Automotive News & Information - The Auto Clinic

Manual transmissions have been around for a long time and if you have ever driven a manual you know how exciting they can be. Manual transmissions have also been referred to as standard transmissions, stick shifts, manual gearbox, or a simple gearbox. No matter what you call it, manual transmissions are fun to drive, better on fuel, reliable, and somewhat safer. So what do you know about manual transmissions; where did they come from, and how do they work? The Auto Clinic in El Paso, TX knows, and now you will too.

For obvious reasons, air brakes are an essential part of your rig. They also add a level of complication to the braking system that a conventional vehicle doesn’t have. At The Auto Clinic in El Paso, our mechanics have the knowledge, equipment, and ability necessary to keep your air brakes in top shape.

The engine and transmission in your Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford diesel pickup is the heart and soul of your truck. At The Auto Clinic in El Paso, we repair, rebuild, and replace engines or transmissions with quality parts and builds, keeping your truck on the road for years to come.

Routine maintenance can lead us to discover all kinds of things you would think are obvious but as drivers with a routine, we simply get in and drive. We may think that if the lights come on and the car starts there are no issues, but at The Auto Clinic in El Paso we know what to look for and when to ask questions. When your vehicle is pulling to one side there are several possibilities.

You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car to get great fuel efficiency. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

1. Change Your Driving Style - If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the rush of hard acceleration, typically runs 10 mph over the speed limit and brakes abruptly, we’ve got bad news: you’re hurting your vehicle’s fuel economy, and your wallet, in a big way. Depending on the kind of vehicle you drive and just how extreme you are with the throttle and brake, tempering your driving style can up your vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 5 mpg. That’s a serious bump. Scaling back the speed by just 5 mph means you’ll also see an increase in fuel economy.

At The Auto Clinic in El Paso, TX, we understand the importance of being on top of the latest in automotive technology. That’s why we invest heavily in top-notch diagnostic and programming equipment, and why we have technicians that know how to use it.

A good technician will give your car a quick inspection whenever you have maintenance performed. Fluid levels, tire condition, dashboard lights, and a variety of other items typically are briefly explored whenever you bring your vehicle in for maintenance. At The Auto Clinic in El Paso, we're good at noticing things that need repair, but the fact of the matter is that only you know your car. You know when your car feels off when its been serviced last (or that it hasn't been serviced at all,) and have at least some vague idea of what’s going on with your vehicle day to day. Here are some questions you can ask us next time you come by the shop;

Your car’s radio and headlights, plus a slew of other important functions, are powered by an electrical current generated by your vehicle’s engine. A vital part of generating electricity is having a place to store it while it’s not being used. This is where your car battery comes into play. The battery of your vehicle holds electrical energy while the car is off in order to help the engine turn over and create a spark to start internal combustion. Without a working battery, your car will not be able to start. If you allow our team here at The Auto Clinic to perform proper maintenance, an average car battery can start your car reliably for roughly four years.