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.
It also helps your tires stay in contact with the road. This keeps your family safe. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX , we provide suspension inspections to make sure your car handles the way it should. When suspension parts like shocks or struts wear out, you may notice bouncing , swaying , or uneven tire wear . Your car might also feel harder to control, especially on rough roads. These are signs it’s time to have your suspension checked. A simple inspection can prevent bigger problems. Worn parts can damage your tires and put extra stress on other systems in your car. Fixing issues early saves money and helps your vehicle last longer. Drivers in The Colony, Frisco, Castle Hills, and Lewisville trust our team for honest suspension checks and repairs. We’ll make sure your car is safe, steady, and ready for the road. 📞 Call 972-625-1836 today to reserve your suspension inspection at David’s Automotive Repair. We are your trusted, family-owned auto repair shop in The Colony, TX.
It catches dust, pollen, and dirt before it reaches you and your family. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX , we replace cabin air filters so the air inside your car stays clean and fresh. When a filter is clogged , you may notice weak airflow , bad smells , or extra dust inside your car . A dirty filter also makes your AC and heater work harder than they should. Changing the cabin air filter is a quick service that makes a big difference. It helps your air stay clean and protects your comfort. It also keeps your car’s systems working the way they should. If you’re in The Colony, Frisco, Castle Hills, or Lewisville, our ASE-certified team can help. We can check your filter and replace it when needed so your family can breathe easy on the road. 📞 Call 972-625-1836 today to rese rve your service at David’s Automotive Repair — your family-owned auto repair shop in The Colony, TX.
Does the steering wheel look crooked even when you’re going straight? These are signs your wheels may be out of alignment . At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX , we provide wheel alignments to keep you safe on the road. A proper alignment helps your tires last longer , improves gas mileage , and makes driving easier . It also helps protect your suspension from damage. North Texas roads, bumps, and potholes can knock your wheels out of line, so it’s smart to have them checked often. Our team uses advanced tools to make sure your wheels are aligned the right way. If you live in The Colony, Frisco, Castle Hills , or Lewisville , we’re here to keep your vehicle and your family safe. 📞 Call 972-625-1836 today to reserve your wheel alignment at David’s Automotive Repair — your trusted family-owned auto repair shop in The Colony, TX.
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At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX, we service all fluids to keep your car, truck, or SUV running at its best. Transmission fluid keeps your gears shifting smoothly. Brake fluid makes sure your brakes respond quickly. Power steering fluid helps you turn the wheel with ease. Coolant (antifreeze) protects your engine from overheating. Over time, fluids break down or get dirty. If they are not replaced, it can lead to costly repairs. Many drivers in The Colony, Frisco, Castle Hills, and Lewisville are surprised at how often these services are needed. Our technicians can check and replace fluids during maintenance so you can avoid breakdowns and keep your car safe for the road. 📞 Call 972-625-1836 today to reserve your fluid service at David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, TX — your family-owned auto repair shop.
If your AC is blowing warm air or not cooling quickly, it could be due to several common problems. Some reasons your AC might not be working well include: Low refrigerant , which is the fluid that cools the air A failing compressor that can’t keep the system running properly A worn-out blower motor that doesn’t push air through the vents A clogged cabin air filter that blocks airflow The intense Texas heat makes it tough for your AC system to keep your car cool, especially if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. Having a weak or broken AC isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be unsafe. During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, being stuck in traffic without proper cooling is stressful, especially if you have kids or pets in the car. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, we offer complete AC system checks to find the exact problem fast. Our expert team will get your AC working again so you can stay cool, safe, and comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside. Don’t wait until the heat becomes unbearable. Call 972-625-1836 today to reserve your AC service.
Paying attention to these sounds early can save you time and money—and keep you safe on the road. Here are some common car noises and what they might mean: Squealing when you brake: This often means your brake pads are worn down and need replacing. Ignoring it can lead to more damage and unsafe brakes. Clunking sounds from under the car: This could be a problem with your suspension or steering parts. It might make your ride feel bumpy or unstable. Hissing under the hood: A hissing noise might mean there’s a vacuum leak or coolant leak, which can cause your engine to run poorly or overheat. During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the extra heat and longer drives put extra stress on your car. That makes it even more important not to ignore these warning sounds. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, our team listens carefully and finds the real cause of the problem. We catch issues early so you don’t end up with a breakdown or costly repair later. If your car is making noises you don’t recognize, give us a call. We’ll help you get back on the road safely and with peace of mind. Call 972-625-1836 today to schedule your reservation.
This is especially true here in Texas, where the hot weather puts extra stress on your vehicle’s engine. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles . But this can vary based on a few things: How often you drive short trips or stop-and-go traffic If you tow heavy loads or carry extra weight The type of oil your car uses The extreme heat during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer adds even more pressure on your engine. Hot weather can cause oil to break down faster, making it less effective at protecting your engine parts. Old or dirty oil can lead to lower fuel efficiency and increase the chances of engine damage. At David’s Automotive Repair in The Colony, we don’t just change your oil. We also check your oil filter and other fluids to make sure your car is ready to handle the Texas heat. Regular oil changes help your engine last longer and save you money on costly repairs down the road. If it’s time for your next oil change—or you’re not sure—give us a call. We’ll help keep your vehicle running strong all summer long. Call 972-625-1836 today to schedule your oil change reservation.
The extreme heat speeds up the evaporation of the fluid inside your battery. When this fluid dries out , it can cause corrosion on the battery’s parts. Corrosion and low fluid levels make your battery weaker and shorten its overall life. This can leave you stranded without any warning—especially during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, when being stuck on the road is the last thing you need. If your battery is older than 3 years , it’s a good idea to have it tested regularly. Even newer batteries can struggle in the heat, so watch for signs that your battery may be wearing out. Some warning signs to look for include: Engine starts slowly or takes longer than usual Dim headlights or flickering lights Clicking sounds when you turn the key Battery warning light on your dashboard Ignoring these signs can leave you stuck at the worst time. At David’s Automotive Repair, we offer quick and easy battery tests to check your battery’s health. If it needs to be replaced, we can get you a new one fast so you don’t miss a beat. Stay safe and avoid breakdowns this summer by making sure your battery is in top shape. Call David's Automotive Repair at 972-625-1836 today to schedule your battery test and keep your vehicle running strong.
Our shop has over 300 years of combined experience, and we’re proud to have two World Class Certified ASE technicians on our team. They bring advanced training and skill to every job. What is even more important—they truly care about you and your vehicle. Whether it’s a simple oil change or a complex engine repair , we take the time to explain the problem clearly. We want you to feel comfortable and confident with the work we do. We’re a family-owned shop serving The Colony, Denton County and North Dallas . From the moment you walk in the door to the time you drive away, we treat every customer like part of our family. We understand how much your vehicle means to you, and we work hard to earn your trust. Come see why so many neighbors choose David’s Automotive Repair for honest, reliable service. Call 972-625-1836 today to schedule your reservation with one of our ASE Certified technicians.
