Texas Auto Repair

In Texas, most vehicles are required to undergo a smog check as part of their annual inspection. This is done to ensure that vehicles meet emissions standards and are not contributing to air pollution. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Gasoline-powered vehicles that are model year 1996 or newer and diesel-powered vehicles that are model year 1997 or newer are required to undergo an annual emissions test. This includes cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. Vehicles that are registered in certain counties are also required to undergo an emissions test, regardless of model year. The counties that require emissions testing include: Brazoria Fort Bend Galveston Harris Montgomery Collin Dallas Denton Ellis Johnson Kaufman Parker Rockwall Tarrant Travis Williamson El Paso If you live in one of these counties and your vehicle is model year 1996 or newer, you will need to have your vehicle tested annually. However, if your vehicle is model year 1995 or older, it is ex ... read more

Your vehicle has hundreds and thousands of parts, so it can become a little confusing for the average driver to keep track of it all beyond the brakes, tires, and engine. Our customers tend to have questions regarding their vehicle’s belts and how to differentiate the rubber components. There are two main belts that we will discuss in this blog today – the serpentine belt (drive belt) and the timing belt. Timing Belt The timing belt is a belt located inside the engine, and it is responsible for keeping the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. The belt has horizontal ridges that perfect the engine’s timing. Over time, the belt can wear out and even break if you don’t catch it in time. You should always replace the belt before it breaks or slips to avoid engine damage. Furthermore, timing chains have replaced timing belts in many modern vehicles. Serpentine Belt The serpentine/drive belt is different from the timing belt. It is located on the outside of the engine ... read more