Keeping Your Transmission in Top Shape: Why It Matters and How to Extend Its Life

Is it something minor—or something serious? Modern vehicles rely on sensors to watch everything from emissions to engine performance. When something goes wrong, even a little problem can trigger the light. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a loose gas cap. Other times, it could point to an issue with your engine, transmission, or exhaust system. Ignoring the check engine light could lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. At David’s Automotive Repair, we believe in giving you honest answers. Our advanced testing and analysis service can pinpoint the issue quickly and recommend the best solution. Don’t gamble with your car’s health—getting answers now could save you money and stress later. If you see that check engine light, call 972-625-1836 today to schedule your reservation. We’ll get you back on the road with confidence!

Checking your brakes, tires, engine fluids, and air conditioning system ensures that you’ll have a smoother, safer journey. Your battery, belts, and hoses also need to be checked. In the Texas heat the rubber components can deteriorate faster. Small problems you may not notice during everyday driving can turn into big problems during long trips. At David’s Automotive Repair, we offer digital vehicle inspections. DVI's are designed to catch issues early and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or just across Texas, we’ll help make sure your car is ready for the ride. Start your adventure off right! Call us today at 972-625-1836 to schedule your pre-trip inspection reservation!

Good clean oil protects your engine in different ways. It does so by lubricating moving parts, reducing heat, and preventing harmful buildup. Over time, oils break down, becoming less effective at protecting your engine from wear and tear. Skipping oil changes or pushing them too far past their due date can lead to serious problems. This includes reduced fuel economy, engine overheating, and costly repairs. In Texas, where extreme temperatures put extra stress on your vehicle, keeping up with oil changes becomes even more important. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, we want to help our customers extend the life of their vehicles. Whether you’re driving around town or taking a family road trip, routine maintenance like oil changes can help you drive with confidence. Give your engine the care it deserves— call us today at 972-625-1836 to schedule your reservation!

It also marks the start of what safety experts call the “ 100 Deadliest Days .” From Memorial Day to Labor Day, crash rates involving teen drivers rise sharply , and many of those accidents are preventable. At David’s Automotive Repair, we care deeply about our community, and we want to help teens drive safely—especially during these high-risk months. Texas heat is no joke. Hot pavement, blinding sun, and overheated cars are common in The Colony and the surrounding DFW area. Make sure your teen knows to never leave pets, people, or electronics in a hot car—even for a minute. Teach them to check the AC , fluids , and tire pressure often to avoid overheating or blowouts during the hottest days. And then there’s the weather. North Texas storms can roll in fast and hit hard. Strong winds, heavy rain, and even tornado warnings can catch drivers off guard. If the skies turn dark, remind your teen to slow down , turn on their headlights , and pull over if visibility gets too bad. It’s better to wait it out than risk driving through dangerous weather. Local laws are also important to keep in mind. In Texas, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a phone at all while driving, even hands-free. It's also against the law for teens to drive with more than one non-family passenger under 21 during their first year with a license. These rules aren’t just legal limits—they're safety tools designed to help teens build good habits. Here are a few more tips to help your teen stay safe this summer: • Always wear a seatbelt. It’s a simple step that saves lives. • Avoid distractions. Phones should be out of reach, and eyes should be on the road. • Limit passengers. Too many friends in the car means more distractions. • Obey the speed limit. Fast driving leaves less room for mistakes. • Never drive under the influence. Alcohol, drugs, or even medications that cause drowsiness can have deadly results. • Don’t drive tired. If they feel exhausted, it’s okay to call you or wait it out. We love seeing our local teens enjoy their summer, but we want them to make it home safely every time. A little awareness and a few smart choices can make all the difference. If your teen’s car needs a check-up before summer adventures begin, give David’s Automotive Repair a call at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation. We’re here to keep your family safe on the road.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the number of teen-related crashes rises sharply. At David’s Automotive Repair, we understand that parents play a vital role in keeping their teens safe behind the wheel with the challenges our North Texas roads and weather can bring. Start by having regular, open conversations about driving. Teens are more likely to listen when they feel heard. Talk about the dangers of speeding, texting, and distracted driving. Teach them how summer heat can cause tire blowouts or how fast a storm can roll in here in the DFW area. North Texas is known for surprise downpours, heavy winds, and even tornado threats. Teach your teen to slow down in rain, turn on headlights when visibility drops, and never drive through standing water. Setting clear expectations and rules can help your teen feel more prepared and confident. Create a family driving agreement that includes: • Always wearing a seatbelt—no exceptions • No phone use while driving, including music apps or social media • No more than one teen passenger until they gain more experience • Calling for a ride instead of ever driving impaired or exhausted Texas law supports these safety measures through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program . For the first year, teens are not allowed to drive with more than one passenger under 21 who isn’t family. They also can’t be on the road between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it's for school or work. These laws are there to reduce distractions and keep new drivers focused—make sure your teen understands and follows them. Parents are also powerful role models. If you text at red lights, speed on the highway, or roll through stop signs, your teen is likely to do the same. Drive the way you want them to drive. Your actions speak louder than any lecture ever could. Stay involved. Check in often about where they’re going and how they plan to get there. Not because you don’t trust them—but because North Texas traffic, especially around areas like 121, 35E, and the Dallas North Tollway , can be unpredictable. Knowing your teen is alert and driving smart can give you peace of mind. And of course, don’t forget the vehicle itself. Hot weather takes a toll on cars. Tires, A/C, brakes, and batteries should all be checked regularly. If your teen’s vehicle hasn’t had a recent inspection, bring it by David’s Automotive Repair—we’ll make sure it’s road-ready and safe for summer driving. Together, with your support and example, your teen can have a fun and safe summer on the road. Call David’s Automotive Repair at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation and make sure your teen’s vehicle is ready for North Texas summer driving.

They connect the wheels to the frame and help keep your ride smooth by allowing the suspension to move up and down. Over time, control arms and their bushings will wear out. This leads to problems with handling and a rougher ride. If your control arms are going bad, you might hear clunking or knocking sounds when driving over bumps. Your steering may feel loose, or your car might pull to one side. Worn control arms can also cause uneven tire wear, making it harder to keep your car driving straight. In severe cases, a damaged control arm can affect how your wheels stay in place, c reating a serious safety risk. Ignoring bad control arms can lead to bigger suspension issues and more expensive repairs. If your car isn’t handling like it should, it may be time for a suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll inspect your suspension and make sure everything is working properly. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.

They connect the control arms to the wheels, allowing them to move smoothly while steering and driving over bumps. Over time, ball joints wear out, which can make your car harder to control and less safe to drive. If your ball joints are going bad, you might hear clunking or squeaking noises when turning or driving over rough roads. Your steering may feel loose, or your car might pull to one side. In some cases, worn ball joints can cause uneven tire wear, making it harder to keep your car driving straight. If a ball joint completely fails, it can cause a wheel to shift out of place, leading to a dangerous situation. Driving with bad ball joints can put extra stress on your suspension and lead to costly repairs. If your car isn’t handling like it should, it may be time for some suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll inspect your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.

It connects both sides of the suspension, helping your tires stay firmly on the road. The sway bar end links attach the bar to the suspension and allow it to do its job. Over time, these parts can wear out, making your car feel less stable and harder to control. If your sway bar or end links are worn, you might hear clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps. Your car may feel loose or wobbly when turning, and in some cases, it might lean more than usual in curves. Damaged sway bar components can also affect your steering, making it feel less responsive. Ignoring a worn sway bar or broken end links can lead to poor handling and extra stress on your suspension. If your car isn’t feeling as stable as it should, it may be time for a suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure everything is working properly. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.

They work with your struts or shocks to keep your ride smooth and stable. Over time, springs can weaken or even break, making your car harder to control and less comfortable to drive. If your springs are worn out or broken, you might notice your car sitting lower than normal, especially on one side. You may also hear clunking noises when driving over bumps or feel your ride becoming rougher. In some cases, broken springs can make your car lean in turns or cause extra strain on other suspension parts. Driving with bad springs can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and more expensive repairs down the road. If your car isn’t riding as smoothly as it should, it may be time for a suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll inspect your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.