Category: AUTOMOTIVE
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Are Touchscreens in New Cars Actually Better? Here’s What We Think at ABR Houston
Every new car on the market seems to come with a giant screen. Climate controls? On the screen. Radio volume? Also on the screen. Want to turn on your heated seats? You’re digging through a menu—while driving. At ABR Houston, we work on everything from classic BMWs to brand-new Audis and Porsches, and we’ve got…
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5 Weird Car Problems We’ve Fixed at ABR Houston (And What They Mean for You)
At ABR Houston, we specialize in European vehicles—and that means we see some strange issues come through our doors. Not every problem throws a warning light or follows a pattern. Here are five real-world, unusual failures we’ve recently fixed in the shop—and what they mean for you as a driver. 1. BMW X5 That Wouldn’t…
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Dealership Woes – Why Customers Are Fed Up with “No Problem Found”
If you’ve ever walked into a dealership with a real issue, only to be told “no problem found,” you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy either. Let me tell you a quick story. My personal truck—a 2024 F-250 Lariat with the 6.7 Powerstroke—has had an appointment for a transmission technician at the local Ford dealership since…
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5 Common Check Engine Light Causes and How to Diagnose Them
When your car’s Check Engine Light (CEL) flicks on, it’s easy to panic—or worse, ignore it completely. But the light is your vehicle’s way of telling you something’s not quite right. Whether it’s a minor issue like a loose gas cap or something more serious like an internal engine problem, understanding the root cause is the first…
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Why Your Repair Bill Isn’t Skyrocketing (Even with These New Tariffs)…..yet
Lately, you may have heard that the U.S. has placed a new 25% tariff on many imported car parts. Understandably, that raises a big question: Are my car repairs about to get a lot more expensive? Short answer: not as much as people feared—and here’s why. What’s the Deal with These Tariffs? In March 2025,…
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The Calm Before the Storm (And the Flood of Repairs That Follows)
Every time this happens—pandemic, recession, election year, you name it—we see the same pattern: People hold off on maintenance or small repairs. Problems stack up. Something finally gives. A flood of breakdowns hits all at once. At that point, not only are you dealing with a more expensive repair, but now the schedule is packed,…
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Is Volvo Saying Goodbye to Wagons? What It Means for Enthusiasts
For decades, Volvo has been synonymous with station wagons. From the iconic 240 wagon to the modern V60 and V90, these long-roofed vehicles have been a staple of the brand’s identity, offering practicality, safety, and understated Scandinavian style. However, recent reports suggest that Volvo is considering phasing out wagons from its lineup, citing shifting consumer…
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Impact of New Tariffs on Auto Repairs and Parts Pricing
The recent imposition of tariffs by President Trump on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China is set to have significant repercussions on the auto repair industry. These tariffs include a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% duty on Chinese goods. Impact on Auto Parts Availability and Pricing A substantial portion…
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Holiday Car Care: Tips for Stress-Free Driving
The holidays are here, bringing joyful gatherings, road trips, and maybe even some long-overdue time off. However, the last thing anyone needs during this busy season is unexpected car trouble. To keep your vehicle running smoothly and ensure peace of mind, here are some essential tips to prepare your car for the holidays and what…
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Driving Hope: How You Can Join Us in Supporting Toys for Tots This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children right here in our community. At ABR Houston, this is our 10th year and we’re proud to partner with Toys for Tots once again to help bring joy to children who need it most. Over…