Some tips to protect your car from the extreme Texas heat

Milstead Service Center: How to keep your car protected from the harsh Texas summer?

Conroe, United States - /Milstead Service Center/

Simple hacks to protect your car from the Texas heat

The blazing Texas sun can be hard on your car. In such extreme heat, your vehicle needs some extra attention and care. Milstead Service Center, an auto repair shop in Conroe, TX, shares some hacks to protect your car.

 

1. Park in the shade: Direct sunlight can severely damage the car's exterior and interior. The interiors, such as the dashboard and seat covers, can start cracking and fading due to the extreme heat and light. The paint of the car can begin to fade if not protected. Parking in the garage or under a shade is the best way to combat the harsh sunlight in Texas.

 

2. Install a windshield sun protector: These are protective shields that can be installed on a car's windshield or side windows to block the sunlight and UV rays and to reduce the greenhouse effect inside the car. Tinting the car windows is an additional way to prevent the sunlight from streaming in.

 

3. Install seat covers: Leather and vinyl seat covers are aesthetically appealing but can become unbearably hot in the Texas heat. Installing fabric or cooling seat covers is an effective way to protect the seat covers and keep the seat cool and comfortable. 

 

4. Frequent washing and drying: Car owners who wash and dry their cars often succeed in protecting their cars’ paint from peeling and fading. Removing dust and debris keeps the scratches away and the car paint shining.

5. Wax the car: Regularly waxing with high-quality waxes gives the car exteriors a thicker protective coat that acts as a barrier against all elements of nature. The UV protection in car waxes seals the clear coat on the car and prevents dust particles from becoming embedded in the paint. 
6. Check the tire pressure: As the heat rises, the air inside the tires expands. Research shows that every 10-degree rise in temperature increases the tire pressure by one pound per square inch. Not only can this extra pressure cause the tires to blow out or pop, but it can also cause the tires to wear prematurely and interfere with braking. 

7. Long-term parking: When traveling out of state, car owners must invest in a car cover to protect the paint from fading and cracking in the scorching sun. 

Following these simple tips can protect your car from the summer heat and save you a lot of repair costs. For a smooth and impeccable auto maintenance and repair service, car owners can contact Milstead Auto Service. 

Why Milstead Service Center?

Established in 1972, Milstead Service Center’s ASE-certified technicians are experts at minor tune-ups to major engine rebuilds. Well-versed in the latest automotive technology, diagnostics, and repairs, the technicians work on most types of vehicles in Montgomery County. Milstead Service Center can take care of all automotive needs from auto repair, air conditioning, glass, and towing to RV repair, maintenance services, and collision repair.

Besides being focussed on giving impeccable customer service, the Milstead Service Center only believes in dealing in original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. 

If you search for a “mechanic near me” on Google, your search is at an end. Call (936) 441-3500 or visit 2416 1/2 N Frazier St for auto repair and maintenance services.

The short-term preventative measures that car owners must undertake

Milstead Service Center: Protect your car and its engine with these short-term measures

Conroe, United States - /Milstead Service Center/

Short-term maintenance measures to protect your vehicle

A car is a complicated machine, and its maintenance may seem daunting to many owners. A car is an investment; therefore, it makes sense to take care of your investment regularly. With so many maintenance tips, it becomes hard to figure out what is needed now and what is needed later. Milstead Service Center, an auto repair shop, talks about short-term checkups that car owners must conduct to protect their car and optimize its performance.

1. Oil Change

The oil keeps the engine well-lubricated and prevents overheating. Oil must be changed after every 5,000 miles or as suggested by the car manufacturer to avoid damage to the engine and optimize performance. Along with oil, the oil filters must also be changed as they collect a lot of debris, preventing it from circulating through the engine. 

2. Fuel filter

The fuel filter’s task is to remove water particles, rust, paint, and dust from the fuel as these abrasive elements can damage the system. The failure of a fuel filter can clog up the engine as the particles build up inside it. Therefore, changing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles is important, although modern vehicles have fuel filters that can last up to 60,000 miles. 

3. Air filter

An air filter prevents the debris and particulates from entering the combustion chamber in the engine and damaging it. It also increases fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and prolongs the engine's life. Changing the air filter is very easy and inexpensive. Ideally, it should be regularly inspected and changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or earlier and more frequently if the car is driven in dusty conditions. 

4. Tire pressure and tread 

Car owners must visually inspect the tires often for pressure, especially before a long trip. With the help of a tire pressure gauge, car owners can check the PSI (pressure per square inch) of the tires and the spare. During winters, the pressure usually drops by one pound with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Whereas during summers, the tires may have more air inside them. Therefore, tire pressure must be checked when the temperature changes drastically to protect the tires. 

The tread of the tire is the rubber that gives traction to a car while driving. As the age of the tires wears off, the traction falls, increasing the likelihood of the tire blowing up or getting flat. 

Therefore, the tire pressure and tread must be inspected regularly to ensure a smoothly functioning car and avoid unnecessary expenses.

5. Tire rotation

Tire rotation means changing the position of the tires on the vehicle to maximize the tread life of the tires. With tire rotation, not only is the wear evenly spread out to all tires, but the tread depth on all tires also remains uniform. The vehicle's braking performance is improved, the traction and handling stay consistent across all tires, and the stress on the drivetrain is lowered when the tires are evenly worn. To prolong the life of the tires, car owners must rotate new tires at 5,000 miles since fresh tires are more prone to uneven wear.

6. Wax the vehicle

Waxing a vehicle extends the lifespan of the paint and protects the exteriors from the elements like sand, dust, and UV light. A waxing every six months can prevent rusting, which, if not addressed, can spread to other parts weakening the vehicle’s body.

Why Milstead Service Center?

Established in 1972, Milstead Service Center’s ASE-certified technicians are experts at minor tune-ups to major engine rebuilds. Well-versed in the latest automotive technology, diagnostics, and repairs, the technicians work on most types of vehicles in Montgomery County. Milstead Service Center can take care of all automotive needs from auto repair, air conditioning, glass, and towing to RV repair, maintenance services, and collision repair.

Besides being focussed on giving impeccable customer service, the Milstead Service Center only believes in dealing in original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. 

If you search for a “mechanic near me” on Google, your search is at an end. Call (936) 441-3500 or visit 2416 1/2 N Frazier St for auto repair and maintenance services.

Some long-term preventative measures that can protect a car engine

Milstead Service Center shares long-term measures to protect your engine

Conroe, United States - /Milstead Service Center/

Long-term preventative measures to protect the car engine

A vehicle's life and performance depend on the care and maintenance it receives. An ill-maintained engine can overheat or stall suddenly, jeopardizing the safety of the car and its occupants. Owners must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles, but for many vehicle owners, the challenge is understanding what kind of maintenance a vehicle needs. Moreover, certain preventative measures can be categorized into short-term, long-term, and seasonal check-ups. Milstead Service Center, an auto repair shop, shares some important long-term checkups in this blog to protect a vehicle’s engine.

 

1. Coolant flush

 The coolant’s task is to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent overheating. Most manufacturers recommend coolant replacement every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. The cooling service flushes out the buildup in the system, keeps the engine from overheating in summers and from freezing in winters, and prevents corrosion and rust. 

2. Spark plug service: 

The wires running from a vehicle’s distributor send an electrical current to the spark plugs, which then create a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. When the spark plugs are not functioning optimally, the engine can lose power. Moreover, the spark plug should be cleaned regularly to remove the dust out of the combustion chamber to keep the engine functioning smoothly.

 

3. Transmission fluid:

Whether automatic or manual, transmission fluid acts as a lubricant that makes the shifting of gears smooth and gentle on the vehicle, this fluid lubricates the bearings and moving metal parts within the transmission, besides many other crucial functions in the system. The transmission fluid must be changed every 30,000-60,000 miles. Some signs of low transmission fluid are slipping gears, poor vehicle acceleration, and a burning smell. Checking this fluid can prevent severe damage to the engine and save a lot of money in the long run.

4. Transfer case fluid

This usually red fluid gives lubrication and cooling to the internal parts. But over time, it loses its ability to lubricate, and many additives in this fluid begin to degrade. Additionally, the transfer case should be regularly checked for leaks and must be repaired at the earliest. A gear oil leak that smells like sulfur or oil drops on the driveway are signs of a leak in the case. Also, this fluid should be changed regularly to protect the engine parts and prevent the transfer case from getting damaged, which is a big expense.

5. Inspect shocks and struts

These are simple devices that help control the impact and rebound of a vehicle as it passes over bumps. An essential part of a vehicle’s steering system, struts, and shocks must be regularly inspected by a professional, preferably every 50,000 miles, to maintain smoothness and control while driving.

6. Serpentine belt

The serpentine belt powers peripheral devices like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor to keep the car running. It is a long, winding belt that usually lasts for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. As it ages, it starts cracking and fraying and can break or slip to damage the accessories it powers. Replacing it periodically will protect the vehicle and its parts from a complete breakdown.

7. Front, center, rear differential

What are differentials? These devices split the power produced in the engine to the tires. The differentials can be the front, center, or rear differential, depending upon the type of vehicle. Signs that the differentials must be inspected are a high-pitch sound when accelerating or decelerating, clunking when accelerating or shifting between reverse and drive, or a howling sound. The axle lube level must be checked and changed regularly or as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. 

Prevention is better than cure, and regularly maintaining a vehicle is better than spending thousands to repair or replace neglected parts. For dependable, experienced, and affordable auto repair and maintenance, vehicle owners can contact Milstead Repair Center. 

Why Milstead Service Center?

Established in 1972, Milstead Service Center’s ASE-certified technicians are experts at minor tune-ups to major engine rebuilds. Well-versed in the latest automotive technology, diagnostics, and repairs, the technicians work on most types of vehicles in Montgomery County. Milstead Service Center can take care of all automotive needs from auto repair, air conditioning, glass, and towing to RV repair, maintenance services, and collision repair.

Besides being focussed on giving impeccable customer service, the Milstead Service Center only believes in dealing in original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. 

If you search for a “mechanic near me” on Google, your search is at an end. Call (936) 441-3500 or visit 2416 1/2 N Frazier St for auto repair and maintenance services.

Milstead Service Center shares some long-term preventative measures that can protect a car engine, Images 6/9/22

Milstead Service Center highlights the short-term preventative measures that car owners must undertake, Images 6/9/22

 

Milstead Service Center shares some tips to protect your car from the extreme Texas heat, Images 6/9/22