Auto Care Services

Mathew Flack • September 16, 2024

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Title: Auto Care Services: Why You Need a Plan to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Introduction: Maintaining your vehicle is more than just an oil change and tire rotation—there’s a lot more that goes into keeping your car in top shape. From shocks and struts to flushes, filters, and belts, the list of necessary auto care services can feel overwhelming. But with a solid plan in place, you can ensure your car stays reliable while avoiding unexpected costs.

Our ASE-certified master technicians can perform a full inspection of your vehicle and build a customized maintenance plan. Let’s break down the essential services and how to incorporate them into a budget that works for you.

1. Understanding What Goes Into Auto Care Services

Auto care isn't just about the basics. Maintaining a car involves several components that work together to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to keep an eye on:

Shocks and Struts: These components absorb road impacts, improving ride comfort and handling. Over time, they wear down, and replacing them can prevent a rough ride and protect other parts of the car.
Flushes and Filters: Regular coolant flushes, transmission flushes, and replacing air, oil, and fuel filters keep your engine running clean and prevent overheating or fuel inefficiency.
Belts and Hoses: Your vehicle's belts and hoses control essential functions like power steering, cooling, and charging the battery. Worn-out belts and cracked hoses can cause breakdowns.
Timing Belt: Replacing the timing belt at the recommended intervals (typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles) is essential to prevent major engine damage.
Spark Plugs: These ignite the air/fuel mixture in your engine. Worn spark plugs can lead to engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting your car.
Tire Balance and Alignment: Properly balanced and aligned tires wear evenly, ensuring longer tire life, better fuel efficiency, and smoother handling.
Battery Services: Your car battery should be regularly tested and replaced as needed. A dead battery can leave you stranded, especially in extreme weather conditions.

2. The Importance of Brake Maintenance

Maintaining your brakes is essential for safety. Your brake pads, rotors, and fluid should be checked regularly to avoid costly repairs and ensure your car stops when you need it to.

Brake Pad Replacement: Worn-out brake pads can damage the rotors and increase stopping distances. Regular inspections will catch wear before it leads to more expensive problems.
Brake Fluid: Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, reducing its effectiveness. Replacing it periodically keeps your brakes responsive and safe.

3. Building a Maintenance Plan

One of the most common frustrations car owners face is the unexpected cost of repairs. Without a plan, these expenses can catch you off guard. On average, it costs about $3000 a year to maintain a vehicle that’s driven 15,000 miles or less each year. Of course, if you drive more, the cost will increase. But the key to avoiding surprise expenses is having a budget and a plan for your car’s upkeep.

Our expert technicians can provide a complete inspection and build a maintenance schedule tailored to your driving habits and vehicle's needs. Here’s why it’s important:

Preventative Care: With a plan, you can address issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run.
Budgeting: Knowing when to expect certain repairs or replacements allows you to plan financially, avoiding sticker shock when you visit the repair shop.
Safety: Regular maintenance ensures your car is safe to drive, reducing the risk of breakdowns or accidents.

4. Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Without a solid maintenance plan, repairs can become unpredictable and costly. If you’re not prepared, a sudden breakdown or failure can lead to frustration and unnecessary stress. Many vehicle owners end up spending more on emergency repairs simply because they didn't plan for routine maintenance.

Unexpected Costs: Neglecting maintenance means you could face significant repairs like engine or transmission failure, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Stress-Free Auto Care: With a plan in place, you’ll never have to worry about surprise expenses or emergency repairs again.

5. Let Us Build a Plan for You

We offer more than just repairs—we help you create a long-term plan for maintaining your vehicle. Our ASE-certified master technicians will give your car a complete check-up and work with you to develop a maintenance schedule that fits your driving habits and budget. Plus, our front counter staff is here to answer any questions and ensure you understand every step of the process.

Conclusion: Auto care services are an investment in the longevity and performance of your vehicle. From shocks and struts to filters and fluids, keeping track of your car's maintenance needs can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Come on down to, and let our experienced team help you build a personalized maintenance plan. With the right plan in place, you can keep your car running smoothly without any surprises.

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Keep Your Cool: Expert AC Repair & Service at Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX

By Victory Lane Automotive • August 23, 2025

Ensure comfort year-round with top-notch AC repair & service at Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX. Schedule an appointment today!

Keep It or Trade It? Why Hanging onto Your Vehicle May Be the Smarter Move

By Mathew Flack • August 13, 2025

Keep It or Trade It? Why Hanging onto Your Vehicle May Be the Smarter Move! With new car prices at an all-time high, many drivers are facing a big decision: do I invest in maintaining my current vehicle, or is it time to buy something new? The temptation of that “new car smell” is real—but so is the reality of $1,000 + monthly car payments. According to recent data, the average new vehicle loan is now over $1,000 per month before factoring in insurance, taxes, and fees. That’s a big chunk of change coming out of your wallet every single month—often for 6 to 7 years. The True Cost of Ownership: New vs. Existing Vehicle Let’s say your current car or truck needs $1,500 in repairs or maintenance. It might feel like a lot upfront, but compare that to dropping $12,000+ per year on a new vehicle loan. That $1,500 investment could buy you another year (or several) of reliable driving—without the monthly financial pressure. And here's the thing: even new cars require maintenance. Oil changes, brakes, tire rotations, alignments, and fluid flushes don’t disappear just because the car is newer. If you already stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance, you’re more than halfway to extending its lifespan and keeping it dependable. What Maintenance Really Means Many customers come to us thinking their vehicle is “on its last leg,” when really, it just needs a little TLC. At Victory Lane Automotive, we focus on preventative maintenance—things like: • Fluid checks and replacements • Suspension and steering inspections • Battery and charging system testing • Brake services • Cooling system and radiator checks • Regular oil changes These aren't just repairs—they’re investments in keeping your vehicle running stronger, longer. Your Vehicle Might Be Worth More Than You Think Modern vehicles are built to last well past 150,000 or even 200,000 miles with proper care. If your car is paid off and still running well, it may be more valuable sitting in your driveway than trying to sell or trade it in. Plus, you’re familiar with it. You know how it drives, its quirks, and its history. A new vehicle? That’s a whole new learning curve—and potentially a whole new list of unexpected issues. The Bottom Line: Before you sign up for years of payments and interest, consider this: could your current vehicle just need a little maintenance love? At Victory Lane Automotive, we can help you weigh your options honestly and provide a thorough vehicle inspection to assess what’s needed (and what’s not). If you’re sold on trading in your current vehicle, we provide a pre-purchase inspection—which is a detailed health report of the vehicle with recommended repairs/services in order to plan ahead for your future vehicle. Keep our customer’s well informed and creating a stress-free experience is what we aim for. Our ASE-certified technicians are here to keep your car safe, reliable, and road-ready. Schedule a diagnostic or inspection today—and drive with confidence.

Is Your Car Due for a Tune-Up?

By Mathew Flack • August 5, 2025

Is Your Car Due for a Tune-Up? Here's What You Need to Know ... If your car’s been running a little rough, your gas mileage has dropped, or your check engine light won’t turn off—it's probably time for a tune-up. At Victory Lane Auto, we specialize in tune-up services for all makes and models, especially European vehicles. Whether you're in San Antonio, Schertz, Selma, Converse , or Live Oak , our ASE-certified technicians are here to keep your engine running at its best. 🔧 What is a Tune-Up? A car tune-up is preventative maintenance that helps keep your engine performing efficiently and reliably. It typically includes: • Replacing spark plugs • Inspecting and replacing air filters • Checking ignition timing • Cleaning the fuel system • Testing battery and charging systems These small services go a long way in avoiding costly repairs down the road. 🚨 Signs You Need a Tune-Up If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, search no further than Victory Lane Auto: • Engine misfires or idles rough • Poor fuel economy • Difficulty starting • Loss of power or acceleration (sluggish) • Dashboard warning lights (especially the check engine light) Searching "car running rough near me" or "why is my engine shaking?"? We’ve got answers—and solutions. Your driving habits, environment (roads/climate) attribute to what and when services are recommended. 🌟 Why Choose Victory Lane Automotive? ✅ Family-Owned and Operated ✅ ASE-Certified Technicians ✅ 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Warranty ✅ European Vehicle Specialists ✅ Friendly, Honest Service Our shop at 264 Kitty Hawk Rd in Universal City is just minutes from Selma, Live Oak, Converse , and Schertz , and we offer courtesy shuttles and loaner cars for your convenience. 🛠 When to Schedule a Tune-Up Every vehicle is different, but as a rule of thumb, schedule a tune-up every 30,000 miles or once a year—whichever comes first. If you’re unsure, come in for a multi-point inspection and we’ll let you know what your vehicle needs. Ready to Schedule? Stop searching "best tune-up near me"—Victory Lane Auto is your trusted neighborhood shop. Book your tune-up today and keep your car running like new. 📞 Call us at (210) 658-8325 📍 Visit: https://www.victorylane-uc.com/

WHY IS MY CAR PULLING? WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME

By Mathew Flack • July 30, 2025

WHY IS MY CAR PULLING? WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME Wondering if your vehicle is due for a wheel alignment? Ask yourself these questions: • Does your steering wheel sit off-center? • Does your vehicle veer or pull in one direction? • Does your vehicle vibrate while driving? • Do you notice uneven tire wear? These issues can occur naturally over time due to aging parts- or suddenly after hitting an unavoidable pothole or curb. Your vehicle is designed with preset angles determined by the manufacturer to ensure your tires are properly aligned with each other and the road. When even one wheel is out of alignment (meaning it's angled differently than intended), your vehicle won’t drive as smoothly or efficiently. During your visit to Victory Lane Auto , we’ll include a detailed diagram in your Digital Vehicle Inspection showing the alignment angles of your vehicle: • Caster: Compares the steering axis to the vertical axis from a side view of the vehicle. • Camber: Measures the vertical tilt of the wheels from the front or rear view. • Toe: Indicates whether the wheels point inward or outward when viewed from above. A proper wheel alignment improves drivability, prevents uneven tire wear, and extends the life of your tires. We recommend checking your alignment every other oil change, at least once a year, or immediately after buying new tires- especially if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above. 📞 Give us a call at (210) 658-8325 for a professional alignment check. We'll also inspect your tires, steering, and suspension components. We look forward to serving you-and earning your trust as a lifelong customer!

Why are my brakes squeaking?

By Mathew Flack • July 29, 2025

WHY ARE MY BRAKES SQUEAKING? Are you hearing a squeaking or squealing sound whenever you apply the brakes? Depending on how often and when you’re hearing the squeaking/squealing, this could be a sign that it’s time to service your brakes. It’s not uncommon to hear a squeaking or squealing noise when you first start up your vehicle or after a shift in weather/temperatures- like rain, snow, or humidity (we know humidity far too well here in Texas). This is a result of moisture and dirt being scraped off the surface of the rotors by the brakes pads whenever you apply the brakes. Once your brake pads and rotors are at work and heat up, and the noise stops you’re in the clear but we still advice to have your brakes inspected once a year! A constant squeaking or squealing, or an increase in noise may be your vehicle telling you it’s time to inspect your brake system to see what’s going on- it may be time to replace parts in your brake system. That high pitch squealing is quite annoying but extremely crucial being that it may be the metal tabs built in on the brake pads, which are designed to scrape the rotors once they’re worn to its minimal safety thickness! A warped rotor (meaning the rotor has uneven wear) may also be a playing factor as to why you’re hearing noises when applying your brakes, that’s because your brake pads are intended to function on a flat surface. Ultimately your brake system is such a crucial safety component in your vehicle, and a constant squeaking/squealing are sure signs that it’s time for a brake inspection. Set up your next appointment at (210) 658-8325 and have one of our ASE certified technicians do a thorough inspection for you and keep you safe on the road!!