5 Common Power Steering Problems
January 16th, 2020
In order to reduce the need for effort from the driver to steer the vehicle, engines incorporate a system referred to as “power steering.” This is a hydraulic system which uses power steering fluid to build pressure which is then used to change the direction of the wheels. This means you don’t need to arm wrestle with your steering wheel when trying to take a turn.
When your car’s power steering system begins to fail — or the fluid needs to be replaced — it can make it much harder to control around curves and corners. There are a few problems which can cause this issue. Here are some common problems associated with the failure of your power steering system.
Leaking Power Steering Fluid & ...[more]
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auto repair
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Auto Repair 101
Ways to Proactively Protect Your Engine
January 14th, 2020
We get in our car, turn the key, and head out to wherever we're going. Most of us totally ignore the fact that our vehicle’s engine is what allows us to dependably get where we need to go. The car’s engine is the most vital and central operating unit of any vehicle. When we do notice the engine, it's usually when we hear it making sounds we're not accustomed to hearing or when the car feels a little different than it did before. Your vehicle’s engine requires some regular maintenance to keep it in good running condition. 
A healthy, functional car requires a healthy engine, and for your engine to remain in good working order, it must be well-maintained. Here is some basic engine maintenance that will keep your vehicle’s engine operating at ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil
December 12th, 2019
When you go to purchased motor oil from your local auto store, do you know what you’re really paying for? When a service attendant asks you synthetic or regular, do you know the difference? If these situations leave you feeling unsure, let’s examine your options so next time you can make an informed decision. 
What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil?
First off, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil. Synthetic motor oil uses a higher quality base oil as compared to the less-refined base oil used in conventional oils. Full synthetic oil provides better engine performance and protection than conventional motor oils and they are specially formulated to provide additional performance benefits. Conventional oil — when compared ...[more]
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auto repair
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Auto Repair 101
How to Tell If Your Brake Pads Need Replacing
November 1st, 2019
With power brakes, it can be hard to notice when brake pads have worn to a point of needing replacement. Braking performance often doesn’t seem to drop off considerably until the brakes have gotten to a point of actually being dangerous. For this reason, regular inspection can make all the difference. Milstead Automotive in Spring, TX has compiled this helpful list to help keep drivers ahead of a problem like worn brakes:
Listen to Your Brakes
Many brake pads are designed with a spring-steel tab that protrudes from the backing plate and serves as a wear indicator. When the brake pad friction material has worn down to a minimum thickness, the tab will dr ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Halloween Driving Safety Tips
October 17th, 2019
Trick or Treat! Kids and adults both love Halloween with all the candy, costumes and fun of being up late. As witches, superheroes, ghosts and celebrities roam the streets in search of candy and treats, drivers need to be cautious when driving. Halloween can be a dangerous time for drivers and pedestrians alike. Statistics have shown Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. It is a night filled with darkness, increased pedestrian traffic and all sorts of distractions.
Let’s not let this fun evening turn into a tragedy. Following these driving safety tips can help drivers and pedestrians be safe this Halloween.
Drivers:
1. Use your headlights — Halloween nights can ...[more]
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auto repair
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Auto Repair 101
Our Spring Auto Maintenance Checklist
January 18th, 2019
As winter beings to wind down, it’s time to look ahead towards spring. Temperatures will rise, spring will be in the air, and the weather is going to get a little unpredictable from one day to the next, with sunny skies one day and thunderstorms the next. Does your car have what it takes for spring and summer driving? Let’s do a quick checklist:Spring Auto Maintenance Checklist
Wipers: You can only expect about a year out of even the best wipers before the sun’s UV rays and normal wear take their toll on them. If you're seeing streaks on the windshield or if you are noticing strips or chips of rubber gone from the blades (or if they jus ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Strange Sounds Cars Make and What They Mean
November 6th, 2018
Knocking – If you hear a knocking sound happening under your hood, there could be an issue with how the fuel is igniting in your engine. Specifically, the fuel is burning unevenly in your engine’s cylinders. Engine knocking can be prevented by using the correct spark plugs for your vehicle and using a higher-octane fuel at the gas pump. If your engine is making knocking noises, head to Milstead Automotive ASAP.
Squealing – If your engine is producing a high-pitched squealing noise, a belt is probably to blame. Most likely, it is time to replace or readjust your serpentine belt. Over time, this belt can slip and slide to a position where it yields the unmistakable squealing. If the squea ...[more]
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auto service, auto repair
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Auto Repair 101
Collision Repair you Can Trust
April 18th, 2018
Being in an automobile accident brings quite a bit of stress onto you and your family. After the initial shock is over and the police report is filed, you then have to start thinking about who is going to repair your vehicle. Like most people, you’ll want your vehicle restored to its perfect pre-accident 
condition. ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Driving is Dangerous
October 24th, 2017
Most of us at one point or another will experience a car crash of some kind. Believe it or not, driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do. Milstead Automotive understands what our customers go thru after an automobile crash. Here are a few tips on what to do from the moment of the accident until your vehicle is in the shop for repairs.
Move the vehicle out of the road or away from oncoming traffic! 
So many injuries are sustained from secondary collisions. As soon as you safely can move your vehicle away from traffic so no one else and hit your vehicle or hit someone else while avoiding you. Once you are out of harm’s way, shift your car into park and turn on your hazard lights
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Auto Repair 101
What's Leaking From My Car?
July 14th, 2017
You go out to your car, start it up, pull out of your parking space and see a puddle of...something...where you were parked a moment ago. This is never a good 
feeling. What could it be?
feeling. What could it be?
Fortunately, some automotive fluids are dyed different colors to make this a little easier to narrow down.
Does it appear to be water? Were you recently running your A/C? Chances are that's just condensation from the A/C system, which drips out through a rubber tube and is perfectly normal. No worries there.
For years, antifreeze was dyed a bright green to make it easy to identify. Today, other antifreeze formulations can b ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
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