Spring and Houston Auto Repair

OBD-II is the new standard of Onboard Diagnostic Systems and are in most cars and trucks on the road today. The OBD-II is a diagnostic computer that is hooked up to your car to control engine functions and diagnose problems. If there is a problem with a component of the vehicle, a trouble code will be given. Here some of the most common trouble codes, what they mean, what symptoms to look for, and some solutions to solving the problem, from the OBD Codes.com trouble code database. P0440 What Does it Mean? P0440 is the trouble code given when the evaporative emission control system has malfunctioned. The EVAP system contains the gas cap, fuel lines, carbon canister, purge valve, and other hoses within the car. The EVAP emission control system prevents fuel vapors from escaping from the fuel system of a vehicle Symptoms: T ... read more

Shocks and struts are two very similar parts that serve similar purposes. Both shocks and struts absorb the bumps in the road and keep the tires of the vehicle on the ground, creating a smoother ride. A car without shocks or struts would bounce all over the road and be nearly undrivable, as well as dangerous. Shock Absorbers Shocks are the oldest form of suspension still used today. They are similar to pistons - tubes filled with hydraulic fluid or gas with a rod inside, connected to the chassis of the car. When the car rolls over a bump, the piston forces the air or fluid through the tube. Only a limited amount of fluid or air can move at a time, which, combined with springs, resists vehicle movement and prevents the chassis of the car from bouncing rapidly. Struts Struts are the evolved version of shocks. They are a component that combines the spring with a shock absorber to reduce production costs and simplify construction. Struts also serve as ... read more

It’s almost that time of year….Cold temperatures and warm fires, sweaters, hats, and gloves. Those rough mornings that we have to get up from our cozy, warm beds and go outside to get into our cold, cold cars. And then…click….click…the car battery is dead. Problems with car batteries are high on the annual lists of the top 10 most common breakdown faults. Not that they need to be. Thanks to newer technologies, modern car batteries provide much better cold starting performance and longer life than ever before. But, the danger is still real, and it happens to the best of us. Heat is Tough on Car Batteries Last month’s article was about how HEAT is a battery culprit, so we know that the summer months start the breakdown process. [When temps outside reach 90 degrees, the temperature under the hood of your car can reach 140 degrees, wreaking havoc on the battery. Each time the thermometer gets that high, your car’s battery fluid evaporates faster & corrosion accelerates too -- whi ... read more

A catalytic converter (“cat”) is an exhaust emission control device which chemically - - using a catalyst - - converts toxic compounds of car exhaust into harmless compounds. The result is a reduction of pollutants exiting the car's exhaust. Catalytic converters have been standard since the mid 1970s. What Is A Catalyst And How Does It Work? A catalyst is a substance that causes or speeds up a chemical reaction without being affected by it itself. In a catalytic converter we usually find two different kinds of catalysts: Reduction Catalyst – First step of catalytic converter which helps to reduce the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. Oxidation Catalyst – Second step of catalytic converter, it helps to minimize the Hydrocarbons (HC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. Inside of the catalytic converter the catalysts - - palladium, rhodium, and platinum - - are coated onto a ceramic honeycomb or bead which then is placed int ... read more

Squealing, squawking, and squeaking brakes can not only be annoying; these noises can indicate a potentially serious problem with your braking system. Squeaky brakes can panic a driver, as they are arguably the most important safety feature in every automobile. Sometimes the concern is warranted, as the brakes are going bad. Other times, there may be nothing wrong at all. Be safe, take your car to the professionals at either Ripley's Muffler & Brakes location for a free brake check, and let them determine if there is cause for concern. Common Causes of Squealing Brakes Squeaky brakes are common. With multitudes of moving parts, weird noises of some sort or another are heard on a daily basis. There are many reasons that can cause your brakes to squeal or grind. Here are a few of the most common: Worn Out Brake Pads & Shoes -- Worn out brake pads is the most common reason for squeaky brakes. Over time the brake pad surface wears ... read more

Win Star Wars X-wing Muffler Art and Movie Tickets from Ripleys Muffler and Brakes in Facebook Contest Ripley’s Muffler and Brakes has rolled out a contest on Facebook, with the grand prize being two movie tickets to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and a one of a kind X-Wing Starfighter replica muffler art piece. To enter you must post a photo of your dream car or truck to your Facebook page and tag Ripley’s Muffler and Brakes. The winner will be announced December 14 on Ripley’s Facebook page so liking the Ripley’s page is highly encouraged. Ripley’s is known in Houston for their muffler art. Both locations, 1960/Kuykendahl and Rayford have numerous pieces on display inside and outside. Some of the most notable art pieces are the train and Santa with his Nutcracker soldiers at the 1960 location. The Rayford location has a giant spider and a reindeer, among many others. Ripley’s has been a Houston sta ... read more

Photo: KHOU In the aftermath of the recent floods across Texas, Ripley’s Muffler & Brakes wants you to know we are here to help with any repairs you may need to your automobile. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau as many as 10,000 vehicles were damaged or totaled in April and May of 2015. Farmers Insurance alone, states that they have received 4,600 auto claims in May 2015. If you have experienced auto damage due to the storms you can trust that Ripley’s is here to help you through the process of repairs and getting you back on your way with your vehicle looking better than when it was brand new! If you made it through the recent floods with little to no damage to your, please be careful as the dangers are still present. While the water is receding, the roadway damage is substantial. The International Business Times says there has been $27 million worth of infrastructure damage quoted and that 167 out of 257 counties have declared some sort of roadway damage ... read more

The following is a list of Houston car clubs and events: West Houston MuscleSpace City CruisersGreater Houston Model A RestorersHouston Chevelle ClubAmerican Motors Club of HoustonHFD Street MachinesNorthside Mustang Car ClubHouston Classic Chevy ClubBlast from the Past Street Machines of ... read more

Shocks and struts are two very similar parts that serve similar purposes. Both shocks and struts absorb the bumps in the road and keep the tires of the vehicle on the ground, creating a smoother ride. A car without shocks or struts would bounce all over the road and be nearly undrivable, as well as dangerous. Shock Absorbers Shocks are the oldest form of suspension still used today. They are similar to pistons - tubes filled with hydraulic fluid or gas with a rod inside, connected to the chassis of the car. When the car rolls over a bump, the piston forces the air or fluid through the tube. Only a limited amount of fluid or air can move at a time, which, combined with springs, resists vehicle movement and prevents the chassis of the car from bouncing rapidly. Struts Struts are the evolved version of shocks. They are a component that combines the spring with a shock absorber to reduce production costs and simplify construction. Struts also se ... read more

After March 1, 2015 Texans will be begin seeing fewer vehicles with two stickers on the windshield. This will be due to a new law that is eliminating inspection stickers. “Two Steps, One Sticker” refers to this new law, but it does not mean that you will no longer have to get your vehicle inspected, nor does it mean you’ll no longer have to shell out nearly $40 (as of the date of this article) to get your vehicle inspected. Passing vehicle inspections are still going to be required to keep your car on the road in the state of Texas, and the fee to do so is not being changed by the new one sticker law. The law is simply requiring you to have a passing inspection before you can renew your vehicle registration. Then your registration sticker will serve as proof of both your registration and your passing vehicle inspection. “Two Steps One Sticker”: What are the two steps? Step 1: From March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016: If your vehicle has a current and passing inspe ... read more