Allen Auto Repair

Tornadoes are awe-inspiring natural phenomena that demand our respect and caution. Whether you're a storm chaser or simply live in a tornado-prone area, there are a couple of things to take into account.  The short answer to the question is yes, surprisingly you can do quite a lot to tornado-proof your car. How can you do that? Continue reading to find out! Stay Informed The most important thing is to be well-informed in advance. Before venturing out, make sure you stay updated on weather conditions by listening to local news or using reliable weather apps. While it might sound silly, it's a good way of making sure you aren't surprised by a tornado on your drive. Seek Shelter The best course of action is to find a sturdy shelter or a designated tornado-safe room. However, if you're caught on the road and have no alternative, seek the lowest ground possible and avoid parking under overpasses. Choose a Safe Vehicle ... read more

In today's technologically advanced world, automobiles are becoming more and more reliant on sensors to ensure optimal performance and safety. Lexus, a brand known for its impeccable design and cutting-edge innovation, is no exception. As a Lexus owner, you want your vehicle to perform consistently at its best. That's why understanding the importance of sensors, identifying sensor problems, and knowing where to find the best Lexus service near you are essential. Sensors play a critical role in a wide range of vehicle systems, from engine performance and emission control to safety features like collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring. With so many components relying on accurate sensor data, it's no wonder that even minor sensor issues can lead to significant problems. In this article, we'll explore common Lexus sensor problems, discuss their solutions, and help you find the best Lexus service near you to add ... read more

While most people know about the importance of brake pads, they are unaware of the rotors. Both the brake pads and rotors work together to slow down the wheels and, therefore, the whole car. Just like every other comment on your car, rotors are doomed to have problems and issues. If you want to know a few signs of worn-out or bad rotors, continue reading. 1. Car Shakes While Braking One very clear sign of bad rotors is shaking or vibration while braking. When you press the brake pedal, the rotors and brake pads come into contact to slow down the car. When the rotor is bent, warped, or worn out, vibrations can be felt through the car. 2. Pulling To One Side Pulling to one side can be caused by a few things, one of them being bad rotors. This is especially true if it is only noticeable when braking. If you spot this symptom, make sure to have the brake system as well as the wheels aligned at a repair shop. 3. Weird Noises While Braking ... read more

Trucks are useful, big, and comfortable to drive. This makes them one of the more favorable vehicle types, but with all of the models and makes, it can be confusing to choose the right one for you. That's why we have put together a list of some of the most reliable trucks to this day. Whether you need one for work or just like trucks, you will most certainly find the one for you below. Toyota Tundra The Toyota Tundra is one of the most popular trucks of all time. It goes head-to-head with the Ford F series. Surprisingly, the Tundra has stayed consistent throughout the year, even with modern models like the 2020 one. The specs? We can't give you an exact answer because it depends on the model year, but there are options with more than 400 HP, making them quite fast. Ford F-250 We will be taking a look at models before 2015 because they have some of the best reliability scores. All of them are equipped with a V9 engine, either a 6.2L or 5.4L ... read more

Electrolysis is a process that can cause severe damage to the radiator and cooling system in your vehicle. It occurs when electric current travels to parts where it shouldn't be and corrodes the thin metal pipes, causing them to leak and malfunction over time. Understanding Electrolysis Electrolysis is a common problem that affects the radiator and is caused by energy from ungrounded parts or faulty wiring. The electric current flows through the metal pipes that contain and cool the coolant fluid, causing corrosion and deteriorating the pipes. This can also occur due to the difference in electrical resistance between different parts of the vehicle's cooling system. Causes of Electrolysis Poor grounding is the primary cause of electrolysis. Electricity is allowed to flow through parts and fluids in the cooling system, causing damage. Some common reasons for poor grounding include: Bad wiring or tampering with the wiring Insufficient repairs Damaged or shorted relays Inco ... read more

As a driver in Texas, it's important to understand the importance of the state's vehicle inspection service. This annual service not only helps to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle, but it also helps to keep the roads in Texas free from emissions that can harm the environment. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the Texas State Vehicle Inspection Service and what you need to know in order to pass. Why Is Vehicle Inspection Important in Texas? The main purpose of the Texas State Vehicle Inspection Service is to check the emissions of vehicles and make sure they are not producing harmful pollutants. In addition, the inspection also checks that the vehicle's equipment is functioning properly, including the lights, brakes, horn, and seat belts. This helps to keep the roads in Texas safe and helps to reduce the risk of accidents and other incidents. What Happens During a Texas State Vehicle Inspection Service? The vehicle inspection process in Texas ... read more

Have you ever driven down the road and noticed the light come on the dashboard? The panel is filled with different indicators but the one that’s commonly illuminated is the check engine light. What does it mean and how do you deal with it? Understanding The Check Engine Light What does the check engine light mean? This indicator is a critical component of your vehicle’s diagnostic system. It lights up when the system detects a mechanical or electrical problem. It’s just a single indicator but it can mean a lot of things. It may be a sign of serious problems such as an engine misfire or minor issues like a loose gas cap. In other modern vehicles, a message that says “check powertrain” or “service engine soon” may be displayed in the instrumental panel whenever the check engine light is illuminated. In most cases, you don’t have to pull over to the side of the road or call a ... read more

Cars are supposed to run smoothly and quietly. If you hear strange noises originating from your engine, it is a sign that something is wrong. You should be especially worried if the noises start abruptly and get worse. These noises are many and varied, but the following five require immediate attention: Popping Popping noises from the engine are worrying, particularly if you are on a long trip. Never ignore popping noises coming from the engine. The sounds could mean an issue with the axle or its joints. A broken axle is a huge problem, so get it fixed swiftly. Hissing Your car engine should never hiss. Hissing could signify an overheating engine or a leaking vacuum. It could also mean liquids are leaking into the engine or the catalytic converter is plugged. Get a mechanic to check the source of the hissing as soon as possible. Knocking Knocking sounds from the engine are some of the most unsettling and vivid signs of an issue with the vehicle. It may signify problems with the ... read more

What Is Transmission Fluid? Regardless of whether you drive an automatic or manual transmission, both types rely on transmission fluid for lubrication and smooth operation. Transmission fluid reduces wear and tear on transmission gears, so your vehicle can move. It also has cooling properties to keep your transmission parts from overheating. This red fluid is similar to engine oil for the engine – it is absolutely necessary. Over time, contaminants can build up, leading to poor performance and reduced life of the transmission. In severe cases, the transmission can leak, leading to urgent repairs. So, what can cause your transmission fluid to break down and leak? Collision: When your vehicle makes a harsh impact on another car or object, especially near its axles or wheels, it can lead to a transmission leak. The transmission is connected to the driveshaft, which can do some damage to the seals. Poor Maintenance: Failing to inspect your trans ... read more

It can be extremely frustrating when your vehicle won't start. And unfortunately, there are a variety of issues that can cause a car to have problems starting, including loose connection cables, a broken starter, a bad alternator, or even a dead or dying battery. Figuring out the root cause of your car's starting problems can be difficult, but there are some useful clues you can use to determine the most likely culprit. Why Does a Bad Alternator or Battery Make My Car Not Start? To make your car start, your battery pushes a huge electric charge through your car's starting system. As you drive, the alternator generates electrical charges and sends them back to the battery to charge it. When your battery or alternator is broken, it causes this necessary process to fail: a dead battery won't start the alternator, and a bad alternator won't charge the battery. Symptoms of a Bad Alternator Aside from your car's failure to start, there are some key symptoms you c ... read more