What kind of Spark Plugs Does Your Car Need?

Small yet significant, spark plugs are the insulated plugs that are screwed into an internal combustion engine's cylinder head to deliver the spark that ignites the mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. They also transfer heat away from the combustion chamber.

How Spark Plugs Work:

The spark plugs are found at the top of the cylinder head. The piston first travels down the cylinder, draws up the mixture of fuel and air and runs back up toward the spark plug, compressing the mixture. Right at the top, the spark plug sparks and ignites the mixture. The piston is forced back down to create power for the vehicle, then pushed back up again to clear out the exhaust. This procedure is repeated again and again.

Standard versus Premium Spark Plugs:

Standard spark plugs in modern engines have a copper center electrode core surrounded by a nickel alloy, which you can see at the tip of the plug. Premium spark plugs are fashioned from precious metals, like platinum or iridium, in place of the nickel alloy. These are expensive and have higher melting points.

Hot versus Cold Plugs:

With regards to temperatures, spark plugs come in two basic varieties. Cold plugs are recommended for high-horsepower high-compression engines while hot plugs have more insulation and used in most standard engines.

Spark plugs usually need to be changed every 30,000 miles and if you don’t drive into Mission Car Care, Katy, Tx to do so your car will end up with dirty, carbon-fouled, misfiring spark plugs. Old and damaged spark plugs are sure to lower a car's fuel economy so you must let our ASE certified team replace them with shiny, new plugs to improve fuel economy.

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What to do after a Car Accident

Every driver shudders at the thought of an automobile accident. The fear of the car accident being fatal or crippling tops the list. However, even if you have been fortunate enough to have escaped the episode without many bruises, there is the cost of having your damaged car repaired as well as the inconvenience of not having a set of wheels at your disposal for your everyday needs.

The one bright spot in cars these days is that because they are built better and are safer than in the days of yore, fatal car crashes have reduced. But all said and done, even if you are the most cautious driver then too there is a chance you will meet with an accident. It might be because of some other driver’s callousness or just because you were fated to be in the wrong place at the wrong time but you will end up paying a price for it too.

Here are a few things every driver should keep in mind in case you are ever in an accident:

1. Be prepared:

Not that we promote being a pessimist but there is no harm in being prepared for an accident. You should always have an emergency phone number of a friend or family member (ICE- In Case of Emergency) stored away in your mobile phone. You can even carry relevant medical information for you and your family. Experts also advise carrying a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic.

2. Try to remain calm:

Not the easiest thing to do in the world after an accident but try taking a deep breath and stay calm. Don’t start yelling at the person in the other vehicle and avoid causing a scene. Being in control will help you check for injuries and move the car away from traffic if you are in a position to do so. Turn on your car’s hazard lights and place the cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares for safety.

3. Make that phone call:

In case of any kind of injury do not hesitate to call an ambulance. Call 911 to report the accident. The wisest thing would be to call the police too as well as a loved one to inform them as to what has happened and where you are. If you don't get a police report documenting your wreck, what proof do you have that it even happened?

Do not leave the site of the accident before the police arrive. When questioned state the facts and that too only to the police and your insurance agent.

4. Stay right there:

Do not leave the site of the accident before the police arrive. In Texas driving away after an accident even if it is minor is a misdemeanor offense and could land you a charge of failure to stop and render aid. More so, if someone is injured or killed, you could be charged with felony.

5. Note the damage:

Observe and note what damage has been done to your car as well as the other vehicles involved. Get the right insurance information from the other motorist. You will require the other driver's name, address, insurance company name and policy number. Also note the make, model and color of vehicle they were driving as well. Don't forget to write down the other vehicle's license plate number. You can even take names and contacts of witnesses if they are any. Do not sign any document unless it's for the police or your insurance agent.

You can bring your car into Mission Car Care on Clay Road, Katy, Tx for all kinds of quality auto repairs to your car as well as preventive maintenance. Simply call us on 281-579-8526 or drive in between Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm.

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Benefits to Washing your Car Regularly

You must have seen car lovers washing their car as the dawn breaks or after sundown. If you think they are crazy, think again! This relatively cooler time is best suited to washing your car. Washing your car in the blazing sun can cause some surfaces to dry faster than you may want them to, leaving residue and unwanted streaks.

Contaminants Around Us:
Keeping your car clean by spraying it with water and scrubbing the glass, trim, paint and wheels wipes away the emissions in the environment which stick to the car and are transformed into nitric or sulfuric acid clean. These can gnaw away at your paint and even metal.

When our cars stand in parking lots or driveways they are subjected to other elements in our surroundings like bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and even leaves. In the heat of the sun these substances decompose and can stain the car’s exterior. Sea or road salt exacerbates the problem by causing a chemical reaction that can quicken pitting and rusting. These substances need to be regularly washed away to avoid such circumstances.

How to Wash your Car Quickly and Effectively?
Car experts say that aesthetics is one of the top considerations when a person buys a car even if it may be a per-owned one. Taking care of your car like hosing it down with water and cleaning it with a wash mitt or sponge helps maintain the vehicle properly and maintains its resale value. Towels made of 100% cotton are recommended to dry it properly as they are effective water absorbers.

Begin drying at the top and work your way to the hood and trunk, and dry the sides last. Try using a new, dry towel for each area for maximum drying results. All said and done, there comes an unmistakable pride with driving a squeaky clean, newly washed car. Bring your car into Mission Car Care for complete automobile maintenance check on Clay Road in Katy, Tx for the best in automobile service

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Planning Not to Use your Car for a While?

If you are planning to leave your car unused for a few weeks, here are a few things you should  probably do before you let your vehicle simple sit away, uncared for.

Spruce it Up:

The most vital thing to do is remove all the dirt, grime and grease off the car and its nooks and crevices, especially the undercarriage. Accumulation of such elements over time can lead to corrosion and damage. You should even make sure the tires are at the right pressure to prevent flat spots from the weight of the vehicle.

Cover it Up:

If you have a garage or storage facility, then that’s ideal for storing your car and protecting it from outside elements. If not, then weatherproof car covers can serve the purpose of keeping  your car clean and dry while you are away. Try to cover any gaps with steel wool where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake. The smell of mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil around the car will also help ward off critters.

Fuel it Up:

Why would you want to fill the tank up if you are not planning to use your car for a while? Well, simply because a filled tank will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keep the seals from drying out. A fuel stabilizer will ensure that the gas does not deteriorate.

Charge it Up:

The first thing which happens when you don’t use your car for a while is that the battery loses its charge. If you can ask a neighbor or family member to start up the car and take it for a spin in a few days that would be best to keep it in good working order.

The expert team of ASE certified mechanics at Mission Car Care, Katy, Tx advises that you take these few steps so that you come back home to a car in good condition and you may go about your routine with ease.

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Keeping your Car’s Electrical System in Prime Condition

Your car’s electrical system deserves a check every time you drive into Mission Car Care on Clay Road in Katy, Tx. The electrical system consists of the battery, starter and alternator. Until your vehicle starts, your battery is providing the car’s entire electrical current including current to the ignition and fuel systems. That is the reason we make sure you are never left with a weak battery.

Tell our team if your check engine light comes on or you have trouble cranking your engine; your battery fluid level is low or leaking or the battery seems bloated. These are signs that your battery might be failing.

The electrical system of your car comprises of more than just the battery! While the battery supplies the power to start your vehicle, the starter is really what gets the engine going. Our team of ASE certified technicians will check if the starter is drawing the proper amount of current. Too much current will indicate a worn starter, while a low current may be due to corroded connections.

When your engine is running, the alternator keeps the battery charged and the keeps the electrical system going. The team at Mission Car Care makes sure that your alternator doesn't fail and will check it to see if the alternator requires replacement.

Make sure your car in treated to a complete electrical system check every two years or during your preventive or scheduled maintenance from Mission Car Care. Let our experienced team fix all your intricate electrical system problems--may it be in the battery, starter or alternator-- before you are left with a car which will refuse to start.

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Why your Car needs a Good Car Battery?

A weak battery will not give your car’s starter the amps for the engine to start nor will it be able to provide car’s electronic components need to operate effectively. A battery not only cranks the engine but also provides power for lights and accessories when the car is not running, and goes onto stabilize voltage within the vehicles electrical system. Moreover, it moves in to provide power when the demands of the vehicle's electrical system temporarily exceed the output of the alternator.

the steady voltage your

The expert team of ASE certified mechanics at Mission Car Care, Katy, Tx make sure that they take a look at your car battery whenever you drive into our service station on Clay Road, Tx for preventive maintenance or scheduled maintenance checks.

We check the car battery to ensure that corrosion doesn't set it in on your battery terminals. Once corrosion sets in, your car will randomly fail to start due to electrical contact being lost between battery and cable. A dirty battery surface can lead to a discharge and corrosion so we make sure there is no split oil or grease onto the top of the battery. We treat your battery to a full charge as that ensures its maximum life. We also tell our valued customers to keep their eyes open for warning signs that your car battery’s about to fail.

At the end of the day, batteries are heavy and have Sulfuric acid and hydrogen gas so it is wise to let the professionals at Mission Car Care handle all your battery concerns.

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Signs that Your Car needs Brake Service

Brakes are to your car what an anchor is to ships. It gives the driver complete control of his vehicle and when you are out driving on highways, congested roads or assorted terrains, it’s vital to be in control.

When you drive your car into Mission Car Care at Clay Road, Katy, Tx for brake service, our expert team of ASE certified mechanics will check the brake pedal, hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder, power brake booster, drum brakes, disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors. 

We like to share our indepth knowledge of brakes with our clients so we always tell them to look out for a few tell-tale warning signs which should have them rushing into Mission Car Care for brake service and repair. 

You know you need brake repair when:

•  The brake dashboard light glows amber. This shows a problem with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
•  The brake dashboard light is red, pointing to a system imbalance
•  The brake pedal pulsates as you moderately apply the brakes.
•  The brake pedal requires excessive force to apply the brakes.
•  The brake pedal goes to the floor with little resistance.
•  You hear grinding or squealing noises during braking
•  The brakes emit a burning smell when you stop.
•  The travel distance is more than usual or close to half the distance to stop when you engage the brakes.

 The vehicle pulls to one side as the brakes are applied.

Mission Car Care, Katy, Tx remains your partner in ensuring a safe drive of your vehicle by providing quality automobile service and repair.

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