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.
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.
If something doesn’t feel quite right—like squeaking, grinding, or a longer stop than usual—it’s time to get them checked. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’re offering a FREE brake inspection to give you peace of mind and keep your family safe on the road. Plus, take $25 OFF your brake pad and rotor replacement when service is needed! What We Check During Your Free Brake Inspection: When you bring your vehicle in, our certified technicians will perform a complete brake system inspection, including: • Brake pad thickness • Rotor condition • Brake fluid level and quality • Brake caliper performance • Brake lines and hoses • Parking brake (emergency brake) function • Signs of uneven wear or damage • Test drive to check braking response If your brakes need attention, we’ll walk you through what we find in simple terms and offer a no-pressure recommendation. Don’t wait until you hear a grinding noise—book your free brake inspection today and save $25 if you need brake service! 📅 Schedule Your Reservation Now Upon drop off of your vehicle, let your service advisor know that you want your FREE brake inspection AND $25 off brake pads and rotors! 📍 Serving The Colony, Castle Hills, Frisco, Little Elm, Lewisville & beyond 📞 Call us at 972-625-1836
They absorb bumps, support your car’s weight, and help with steering and braking. Over time, they wear out, making your car harder to handle and less comfortable to drive. If your struts are bad, you might notice your car bouncing too much after hitting a bump or feeling shaky when turning. The front end may dip forward when you brake, or you might hear clunking noises when driving over rough roads. Worn struts can also cause your tires to wear unevenly, making it harder to stop and steer, especially in bad weather. Driving with bad struts can lead to bigger suspension problems and more costly repairs. If your car feels rough or isn’t handling like it should, it may be time for suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
Over time, they wear out, making your car harder to control and less comfortable to drive. When shocks go bad, you might notice your car bouncing more than usual, especially after hitting a bump. The front end may dip forward when you brake, or the back end may squat when you accelerate. You might also hear clunking noises or feel your steering becoming less responsive. Worn shocks can even cause uneven tire wear, which affects your car’s grip on the road. If your ride feels rough or your car isn’t handling like it used to, it’s time for an inspection. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure everything is working as it should. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
They hold the brake pads and press them against the rotors when you step on the brake pedal, helping your car slow down or stop. Over time, calipers can wear out or get stuck due to dirt, rust, or leaks. When this happens, your car might pull to one side, your brake pads may wear unevenly, or you could notice a burning smell after driving. A stuck caliper can put extra stress on your brakes and tires, leading to bigger and more expensive problems. If your brakes don’t feel right, it’s best to have them checked before the issue gets worse. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll make sure your brakes are working properly. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
Over time, both wear down from the friction created every time you press the brake pedal. Brake pads are designed to press against the rotors, creating the stopping power needed to slow your car. When pads wear too thin, they can’t grip properly, leading to longer stopping distances and potential damage to the rotors. Rotors, the metal discs that the pads press against, also wear down and can become damaged and grooved, causing vibrations or squealing noises when braking. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel vibrations when stopping, it may be time to have your brake system checked. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more expensive repairs and put your safety at risk. At David’s Automotive Repair, we inspect your brakes to ensure everything is working as it should. If you’re noticing any issues, give us a call at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation.
