, honest or not.  Some say it's a good idea to avoid shops who pay the salesperson at the counter a commission.  Find a shop that has a good vibe and stick with them if they shoot you straight.  It's imperative to find a mechanic that puts you at ease by earning your trust.

At Groovy Automotive, we have policies in place that discourage dishonest recommendations.  Our service associates are not paid commission and earn the same pay regardless of your spending.  Groovy Automotive has spent the last 23 years gaining our customers trust and that's why we are still here and going strong with four locations.

• Our promise to you:

  • We will only recommend what you need to get you back on the road.
  • We will give you the very best price available for the service offered.
  • We will always stand behind our work and if there is a problem, we will make it right.
  • We will always be honest with you.
  • Though as a business we do have to make a reasonable profit, OUR INTEGRITY ISN'T FOR SALE.
  

SAVE UP TO $100 ON REPAIRS AT ANY GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE!

Just mention this blog post and ask for the Social Media Discount.

4011 Red River 512-450-0951 * 5405 N Lamar 512-492-8050 * 501 W Slaughter 512-291-8662

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Groovy Automotive, brakes, shocks, timing belts, tune up, spark plugs, service, mechanic, transmission, motor, engine, pads, axle, bearing, wheel, tire, alignment, 4 wheel, rotation, #KeepAustinGroovy

Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Your Car's Timing Belt Service

By Steve Smith

Your Timing belt is very different from your serpentine drive belt(s).  The belt you can see from under the hood, though very important, is not your timing belt.  If your car is equipped with a timing belt rather than a timing chain you need to service the belt every so often as per your manufacturer's specifications.  Often, manufacturers recommend a timing belt be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Unlike your regular drive belt, if your timing belt breaks, it can damage your engine and cause far more expense and headache than replacing the timing belt preemptively.

Some vehicles use the timing belt to turn the water pump.  In this case, you should most definitely do the water pump at the same time.  Doing the water pump while servicing the timing belt usually only adds a small amount to the cost of the timing belt service. If you do not do the water pump when the timing belt is done and the pump goes out you will end up paying the same labor for doing a timing belt all over again.  It's much cheaper, in the long run, to include the water pump when applicable.

What happens when the timing belt brakes?  The pistons and valves can collide causing damage to your motor in varying degrees.  The moral of the story . . . service your car's timing belt just like you would any other component.

Mention this article at any Groovy Automotive and get $100 off your next timing belt service.

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