Posted on 3/28/2025

This is the time of year when summer and winter clash! It might be winter in the morning and summer by the afternoon. Why would you want to prepare for winter when summer is only a few hours away? Swinging temperatures can have a drastic affect on your vehicle’s performance and reliability. So, what does winterizing your vehicle really entail? To “winterize” your vehicle is nothing more than preparing it for expected cold weather conditions. The climate where you live will determine the extent of preparation, but here are a few things to consider in Dripping Springs, Texas. First, make sure all regular maintenance is up to date and any safety concerns have been repaired. There is no reason to prepare for extreme conditions if you are not ready for normal ones. Refer to your vehicle’s service guide and repair history to ensure all recommended services and safety concerns have been taken care of. Next, you will want to have a few things checked that often fail ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2025

If you have spent time behind the wheel you can recognize the dreaded oil service indicator when it lights up your dash. A frequent question is, how important or accurate is this indicator? To begin, there are 3 types of oil change indicators: Mileage based: An oil change indicator will que you based on a set mileage. Very simple, but effective. Algorithm Based: The engine control module will calculate when the oil change is due based on engine operating information such as operating temperature and engine load. There is not a direct oil sample being tested. Direct Measurement: Uses sensors to directly measure the oil condition. This can be done different ways, but each manufacturer will look at a combination of 4 things. Soot content suspended in the oil. Presence of water or moisture. The physical characteristics of the oil (Piezoelectric sensors can tell how thick the oil is). Conductivity, or how easy does electricity pass throug ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2025

If you’ve spent time behind the wheel, you’ll recognize the dreaded maintenance indicator light, aka oil change light, when it illuminates your dash. A frequent question we answer for drivers is, “how important is this light?” A perfect example came into the shop last week. This particular vehicle came in because it was running “weird” and the check engine light (alerts the driver when there is a problem with the way the engine is working) had turned on and off at different times. After gathering more information about the vehicle’s symptoms, we learned that the check engine light had been coming on for a few weeks and the driver would notice a lack of power / engine performance when the light was present. After looking a little deeper into the concern, we found the vehicle had 48,524 miles on the odometer and the 45,000 mile service had not been performed. The maintenance indicator (alerts the driver that vehicle maint ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2025
The Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is a beloved tradition that has been fostering creativity, craftsmanship, and friendly competition since 1953. Don Murphy, a Cub Scout leader from Manhattan Beach, California, was inspired by his own experiences with his son. He had been unable to participate in a traditional soapbox derby because of his young age. Murphy wanted to devise an alternative race that was accessible to all boys, no matter their age or resources. In his effort to bring the idea to life, he enlisted the help of his son’s Cub Scout pack, and together they designed the first-ever Pinewood Derby. His goal was clear: "I wanted to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition." Since its inception, the Pinewood Derby has grown into one of the most iconic events in the world of Cub Scouts. Each year, thousands of boys and their families participate in loca ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2025

If you’ve joined the electric vehicle (EV) revolution in Dripping Springs, Texas, you might be wondering: “Where on earth do I charge this thing?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the different types of EV charging stations and where you can find them near Dripping Springs. Types of EV Charging Stations: Charging 101 Level 1: The Slowpoke Level 1 chargers plug into any standard 120-volt household outlet, which is great if you have all the time in the world. Full charging might take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours, not ideal for quick pit stops! Level 2: The Overachiever Need a faster charge? Level 2 chargers are the workhorses of the EV world. Operating at 240 volts, they’ll fill up your battery in about 4 to 6 hours. That’s perfect for an afternoon of shopping or a long coffee break at a local café while your car gets its much-needed power-up. DC Fast Chargers: The Speedster For those who can&r ... read more