2711 W. Howard Ln
Austin, TX 78728
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm 512-200-7420 Get Directions
4926 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78751
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm 512-200-7450 Get Directions
Your Well Trained Technician At Dave's Ultimate Automotive
Posted February 21, 2012 9:53 AM
When your Sedan breaks down, or just needs some routine service, you might get a little nervous. Your car’s so important to your life in Austin, you need to back on the road as soon as possible – with the problem fixed right the first time.
If you’ve ever checked into some of the technician training Dave's Ultimate Automotive professionals receive, you may be surprised at how much knowledge and skill goes into diagnosing and repairing a modern car. Let me give you some perspective. Today there are four cylinder engines that make more power than the V-8’s in luxury cars twenty years ago. I mean a new V-6 Toyota Camry could beat Sonny Crocket’s Ferrari in a race to sixty.
Our engines are more and more powerful and at the same time their fuel economy keeps inching up – even with steep Austin gas prices. And they’re so reliable. This is all due to engineering. But the advances come at the price of simplicity. The modern cars driving around Austin roads are so much more complex from a mechanical standpoint that it makes your head spin – not to mention the electronics.
Some cars have several networked computers controlling most of the engine functions and many other vehicle functions as well. Austin motorists take all of this sophistication for granted – but somebody has to fix it when it breaks. It’s a real challenge for Dave's Ultimate Automotive technicians to keep up, but we work hard to stay ahead of the technology. It requires a high level of commitment on the part of the technician and the Austin service center as well.
In addition to the training, there’s the financial commitment to purchase the diagnostic and repair tools. Dave's Ultimate Automotive technicians receive training through a combination of formal classroom training, training provided at Dave's Ultimate Automotive by parts and equipment manufacturers, on-line courses and home study courses.
There are many independent certifications available at Dave's Ultimate Automotive all the way up to Master Technician. The ability to repair your Sedan requires a strong combination of training and resources. No one can know everything, so Austin auto service centers subscribe to data services, technical libraries and even on-line communities that can help them when they run into a difficult problem.
It’s like those medical diagnosis shows on TV. Here are the symptoms – what’s the diagnosis and treatment? Diagnosis is every bit as much an art as a science. At Dave's Ultimate Automotive, we want everything to be simple, straightforward and cheap – but sometimes it just isn’t.
So try to be more relaxed next time you bring us your Sedan. You’re in good hands.
Posted in the Service Standards category
Selecting New Tires and Wheels
Posted February 16, 2012 10:54 AM
Some of us just love tires. All those little rubber hairs on new tires and the smell is wonderful. We live in a great time for tires. No matter how you drive, where you want to go or the look you're after; there is a tire for you.
The same is true about wheels. The hardest part is choosing from the thousands of wheels available.
We may not be able to help with that, but we can help you get some things in mind before you consult with your Austin tire professional. Let's start with function and think about how you drive.
For example, maybe you have a large SUV but you don't drive off-road, so an off-road tread isn't important. Also, because you are not out bouncing over rocks in the Texas backcountry, you don't need a high profile tire to protect your rims. So that means you can probably go with the low-wide look.
If you have a winter season with rain and snow or if you find you need better ice and snow performance, they make great, high-performance snow tires that won't make it look like you are driving a tractor.
There really are a lot of options for any given vehicle. You will find it very helpful to have a discussion like this with your Austin tire pro when you need new tires. You can find the best solutions for your driving needs and to make improvements in ride or handling.
Picking a wheel that is the same size as what you are now running is pretty simple. But, it gets trickier if you want to upsize. Just get some help when you go bigger. All that tire and wheel still needs to fit in the available space. You do not want your tires to rub when you turn or hit a bump. You also need to make sure your brakes and suspension bits will fit with your wheel of choice. It doesn't matter how great your car looks if it's not drivable.
Taller, wider wheels and tires probably weigh more than your stock shoes. And it's "unsprung" weight - that has a big impact on brake performance. The upsized shoes increase rotational inertia - if you go too big you may need to upgrade your brakes to compensate.
Another possible problem is an inaccurate speedometer. This happens because the number of rotations can change with the new wheels. Fortunately, speedometers and odometers are all controlled by the engine computer; so it is simple to get it reprogrammed and compensate for the bigger tires.
No matter what you are after: low cost, long life, high performance, traction or stunning good looks, your wheel and tire professional at Dave's Ultimate Automotive in Austin, Texas can help you identify your needs and give you a custom fit. With all the options available, you don't have to compromise. There is a tire out there with your name on it!
Posted in the Tires and Wheels category
Fuel Filter Service in Austin Texas
Posted February 8, 2012 11:23 AM
There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.
Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember, because it is a long list, but your service center at Dave's Ultimate Automotive can help you know what's scheduled to be taken care of.
Some of us in Austin Texas really don't look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things the manufacturer recommends.
But automotive maintenance is all about prevention, and addressing small problems before they get big. Let's take the fuel filter for example.
You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our Austin Texas roads is over nine years. When cars get older, five years or so, they've accumulated a lot of dirt and rust in their gas tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. So somewhere between that dirty gas tank and the price of a great vacation – is the lowly fuel filter: a very inexpensive part that doesn't cost too much to replace. And your car'll just run better too.
A clogged fuel filter can't let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your car is running fine around town, but struggles or sputters on the Austin Texas freeway or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can't get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.
Some fuel filters have a bypass. When they get clogged, they allow dirty fuel to move around the filter element so dirt ends up in the engine. We've already talked about how expensive that can be.
The fuel filter is even very important for newer cars. The fuel is still dirty even if there isn't rust in the tank. It's just that the fuel filter will need to be changed more frequently as the vehicle gets older.
How often should you change your fuel filter? Check your owner's manual. Your Austin Texas service advisor at Dave's Ultimate Automotive can tell you as well. It's usually around thirty thousand miles or so. Ask if it's time for a full fuel system cleaning as well. They often go hand in hand.
It's good to know that your Austin Texas service center has your back. When you're motivated to maintain your vehicle's performance and to reduce operating costs, you'll think of Dave's Ultimate Automotive as your ally - and maybe even your memory.
Posted in the Fuel System category
Fuel Saving Tip: Tire Pressure Saves Fuel In Round Rock
Posted February 1, 2012 9:22 AM
Under-inflated tires waste gas for lots of folks in the Round Rock area. Think how hard it is to walk in sand – you just have to work harder because of the resistance. When your tires don't have enough air in them, their rolling resistance is dramatically increased and it simply takes more gas to get from Austin to Round Rock .
Always check your tire pressure when you gas up at one of our local Round Rock service stations. If they're low – even just a little bit – bring them up to proper pressure. There's a sticker on the inside of your driver's door that gives the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.
And don't rely on your tire pressure monitoring system to alert you to when you need more air. The TPMS system is set to warn you when pressure drops twenty percent below recommendations. That's severely under inflated and you needed more air a long time ago. And if you have a slow leak – get it fixed right away at Dave's Ultimate Automotive.
Get some air and save some gas.
Posted in the Tires and Wheels category
Dave's Ultimate Automotive Often Asked About Premium vs. Regular Gas
Different grades of gasoline have different octane ratings. Regular gasoline has the lowest octane rating and premium the highest. Most gas stations around Austin Texas also carry a mid-grade that falls in between the two. The octane range for the different grades of gas varies by region due to altitude differences.
Engines require different octane ratings because of design differences. For example, turbocharged engines usually require premium gas.
There's a sticker on your gas tank filler lid that tells you the minimum octane rating your manufacturer recommends.
For help identifying the type of gasoline your engine needs, come by our Austin Texas service center: Dave's Ultimate Automotive 2711 Howard Lane Austin, Texas 78728 512-318-2054
Read your owner's manual carefully to see if it's acceptable to use lower grades. With some cars in Austin Texas it is; the engine control computer can adapt. You’ll lose some performance, but won't do damage. With other engines, using a lower grade of fuel could result in serious damage; so you don't want to save a couple of bucks at the pump only to pay it out a hundred fold at the repair shop.
Today's computer controlled vehicles are optimized to run well on the recommended grade of fuel. Using a higher grade than is recommended will not give you any additional performance or better fuel economy.
Regulations require detergents for all grades of gasoline, so your engine will have the same protection, regardless of the grade of fuel you use. If you do hear some knocking or pinging from your engine, take it seriously and get your Sedan into Dave's Ultimate Automotive. It may be a sign that you need a tune-up or some other repair.
In times of high gas prices, we're all conscious of making our fuel dollar go further as we drive around Austin Texas. Be sure to use the right gas for your car. Keep your tires properly inflated and your vehicle well maintained and you will get the best fuel economy possible.
Posted in the Fuel System category
Fuel Filter Replacement
Posted January 18, 2012 12:22 PM
You would never like to drink a glass of mud, right? Well, your car feels the same way. It needs a steady supply of clean fuel in order to run well and deliver good fuel economy. The fuel filter's job is to clean dirt and rust out of the fuel before it gets to your engine. A clogged fuel filter can actually choke off the engine so that it won't start or run. Some fuel filters have a bypass valve that allows fuel to go around the clogged filter so your car will still run. But, then the contaminated fuel can plug your fuel injectors and allow damaging particles into your engine.
A car with a partially clogged fuel filter might run well around town, but sputter and strain on the highway because it's starving for gas. There are two things that affect how often you need to replace the filter. They are: where you drive and the gas you buy. If you drive a lot on dirt or gravel roads in rural Texas, your fuel filter will have a harder time keeping the fuel clean.
And, we hate to say it, but buying the cheapest gas from cut-rate Austin area stations sometimes means dirtier fuel that'll clog the filter sooner. Major brands tend to be cleaner and certainly have higher levels of detergent additives.
Of course, your manufacturer recommends intervals for changing the fuel filter. But, it's a little more complicated than that. Some manufacturers stopped listing recommended intervals for fuel filter replacement or have very long intervals like every five years or eighty thousand miles. So you may need to look to other sources for recommendations. Cars older than six or seven years are especially at risk because they have had time for dirt and rust to build up in the fuel tank. A clean fuel filter keeps the gas flowing. Even a partially clogged filter puts added strain on the fuel pump. That can shorten its life and result in a costly repair.
As is often the case, spending a little money now on something as inexpensive as a fuel filter can save money down the road. At Dave's Ultimate Automotive in Austin, we can check your fuel filter. It is better than fixing a burned out fuel pump or ruined fuel injectors.
Posted in the Fuel System category
Synthetic Oil For Austin Autos
Posted January 10, 2012 12:55 PM
If you aren’t currently using synthetic motor oil in your Austin vehicle, maybe now’s the time to consider it. Need more information? Well, synthetic motor oil is a substitute for petroleum based oil.
Synthetic oil doesn’t gel or gum-up like petroleum based oil and it doesn’t vaporize as easily. It protects better in severe driving conditions like stop and go driving around Austin, as well as in very hot or very cold conditions. More and more new vehicles are being delivered with full synthetic motor oil; with the recommendation to use synthetic for the life of the vehicle.
Why is this? Synthetic motor oil maximizes engine power and fuel economy. To see why; we’d need a microscope, so we’ll have to settle for using our imaginations.
The molecules of conventional motor oil are long hydrocarbon chains. Synthetic motor oil, on the other hand, has uniform, round molecules. Which is more slippery, a pile of pencils or a pile of marbles?
Synthetic motor oil lubricates better because there’s less friction. That means better wear protection, cooler operating temperatures, more power and better fuel economy. And synthetic oil doesn’t sludge up like conventional oil, so it prevents those small oil passages from clogging up.
Some manufacturers are extending oil change intervals. The added protection of synthetic oil covers you for these longer intervals. Talk with your service advisor about how you drive and see if he thinks you can benefit from synthetic oil. Also ask about the appropriate oil change interval for synthetic, because it may very well be longer than for conventional oil.
Most of us here in Austin have a busy life and might occasionally miss an oil change; go ahead admit it. Since we’re not perfect, doesn’t it make sense to use a motor oil that’s got your back?
Now synthetic oil costs more. But it lasts longer, protects better and increases fuel economy. You’ll likely save money in the long run. If you’re serious about making your car last longer, start using synthetic motor oil right away.
Commitment to Make Your Sedan Last At Dave's Ultimate Automotive
Posted January 3, 2012 12:40 PM
For advice on how to make your Sedan last longer, visit us at Dave's Ultimate Automotive 2711 Howard Lane Austin, Texas 78728 512-318-2054
These days many people in the Austin area are really committed to making their cars last a long time. First thing: you've got to start with what you've got. It'd be ideal if people started with a brand new car, never missed a scheduled service item, paid attention to the severe service maintenance schedule and had regular inspections. But if you've had the vehicle for a while, or bought it used, its maintenance history is what it is; and that's where you start.
Go through the maintenance schedule for your Sedan and see what's been done and when. Have your Austin service advisor at Dave's Ultimate Automotive do an inspection and come up with a list of stuff that needs to be done. Review the list and prioritize the work, talk about budget and make a plan to get caught up.
Making a plan is so important. Suppose you go in for an oil change and learn you need your cooling system serviced, a transmission service and are coming up on a timing belt replacement in the next 5,000 miles. You might be pretty overwhelmed.
To make it even more stressful, these are all very important systems that are expensive to repair if there's a failure. In consultation with your Austin service advisor, you might decide to take care of the transmission on this visit, set an appointment for the cooling system service next month and get an estimate for the timing belt replacement so you'll be prepared for it in a few months.
Having a plan for taking care of these important services will set your mind at ease.
Posted in the Maintenance category
Wiper Blades In Texas
Posted December 28, 2011 10:15 AM
If you're gonna drive around the Austin area, you've got to be able to see! So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important. We've all experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our windshield is just dirty.
It seems like your wiper blades are always at their worst when you need them the most. But windshield wipers are like most other vehicle parts– they require regular attention in order to work their best.
You really ought to replace your wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If it's going to be a particularly harsh winter in Austin, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall. Winter blades are designed to resist freezing.
Speaking of winter and freezing conditions, if your car has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don't use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That'll just tear up the blades and cause them to wear out more quickly. It may even damage the wiper motor.
Over time, wiper blades become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don't cover the windshield effectively.
Worn wiper blades aren't just a safety hazard; they can also scratch your windshield. That may require replacing the entire windshield; a big cost for such a little part.
Replace worn blades right away. Your local service center can provide you with a quality replacement blade. They cost about the same as they would at the store; but installation is included at Dave's Ultimate Automotive.
Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. Even though your local Austin service center will top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home, or in the car if you are on a long trip.
Always use windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy bottled water, may freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water won't do a good job of cleaning your windows.
And remember that some vehicles have two reservoirs: one for the windshield and one for the back window – which may be under the hood or somewhere in the back.
So follow these tips to keep your windshield clear and your eye on the road, and give us a call at Dave's Ultimate Automotive or come by our shop at 2711 Howard Lane, Austin, Texas 78728. Call to make an appointment at 512-318-2054
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Posted in the Windshield Wipers category
Fuel System Cleaning to Improve Performance in Austin, Texas
Posted December 20, 2011 12:45 PM
All modern vehicles come with fuel injection systems, so it’s a topic we all need to know something about. All new cars and trucks sold in Austin, Texas over the last 30 years or so have come with fuel injection systems.
The fuel injector is a valve that delivers the gas or diesel fuel to the right place, in the right amount, at the right time; to be mixed with air and burned in the engine.
So how many fuel injectors does your car have? There’s one for each cylinder. So four, six or eight for most folks in Austin, Texas. Some vehicles have 10 or 12 cylinders. The engine control computer makes adjustments to the fuel injector as it monitors the engine and other sensors. Fuel injectors are a pretty sophisticated part.
Dave's Ultimate Automotive can help you with a fuel injector cleaning service. What’s the benefit? In order to work right, the fuel injectors have to deliver the fuel at a precise pressure at a very precise time. The fuel needs to be sprayed in a particular pattern as determined by the engine design.
Over time, varnish can start to build up in the fuel injectors, effecting the pressure, pattern and timing of the fuel charge. The result is that the fuel doesn’t get burned as efficiently as it could. That robs performance and wastes fuel.
What about dirty fuel – how does that affect the fuel injectors? The fuel injectors are the last stop in the fuel system. It starts at the fuel tank. Frankly, the best way to keep your fuel injectors working well is to use high quality fuel. Its real tempting to shop for bargains with fuel prices as high as they are, but major brands in the Austin, Texas area have better detergents and additives and deliver consistent quality.
What about a good fuel filter? The fuel filter is the next device in the fuel system. Its job is to filter out the dirt and rust that collect in the fuel tank. If it’s clogged up, the dirt will bypass the filter and head upstream to the fuel injectors.
It’s important to replace the fuel filter when your manufacturer recommends it. That’s part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning.
There are different kinds of fuel injection systems. Port fuel injection systems, the kind most gasoline engines have, operate at 60 pounds per square inch. The injectors for the new gas direct injection engines we’re starting to see require 10 to 30 times as much pressure. And some diesel engines for passenger vehicles have injectors that operate at 30,000 pounds or more per square inch. There’s no room for dirt and gum in a precision part like that.
There are a lot of good products available in Austin, Texas that can clean fuel injectors. They’re best used to prevent fouling in the fuel injectors. Many can’t clean a seriously gummed up injector – that requires a professional deep cleaning. But putting the cleaner in the fuel tank after you’ve had Dave's Ultimate Automotive take a look at your fuel system will help keep it clean. Be sure to read the label for directions.
Give us a call if you think your Sedan may be ready for a fuel injector cleaning.
Face it, having your vehicle serviced is never fun. But at Dave's they understand the frustrations you may face and make every effort to see that your experience isn't a bad one. They care about the...
For Great service and an honest answer! Everytime I bring my vehicle to Daves I don't mind what they have to say because I know what I am told are issues I need to address. I brought a buddy of mine...
I took my VW to Dave's at Howard Lane because the Lamar location was booked full and I was calling at the last minute. I only needed an oil change and considered a "quick" lube shop close to home, but...
Quick and efficient. Notified me of a couple things that would need attention, gave advice on dealing with them and accepted my decision without trying to sell other services.
my daughter needed an oil change and tire rotation. setting up the appointment was super easy. my daughter ended up having to change the appointment time at the last minute and the staff at Dave's U...
I love the guys at Dave's Ultimate Automotive. They are always so helpful and nice. They're honest and give good feedback on car maintenance. Highly Recommend!
I rely heavily on the guys at Dave's Ultimate Automotive to keep my vehicle running. I am never disappointed. The work is always done on a timely basis. I recommend Dave's to family, friends and st...
Recently had a 60K checkup performed at Dave's.
I was pleasantly surprised to have such a positive experience.
It's refreshing to see that professionalism is still alive and well in business today.
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Dave's provides an excellent atmosphere of service. From the moment you walk in, all of the employees are very professional and interested in making sure they do everything they can to get your car in...
Have been taking my cars to Dave's for years. They are excellent mechanics, and they stand behind their work. Most recent example: My 20-year-old car died; had it towed to Dave's. Problem was failure ...
Excellent service. Friendly and informative employees. They offered a shuttle service which I needed. Will definitely be going back to them for my tire services and now future oil changes as well. Th...
I like the no-pressure, educational approach the guys at Dave's take to needed repairs. I feel comfortable that they have my best interest as their top priority.
The minute I walked in I felt very comfortable. Being a lady going into a shop of men is never easy. Unfortunatly we got off on the wrong foot but the owner made it right. It turned out to be a total ...
As usual, the quality of Dave's Ultimate's work is very good. And, as usual, one pays ($$) for that quality.
Nevertheless, happy with my latest - fairly major - service.
I am always very pleased with my visits to Dave's. I am always treated with respect and I have the utmost confidence that when they say my car needs something that it really does.
The guys at the front desk and the guys in the back are professional and courteous. I have been using them forever and recommend them to all my friends.
You guys were once again very professional. The price was fair and the job was completed in a very timely manner. Thank you for getting my teenager back in his car so quickly. I tell everyone who asks...
