What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?

June 23, 2025

What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?

Should You Buy a Gas or Electric Vehicle? What Universal City Drivers Need to Know | Victory Lane Automotive

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle in Texas, you’ve likely found yourself asking the question everyone’s talking about:
Should I buy a gas-powered car—or make the move to electric?

At Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX, we help customers make real-world decisions based on their needs—not just headlines. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is undeniable, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for every driver, especially in a state as diverse in terrain and climate as Texas.

Whether you're commuting to San Antonio, hauling gear across counties, or just want something reliable for the long haul, this blog will help you understand the true pros, cons, and maintenance needs of gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles—from a local shop that services them all.

Electric Vehicles: Low Maintenance, Big Changes

There’s no doubt that EVs are changing the auto industry. They offer:

No oil changes or fuel stops
Instant torque and quiet, smooth driving
Fewer mechanical failures due to simplified systems
Federal tax credits and Texas utility incentives
Lower fuel costs when charging at home

But they also come with a new set of challenges:

Charging infrastructure is still limited across parts of South Texas
Range drops during high-heat months—especially when running A/C
EV batteries are expensive to replace if not maintained
Repairs require specialty tools and training

If you live in Universal City, work from home, and mostly drive locally, an EV could be a smart long-term choice—but only if you have a home charger or a consistent access point nearby.

Gas Vehicles: Still the Workhorse of South Texas

While EVs are gaining ground, gas-powered cars remain the most flexible and dependable option for the majority of drivers in Bexar County.

Gas cars offer:

Lower upfront cost and better used vehicle availability
Fast, convenient refueling at any of the countless local stations
Long-distance capability with no planning required
Wide parts availability and fast repair turnaround

At Victory Lane Automotive, we’ve been servicing gas engines for years—from pickups and family sedans to performance vehicles and SUVs. With proper maintenance, today’s gas-powered vehicles can easily surpass 200,000 miles—especially in dry Texas conditions where corrosion is less of a threat.

If you’re towing, taking road trips, or driving long stretches across rural areas, gas is still king.

Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids: Fuel Efficiency with Flexibility

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a great option for drivers who want to save on fuel without sacrificing range or convenience.

Benefits include:

Exceptional fuel economy—perfect for commuters
Electric-assist performance and regenerative braking
PHEVs can drive short distances on electric alone, then switch to gas
No dependency on charging stations unless you choose a PHEV

Our team at Victory Lane Automotive is fully equipped to maintain and repair hybrid systems:

Battery diagnostics
Inverter and cooling system service
Regenerative brake care
Hybrid tune-ups and preventive maintenance

Whether you’re driving a Prius, a plug-in Ford Escape, or a hybrid Camry, we’ll keep it running like new—without dealership prices or wait times.

What About Cost? EV vs. Gas vs. Hybrid

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

Higher purchase price
Lower lifetime fuel and maintenance costs
Charging access is essential
Long-term savings—if your lifestyle supports it

Gas Vehicles:

Lowest purchase cost
Easier to repair and maintain
Ideal for high-mileage drivers or rural road use
Higher fuel cost and more routine service

Hybrids:

Moderate purchase cost
Excellent fuel economy
Less reliance on infrastructure
Some qualify for rebates and tax credits

If you drive a lot of highway miles, gas still wins. If you're focused on commuting and fuel economy, hybrid is the best of both worlds. If you're all-in on electric and have the infrastructure to support it, EVs can deliver serious long-term savings.

Universal City’s Charging Infrastructure: Growing, But Still Limited

While Texas is investing heavily in EV charging infrastructure, many areas—especially suburbs like Universal City—are still catching up to the demand.

That means if you:

Can’t charge at home
Take frequent road trips or long drives
Live in an apartment or condo
...you may want to reconsider full EV ownership until the infrastructure matures.

Hybrids and gas vehicles still offer unmatched flexibility for everyday Texas drivers who need to get in, go, and not worry about charge levels or route planning.

Real Advice from Victory Lane Automotive

We don’t push trends. We support drivers who care about reliability, safety, and long-term value.

Here’s what we recommend:

Choose EV if you drive locally, have home charging, and want long-term fuel savings
Choose hybrid or PHEV if you want fuel efficiency with gas-powered flexibility
Stick with gas if you drive long distances, need hauling power, or want to avoid infrastructure headaches

No matter what you choose, we’re here to help you protect your investment and keep your vehicle on the road for years to come.

Need Pre-Purchase Advice or an Honest Inspection?

Whether you’re thinking about buying new or used, we offer:

Pre-purchase vehicle inspections
Hybrid and EV maintenance
Full-service care for gas, electric, and hybrid drivetrains
Straightforward advice from a team that knows what works in Texas

Call us today at (726) 222-1264 or schedule your visit online at
victorylane-uc.com.

Victory Lane Automotive – Power, Performance, and Preventive Care for All Vehicles.

For more information please watch the video

https://youtu.be/HaVMhA4cmk0

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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!!