Posted on 6/29/2022
After you’ve driven your car numerous times, you get used to how it drives and the sounds it makes (if any). When you notice a sound that is out of the ordinary, it usually means there is something wrong with your vehicle. At Hometown Tire and Auto, we understand how stressful and unsettling car sounds can be. We have a team of technicians who can help you get down to the bottom of the problem. As soon as you start hearing something odd, you should make a mental note of what it sounded like and where the sound may be originating from. Oftentimes, you may also see other visual cues with the sound, like an illuminated dashboard warning light. When the noise occurs more than once, it is important that you get your car to our auto repair shop right away. When you come into our shop, be ready to inform the technicians as much as possible of the situation. This will help our technicians narrow down the problem. After, we will perform a thorough multi-point vehicle inspection of your ... read more
Posted on 5/30/2022
Summer is just around the corner here in Liberty, TX. While this summer is great for many reasons, the extreme summer heat can affect your car health. For instance, the car battery can wear down a lot quicker than usual. While you can't do much about the heat, you can take some precautions to ensure that your battery doesn't give out in the middle of the road. Check out some of our tips below: Keep the Car Battery Out of Direct Heat Heat is your car battery’s worst enemy. To prevent the heat from draining your battery, we recommend parking your vehicle in a shady spot. A garage is your best bet, but you can always opt for sun shades when parking outdoors. Don’t Take too Many Short Trips Too many short trips can cause your vehicle battery to drain sooner. You have to let the alternator recharge the battery. If you drive your car once a week only for a mile or less then we suggest extending your trip to prevent draining your battery. Don’t Overwork Your Bat ... read more
Posted on 4/27/2022
After a season of harsh weather, cold temperatures and driving through snow and road salt, it's time to give your car some care. As you go about your spring cleaning activities, don't forget you also need to get your car ready for the warm season. Here are some simple car care tips to keep your vehicle in good shape for spring. 1. Check Your Car Battery The low temperature might have given your car battery a beating. Spring is the right time to have the battery tested and replaced if necessary. Also, make sure the connections are strong and free of corrosion. 2. Change your Car Oil and Filters Regular oil and filter changes keep the engine healthy. Oil naturally picks up impurities as it lubricates and cools the engine, but it becomes less effective if not replaced after long use. Failure to change engine oil and filter can lead to poor engine performance and higher fuel consumption. Also, if it gets too old, it can decrease the life of your engine or cause severe en ... read more
Posted on 3/23/2022
Effective windshield wipers are necessary for both your safety and the safety of other motorists when driving in inclement weather. We often neglect care for them until they stop doing what they're intended to do, which is to clear off your windshield. Fortunately, windshield wiper blades are inexpensive and easy to replace. On average, windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months. The interval between each replacement can vary depending on use, blade quality, and other external factors. Signs That Indicate It's Time to Change Wiper Blades Most of the time, you can simply use your senses to tell whether your windshield wiper blades are going bad. Good, healthy wipers should always be able to clean off the windshield smoothly, quietly, and effectively. Here are the top signs that indicate you need new ones. Squeaking It can be very annoying to constantly hear high-pitched screams from your wipers. It can be a major distraction as ... read more
Posted on 2/25/2022
The alternator plays an essential role in altering the energy from the crankshaft and applying it to your car's electrical system. The alternator takes mechanical energy and transforms it into electrical energy to recharge your battery, which is used to carry out your car's electrical functions (ex. radio, power windows, windshield wipers, and more). In perfect conditions, the alternator should last up to seven years. However, just like any other automotive component, alternators can fail due to time, mileage, and extensive use. Furthermore, fluid leaks can also lead to premature wear of the part. Below are some signs that indicate you need alternator repairs: Dead Battery A dead battery that occurs once is an inconvenience, but it could indicate an alternator issue if it occurs countless times after that. Electrical problems can be stressful, which is why we encourage you to take your car to our auto repair shop so we can inspect both your battery and alternator. Ele ... read more