Modern Gadgets in Your Car, Convenience or Inconvenience?

Let's face it.  We are all spoiled.  We have come a very long way from utilizing a Mapsco book to get us from where we are to where we are going.  So many vehicles these days are equipped with GPS systems, high functioning stereo systems that work with our cell phones and more buttons and gadgets than any of us can use on the way to Grandma's house for Sunday dinner. 

However, even though we may not use so many of the features that are built into our vehicles, we certainly like to buy our cars with all of the bells and whistles.  Who doesn't right?  Considering here in South Texas where you can wear shorts 90% of the year, I need seat warmers, right? 

Well, as fun as all of these great gadgets and conveniences are, they come with a price!  All of these new buttons that come on your car draw off from the electrical system in your car.  Like anything else, if it doesn't have the right amount of electricity it cannot run properly.  However, very few vehicles will just shut down your accessories when there is a problem, they just allow your electrical systems to be robbed of power and this can cause major electrical issues with the truly important systems on your car such as your transmission, fuel injection and traction control.   The first time your transmission stops shifting are you still going to need that GPS system?  Nope... you aren't going very far in that car, it is going to the shop!

When you think that you have a major concern with your vehicle, don't panic.  We have seen lots of cars in the shop in the past few months that are owned by people who are totally freaking out because they feel like they have just been doomed by major car repair expenses.  In many cases, the major problem that they think they are experiencing is simply a voltage issue in the vehicle that can be remedied by a new battery and/or alternator. 

However, running your vehicle for extended periods of time with voltage or charging issues can cause damage to various systems in your vehicle.  I recently had a customer that the stereo/gps unit in their vehicle had completely shorted out and a replacement unit was nearly $2,000!  This is where proactive car ownership is totally necessary.  Take the time to have your vehicle checked out regularly.  When you have it done, make sure your battery and charging system are being properly checked, that way you are not seeing red when you are left on the side of the road by your car!  Remember, most major repairs can be avoided by simply allowing your vehicle to be properly maintained by a professional that is familiar with your driving habits, the climate and your particular manufacturer. 

Call a professional wherever you are for great vehicle maintenance.  If you are in the San Antonio area, call us at Select Transmission & Automotive Center at 210-599-9958 or look us up online at www.sanantoniotransmissions.net