Don't Let Your Summer Break Down: Chamber-Approved Car Tips (and Chaos)

Summer in West Texas isn’t for the faint of heart—or the faint of fuel pumps. Before you hit the highway with big dreams and an even bigger cooler of snacks, you might want to check under the hood. Literally.

In our latest man-on-the-street-style episode, we partnered with Mary Siders, president of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce, to visit three local businesses that keep our engines running and our tires from falling off in Amarillo.

We stopped by Smith Auto Family/Quick Lane, Scoggin Dickey, and Levelland Chevrolet and GMC to talk road trip prep, warning signs, and what not to ignore when it comes to car maintenance. Mary also asked the hard-hitting questions, like:

“Would you rather explain tire pressure to your grandma or drive across Texas with no A/C?”

Responses were… passionate.

These business owners know West Texas roads, West Texas heat, and West Texas drivers. (Yes, including you. Especially you.) They shared quick, helpful tips on things like:

• What to check before you hit the road

• How to avoid a surprise roadside meltdown

• Why your car might be one weird noise away from revenge

Why It Matters

We love summer travel. But we also love not being stranded on the side of Highway 114 praying your phone signal holds while you're Googling "how to fix a serpentine belt."

Whether you’re hauling kids to the coast or just trying to make it to Palo Duro without overheating—these local auto shops have your back. And they’re part of what makes Levelland a community that supports its own.

Watch the Video

Then maybe call your mechanic. Just in case.