Thursday, December 21, 2017

Dutch Oven- The Limitless Possibilities Of Open Fire Cooking

By Steve Smith

There are few things as relaxing and pleasing to the soul as a campfire.  A great activity to add to your campfire experience is dutch oven cooking.  You can enjoy dutch oven cooking outdoors at a campsite, but you can also do so at home in your BBQ pit or fire pan.  You just need a safe place to build a fire and create coals to place under, on and around your dutch oven.

The dutch oven can cook just about anything you can imagine.
The nature of the cast iron is very forgiving and easy to cook with.  One of the easiest and most rewarding dishes that the whole family will love is a simple peach cobbler.

Here's what you need:
A dutch oven.  When you're shopping for one make a decision on the size you need based on how many people you would likely feed at a time.  If it's just 2 people you may consider a #10 which is a little smaller pot.  Otherwise, the #12 will feed the whole family.

Aluminum foil- this makes clean up so much easier when cooking a cobbler.  Line the pan, pour your contents in and throw out the lining when it's all gone.  Now just wipe out the pot when you are done.

1 to 2 boxes of regular white or yellow cake mix.

2  to 3 cans of peaches-  You can buy them all in cobbler syrup, (the ones for cobbler cost 2 to 3 times more than just regular old canned peaches) or buy 1 cobbler kind and 1 or 2 of the plain canned peaches or whatever combination you like.  I like to have at least one can of the ones in syrup that are made for cobbler and 1-2 just plain old canned peaches.

A stick of butter

Pour in 2-3 cans of peaches and spread them evenly.  Pour the cake mix evenly throughout the pan covering the peaches.  Cut butter pads about 1/4 inch thick and spread evenly throughout the pot.  This helps create the crust.

Assuming you have a fire that has burned down to coals, spread coals out evenly, place the dutch oven on the coals and place coals on the lid of the dutch oven.  When you start to smell it, it's about ready.  Be careful if you decide to check it as it's easy to spill coals from the lid into the pot.

When it's ready, remove the oven from the coals and set away from the fire.  Let it cool for about 30 minutes.  Scoop a big heaping helping into your bowl and then reach into the homemade ice cream bin and put a big ol scoop next to the cobbler and hold on!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Video Production For Web and Television

Tourism Campaign for Matagorda County




Brake Jobs







Holiday Travel Safety

Holiday Travel Is Here by Steve Smith


As of Tuesday afternoon, Texas roadways are even busier as schools let out for winter break. Many Texans will be coming and going to and from Grandma's house over the next week and heavy traffic is one thing we can all count on. However, there is another condition that excursionists can count on; that Texas DPS and local law enforcement will be joining us on the roadways in mighty force in an effort to keep you and me safe.

Last year DPS alone personally handed out over 72,000 holiday cards in the forms of citations and warnings to travelers for the big 3 infractions: speeding, failure to wear seat belt and of course drinking and driving. This year we can add texting or distracted driving to the list as it is illegal to text while operating a vehicle unless you are doing so in a stopped position.
Please be safe and responsible in your travels this season. Here are a few thoughts on avoiding unfortunate occurrences:

-Ensure that your vehicle is ready. As you are leaving check your oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. Make sure your tires are ready for a trip.
-Put a gallon of water and a couple bottles of oil for your car in your trunk.
-Drive rested- don't push yourself. It could be catastrophic to doze off at the wheel.
-Communicate with family BEFORE you leave and at stops. They now know your plans, path, and general location. No need to text or talk while driving.
-Use common sense and think of what could go wrong and have a plan for it.
Happy holidays!

Print and Web Graphics

Visual Communications
Very proficient in most industry standard photo, graphic design, and video editing software.

Web Banners
Tall Web Banner


Square Web Banner



Print Marketing Post Card



Logo Creation


Marketing & Packaging  



Thursday, January 12, 2017


Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Your Car's Timing Belt Service

By Steve Smith

Your Timing belt is very different from your serpentine drive belt(s).  The belt you can see from under the hood, though very important, is not your timing belt.  If your car is equipped with a timing belt rather than a timing chain you need to service the belt every so often as per your manufacturer's specifications.  Often, manufacturers recommend a timing belt be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Unlike your regular drive belt, if your timing belt breaks, it can damage your engine and cause far more expense and headache than replacing the timing belt preemptively.

Some vehicles use the timing belt to turn the water pump.  In this case, you should most definitely do the water pump at the same time.  Doing the water pump while servicing the timing belt usually only adds a small amount to the cost of the timing belt service. If you do not do the water pump when the timing belt is done and the pump goes out you will end up paying the same labor for doing a timing belt all over again.  It's much cheaper, in the long run, to include the water pump when applicable.

What happens when the timing belt brakes?  The pistons and valves can collide causing damage to your motor in varying degrees.  The moral of the story is; service your car's timing belt just like you would any other component.

Mention this article at any Groovy Automotive and get $100 off your next timing belt service.

Find huge savings by following Groovy Automotive on social media:
Twitter @GroovyAutoATX
Facebook @GroovyTechnicians

See our website at www.groovyautomotive.com

Be sure to TAG, LIKE and SHARE

Your Auto Repair Shop's Integrity and Your Trust

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Your Auto Repair Shop's Integrity and Your Trust

By Steve Smith

Trust is an essential element of the relationship between you and your auto repair shop. 

Over the years some auto repair shops have earned bad reputations and have made it harder for honest repair facilities to gain customer confidence when it comes to transparency in repairs and billing.  At the same time, the people who work in repair shops are human and can make mistakes.  Check your bill, ask for itemized descriptions and account for all charges to be sure that there are no discrepancies or errors, honest or not.  Some say it's a good idea to avoid shops who pay the salesperson at the counter a commission.  Find a shop that has a good vibe and stick with them if they shoot you straight.  It's imperative to find a mechanic that puts you at ease by earning your trust.

At Groovy Automotive, we have policies in place that discourage dishonest recommendations.  Our service associates are not paid commission and earn the same pay regardless of your spending.  Groovy Automotive has spent the last 23 years earning our customers trust and that's why we are still here and going strong with four locations.

Our promise to you:

  • We will only recommend what you need to get you back on the road.
  • We will give you the very best price available for the service offered.
  • We will always stand behind our work and if there is a problem, we will make it right.
  • We will always be honest with you.
  • Though as a business we do have to make a reasonable profit, OUR INTEGRITY ISN'T FOR SALE.

SAVE UP TO $100 ON REPAIRS AT ANY GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE!

Just mention this blog post and ask for the Social Media Discount.

4011 Red River 512-450-0951 *  5405 N Lamar 512-492-8050 * 501 W Slaughter 512-291-8662

Find deals, savings, and even freebies!  Follow us on social media!

Sudden Cold Snap- MY CAR WON'T START! It Doesn't Have to Happen to You

Groovy Automotive



Thursday, November 16, 2017

You likely don't spend much time thinking about your car battery. But with upcoming colder temperatures "no starts" are as inevitable as winter itself. 

By Steve Smith

If you haven't replaced your battery in the last 2 to 3 years, it is possible that one cold morning you will be heading out the door to get the kids to school or yourself to work and when you turn that key to start your vehicle, and nothing happens. 

How to avoid being stranded:

1.  DON'T WAIT FOR A FAILURE- If you haven't changed your battery within two years, have your charging system checked at a certified repair facility. Select a garage with the proper tools and knowledge to truly test the battery and the alternator's ability to charge your battery.  Avoid parts stores when in need of a charging system check.  If your battery fails, replace it.

2.  BE PREPARED- Keep a good quality set of jumper cables in your car.  You can also keep a battery jump pack in your trunk.  If you choose to have a jump pack make sure to keep your it charged as it will discharge over time with cold and hot temperatures.

3.  TREAT YOUR BATTERY WELL- Nothing is worse for a battery than heavy fluctuation in the level of charge.  Draining and recharging reduce battery life substantially. Don't leave lights on.  Don't use your car's electronics for an extended period with the engine off.  Unplug phone chargers and other electrical drains when the car is sitting for hours at a time.

4.  MONITOR YOUR GAUGES AND LIGHTS- If your car is equipped with a charging system gauge, keep an eye on it.  If you see a red light come on that looks like a battery or electricity icon, get to a shop for a charging system check.


You will avoid frustration and save time and money by being proactive.  Being late to school or work stinks, but paying $89.99 for a tow truck is worse.

Mention this blog post to GET A FREE CHARGING SYSTEM CHECK AT GROOVY AUTOMOTIVE on North Lamar.
5405 North Lamar (Near N. Lamar & Northloop)
512-492-8050

If you have found this information useful, please share on the social media of your choice!

Groovy Automotive . . . just the repairs you really need at an affordable price.  


NEED A TOW?  CALL CHOTE'S TOWING AT 512-832-1692

For regular freebies and preferred customer specials FOLLOW US ON TWITTER at @groovyautoATX