Driving Tips Articles

brake pads
Brake Repair 101: When to Replace Your Brake Pads and Rotors
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Thursday August 24, 2023

Your car’s brakes are essential to your safety on the road. Brakes work hard, though, and they don’t last forever. Unfortunately, it can be tough to tell when it’s time for brake repair, new brake pads, or brake replacement.  Let your brakes go too long without service, though, and you create a safety issue that…

engine lights
The Dangers of Ignoring Engine Lights
Battery Service, Computer Update, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Friday July 21, 2023

Engine lights are your car’s way of letting you know something needs attention. When we ignore engine lights, we’re ignoring warning indicators for potential problems with the vehicle’s motor or related systems. This is a dangerous habit and not one any good mechanic would recommend. Fortunately, you can become a better car owner by paying…

prepare your car for the summer heat
How to Prepare Your Car for the Hot Pensacola Summer Months
Battery Service, Brakes, Computer Update, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday June 19, 2023

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to prepare your car for the hot & humid weather the season brings.  Whether you only drive back and forth to work or log thousands of miles each month, preparing your car for summer weather is critical.  When you do it right, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, reliable, cool…

how to choose the right tires
How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Car: A Guide for Pensacola Drivers
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Friday March 31, 2023

If you want your car to stay safe and handle well, you need to choose the right tires. This is an important step, but it can also be overwhelming.  Today, there are hundreds of different tires on the market. They come in all different types and price ranges, and choosing between them can feel stressful…

replace my tires
When Should I Replace My Tires?
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Monday January 23, 2023

If you’re wondering, “is it time to replace my tires?” you’re not alone.  Your vehicle’s tires are your car’s point of contact with the road and are integral to a safe driving experience. They also impact your vehicle’s handling, steering, and gas mileage. Despite their importance, though, many people don’t know when to buy new…

biggest mistake car owners make
Top 10 Biggest Mistakes Car Owners Make
Brakes, Computer Update, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Thursday December 29, 2022

Owning a car is a big responsibility. Every car needs routine auto repair, including checks for your brakes and the occasional oil change. Unfortunately, delaying maintenance is one of the biggest mistakes car owners make. In this blog, we will discuss common car ownership mistakes, and break down how you can keep your car running…

transmission maintenance
Transmission Maintenance: 5 Most Common Questions
Computer Update, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Transmissions   •   Sunday November 27, 2022

The transmission is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle. As you drive, the transmission moves the power from your engine to the wheels. Over time, parts in your transmission can wear out, causing significant issues for your vehicle. Fortunately, you can avoid these issues with routine transmission maintenance.  In this blog, we…

Synthetic oil vs Regular motor oil
Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Motor Oil
Classic Car Repair, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Friday October 28, 2022

When it’s time for an oil change, you get to choose: synthetic oil or regular motor oil.  If you’re like most car owners, this can be confusing.  What are the differences between the two? Is one better for your car than the other? Does it really matter?  In this blog, we will consider the pros…

extend the life of your brakes
5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Brakes
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Friday September 30, 2022

Brake safety week just passed, and we’ve got pads and rotors on our minds! Your brakes are one of the most essential parts of your car. Fortunately, they’re also durable and meant to last. Today’s brake pads have a lifespan of anywhere from 15,000-80,000 miles.  Despite that long lifespan, though, your brakes will eventually require…

Questions to ask my mechanic
What Questions Should I Ask my Auto Mechanic When my Car Needs Repairs?
Battery Service, Brakes, Classic Car Repair, Computer Update, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Mufflers & Exhaust Systems   •   Monday August 29, 2022

Your car needs repairs, and you know it’s time to visit the mechanic. It’s been a while since you visited a repair shop, and you’re wondering how to do your due diligence. You may wonder, “what should I ask my auto mechanic?” If so, you’re not alone.  In this blog, we’ll explain the top questions…

buy or lease a car
Is it Better to Buy or Lease a Car?
Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Thursday July 28, 2022

You need a new car, and you’re wondering what your options are. You know you can choose to lease a car or buy one, but how do you know which is best for you? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll take a look at leasing a car vs. buying one and…

advanced-driver-assistance-systems
What you Need to Know about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Computer Update, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Wednesday June 29, 2022

Each day, about 17 thousand car accidents occur in the US.  About 6% of those car accidents involve fatalities, and most were caused by human error. What if there was a safer way to hit the road? What if cars could help reduce human error and make driving safer for everyone? Now they can, thanks…

avoid new car prices
Avoid High New Car Prices – Maintain the Car You Have!
Battery Service, Brakes, Computer Update, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Friday May 27, 2022

A new car sounds fun, but buying one will cost you. Since May of 2021, new car prices have increased an incredible 13.5%.  Even if you could afford to pay an arm and a leg, new cars lose 20 to 30% of their value the minute you drive them off the lot.  Fortunately, there’s an…

AC service
4 Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Car’s AC System
Classic Car Repair, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Tuesday April 26, 2022

Cold air: it’s a refreshing addition to any car – especially in the heat of a Florida summer. If you want to stay cool and comfortable this summer, knowing how to take care of your car’s AC system is critical. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few simple ways to take care of your car’s…

prolong the life of your car
5 Tips on How to Prolong the Life of Your Car
Brakes, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday March 28, 2022

A car is one of the biggest investments we make. Because of that, it’s smart to find ways to prolong the life of your car.  The longer your car lasts, the less money you will have to spend on replacing or repairing the vehicle.  Fortunately, we are here to help. In this blog, we will…

save money at the gas pump
5 Tips to Save Money at the Gas Pump
Battery Service, Computer Update, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday February 28, 2022

Gas prices are surging right now. According to the latest consumer inflation reading, energy prices have spiked by 34% in recent months, reaching their highest level since 1982.  If you’ve been feeling pain at the pump lately, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. In this blog, we’ll…

life of your tires
5 Tips to Extend The Life of Your Tires
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Thursday January 20, 2022

Tires: they’re not exactly the sexiest topic in the world of auto repair and maintenance. But we’d argue that they are one of the most important.  For your car to be safe and reliable on the road, it needs great tires that can grip the road and distribute the weight of your vehicle. In this…

why is antifreeze important
Why is Antifreeze Important in Florida?
Classic Car Repair, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Saturday November 20, 2021

Florida is a warm state. On average, we have the mildest winters in the entire Continental United States – with temperatures seldom dipping below the 40-50 degree range.  You might ask, then, why any of us in warm climates need antifreeze in our cars. Isn’t that stuff reserved for frigid climates that endure weeks of…

catalytic converter theft
Why is Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise?
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Mufflers & Exhaust Systems   •   Friday October 29, 2021

It might sound like an urban legend, but it’s not: catalytic converter theft is actually happening. The catalytic converter, which processes toxins into byproducts like water and carbon dioxide, is an important part of any vehicle.  Unfortunately, thieves all over the country are removing catalytic converters from parked cars. Since a car can’t function safely…

buying a used car
What to Look For When Buying a Used Car
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday September 27, 2021

If you’re considering buying a used car, you know that there’s not much inventory, right now. Between supply chain pinches and worker shortages around the country, the market has narrowed considerably. Today, used car buyers are facing more competition –and more pressure– than ever.  As a result, it’s essential to do your due diligence. Before…

better-gas-mileage
How To Get Better Gas Mileage In a Truck
Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Monday August 30, 2021

You love your truck, but you don’t love how much it costs to fill up the tank these days. There’s no way around it: gas prices are rising and cruising around town in that 4-wheel drive can be a real pain in your wallet. Don’t worry, though: it’s not time to pull out the “for…

car wash
Is it Safe to Take Your Vehicle Through an Automatic Car Wash?
Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Tuesday June 29, 2021

You care about your car, and you want it to look its best at all times. Taking it through the car wash is just one of the ways you ensure that. But is the automatic car wash doing more harm than good? Can it damage your car’s paint job? Is every type of car wash…

check my tire pressure
How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Tuesday May 25, 2021

When it comes to safe driving, tire pressure matters. According to AAA, low tire pressure can reduce your braking distances and make your car less responsive. This can be especially dangerous if you find that you must make an emergency stop or perform a sudden maneuver.  Most people know that a car’s tire pressure light…

windshield wiper fluid
What’s the Best Windshield Wiper Fluid to Use?
Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Monday April 26, 2021

We all know safe driving is important. Fortunately, being a safe driver is as easy as paying a bit of extra attention to your car, and conducting regular auto repair and maintenance. One of the best (and simplest) things you can do to keep your car running safe and strong is to check its windshield…

engine oil
Which Engine Oil is the Best For My Car?
Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Friday March 26, 2021

Engine oil is critical to keeping your car running well. Regular oil changes keep your engine in good shape and help avoid unnecessary wear and tear. But when your mechanic asks what kind of engine oil you want, you might not be sure how to answer.  In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of…

choosing a mechanic
5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mechanic to Fix Your Car
Battery Service, Brakes, Classic Car Repair, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Mufflers & Exhaust Systems, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Thursday February 25, 2021

Choosing a mechanic: it’s a big decision, and it can be difficult to make. After all, there are dozens of auto shop options out there, and establishing a relationship with a new mechanic is a big deal.  Fortunately, our team has a few tips to make the process easier. Let’s dive in. 5 Questions to…

cold weather
How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Car in the South?
Battery Service, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Thursday January 28, 2021

Winter has arrived, and it’s been hitting Pensacola especially hard this year. The freezing and near-freezing temps are tough on people and cars alike – especially because we experience them so infrequently. Fortunately, avoiding car troubles is as easy as understanding the impact of cold weather, and knowing how to work around it.  Here are…

different fluids your car needs
What are the Different Fluids Your Car Needs? (and How Often Should You Check Them?)
Battery Service, Brakes, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Monday December 28, 2020

Your car is like a marathon runner: it needs fluids to keep going. But, how do you know which fluids those are and when to replace or check them? In this post, our mechanics share their top tips on fluid maintenance for your car or truck.  7 Critical Fluids Your Car Needs As a car…

new brakes
How to Know if You Need New Brakes
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Thursday November 19, 2020

Your car has lots of components, but most people agree that the brakes are one of the most important. While your car’s stopping system knows how to work hard, it does eventually wear out. To keep your vehicle safe, it’s critical to recognize the signs that your rotors and pads are nearing the end of…

overheating car
What to do When Your Car Overheats
Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Monday October 19, 2020

You trust your car to run well and to get you where you need to go. So what happens when your engine starts overheating? This can be a scary situation, and knowing what to do is critical. Here’s our complete guide to handling an overheating engine like a pro: Why Overheating Happens Before you can…

jumpstart car battery tips
How to Jumpstart Your Car
Battery Service, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Thursday September 24, 2020

It’s happened to all of us: you get in your car and turn the key only to find that the vehicle won’t start. The cuplrit? A dead battery. If your car battery is dead, you might have to jumpstart the engine to get it going again. If you’ve never done this, the process can seem…

avoid potholes
Why You Should Avoid Potholes in the Road
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Monday August 10, 2020

Each year, potholes seem to pop up out of nowhere, and avoiding them can feel impossible. This phenomenon is due to changing weather conditions.  During the spring and fall, fluctuating temperatures cause road materials to shift, heave, and separate. This creates potholes that vary in size from tiny indentations to gaping, vehicle-swallowing canyons. As hard…

5 things everyone should keep in the car
Top 5 Things Everyone Should Keep in the Car
Battery Service, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Thursday July 16, 2020

Your car: it’s one of your most essential possessions. You rely on it to get you from Point A to Point B. To keep your family safe in bad weather, and to run well every day. With all this in mind, it makes sense to ensure your car is stocked with everything you might need…

spring break car tips
How to Prepare Your Car for Spring Break & Summer Road Trips
Battery Service, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday February 24, 2020

Spring break is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning all those fun adventures you’ll take as the weather warms up. Before you hit the road, though, you need to think about car care. If you were going to run a marathon, you’d hit the gym to prepare first, right? Why should…

rotate your tires in humid climates
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires in Humid Climates?
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems, Tires   •   Thursday January 30, 2020

Your car’s tires: they’re some of the hardest-working components on your entire vehicle. While you may steer the vehicle from the driver’s seat, the tires are your contact point with the road, and therefore some of the most critical safety implements you have. With all this in mind, it pays to take care of your…

driving in heavy rain
How to Drive Safely in Heavy Rains
Brakes, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Thursday December 19, 2019

When you think of hazardous driving conditions, what comes to mind? Winter roads? Winding mountain highways? What about heavy rain? According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 418,000 people are injured, and 5,000 people are killed each year in weather-related crashes, and upwards of 70% of these crashes take place on wet roads.  Any time…

winterize your vehicle
Important Steps to Winterize your Vehicles
Battery Service, Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Thursday November 14, 2019

The seasons are changing, and winter is upon us. This means that it’s time to pull those cool-weather layers out of the closet and bundle up. It also means it’s time to winterize your vehicle. Your car has dozens of moving parts, and cold weather can put many of those at risk. Fortunately, you can…

hot humid weather car care tips
How Does Hot, Humid Weather Affect Your Car?
Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday August 19, 2019

There are lots of great ways to take good care of your car & truck, even when the weather outside is hot & humid. Here’s what you need to know. Why Car Maintenance Matters in Humid Environments Extreme heat takes a toll on your car. Because car engines toss off heat as they operate, running…

When-You-Need-New-Tires
5 Critical Warning Signs You Need New Tires
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Monday July 29, 2019

Tires are a critical part of your car’s safety, functionality, and value. Think of them as the foundation of a house: if that essential element goes bad, everything else is compromised, as a result. Despite their incredible importance, tires can be a little tricky. How do you tell when it’s time to replace them, for…

the importance of tire pressure
How Important is Tire Pressure?
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Tires   •   Friday March 15, 2019

If you drive regularly, keeping your car’s tires properly inflated is a critical safety measure. It’s a fact that cars drive better when their tires are properly inflated. Tires with the specified amount of air pressure also last longer and promote better fuel efficiency, sportier handling, and overall safety. The Dangers of Low Tire Pressure…

signs your suspension system is wearing out
5 Signs you Need to Replace the Suspension Parts on Your Vehicle
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Suspension Systems   •   Monday February 4, 2019

The whole purpose of your vehicle’s suspension system is to make your trip down the road more comfortable. It does this by absorbing and minimizing friction between the road’s surface and your vehicle’s tires, which reduces internal movement and ensures passenger comfort, all while providing steering stability and making for a safer ride. While vehicles…

car charging system
The Importance of a Properly Working Charging System and Strong Battery During Colder Weather
Battery Service, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Thursday January 3, 2019

If you’ve ever had to jump-start a car, you already know that the battery is a critical part of the charging system. What you might not know, though, is that it’s not solely responsible for keeping your car “charged up.” Your car has an entire charging system, and it includes the battery, alternator, voltage regulator…

How to Tell if you Have the Proper Amount of AntiFreeze
Cooling System, Driving Tips, Maintenance   •   Tuesday November 27, 2018

Anti-freeze: it’s a critical component in your car’s cooling system. And it’s especially crucial during the cold winter months. While many people know what antifreeze is (and that it’s toxic to pets), not everyone understands what it does or how to check that their car has enough of it. Here’s what you need to know…

transmission fluid
DeBroux Automotive Does Transmission Fluid and Filter Maintenance
Driving Tips, Maintenance, Transmissions   •   Monday July 16, 2018

Warning Signs to Replace Transmission Fluid and Filter  One of the biggest indicators to needing transmission fluid and filter maintenance is your transmission starts slipping. You may be driving along when your car pops into another gear for no apparent reason. Additionally, you may notice your car struggling, lacking power or failing to accelerate like usual. If…

car producing lots of exhaust that should stop idling
Stop Idling That Car and Reap the Benefits
Driving Tips   •   Monday March 19, 2018

Stop Idling That Car! It’s true. Auto experts, including ones at the U.S. Environmental Protection and Department of Energy, recommend you should stop idling for more than 30 seconds, even in freezing weather. Instead, drive your car and you can warm up the engine twice as fast. We know this sounds contrary to popular belief. But…