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What are the signs that my car might have rodents?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The colder months are nearly upon us. The drop in temperatures sometimes bring unwanted guests to vehicles: rodents

During the fall and winter, mice, rats, squirrels and other creatures will seek shelter in warmer environments. 

This can mean nests in a car’s air box, engine, or heating and air conditioning air distribution box. Food might be brought in, as well.

What rodent damage can occur in a car?

Setting up nests isn’t the only way that animals will make their presence known. 

Over the years, our shop has seen a fair amount of rodent activity – everything from squirrels to mice. There was that time that a squirrel stored nuts in a Toyota’s air cleaner box. 

We’ve seen squirrels and mice chew through wiring and have come across chewed connectors and harnesses. Rodents like the soy in the wiring and the plastics.

Sometimes, animals will perish in the vehicles they reside in.

Years ago, one of our managers saw other dead animals in vehicles – a raccoon, possums, and (unfortunately) a cat. One of our technicians has pulled a snake skin out of a car’s cabin air filter.

How do you know if you have a rodent in your car?

As they make themselves comfortable, animals may go after wires, upholstery and insulation.

You might notice indicators that a mouse is moving in, such as droppings or pieces of insulation. However, it’s also possible that you don’t find out until an unexpected problem occurs.

Rodent damage on Chrysler Pacifica.

Rodent damage on Chrysler Pacifica

When a Chrysler Pacifica was brought to our shop, it was running rough and gasoline was spraying out under the hood. It was not safe to drive or run.

Through diagnostic testing, we discovered that a rodent had chewed a 3-inch section of the vacuum hose that ran from the intake manifold to the brake booster. That would impact how it operates. 

We think the rodent also started to get to the fuel supply line. Once it got to the point that the fuel line was leaking and the car started having running rough issues, there wasn’t enough fuel pressure to run right.

How do I keep rodents out of my car?

How can you keep animals from causing damage?

There isn’t much you can do to prevent rodents from turning your car into their home. However, we have a few tips. 

Do not feed animals, especially where you park your vehicle. This can encourage them to stick around.

You could also avoid parking in tall grass, which may be hidden opportunities for mice.

Making sure you have routine service could help address problems. 

For example, mice will get down in your cabin air filter and build a home. If you’re not changing your cabin air filter or having your shop check it during an oil change, any mouse droppings will remain. Those droppings get airborne into your cabin and can make you sick.

Keep a watchful eye out for signs of rodents. Do you notice any strange noises or odd odors? Are you having any problems with airflow? Does any of the upholstery appear chewed up?

If you notice any of these indicators, point it out to an automotive expert so they can take a deeper look.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What does a control arm do?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Taking care of your car is vital to maintain control and avoid breakdowns.

Whether it’s the brakes, under the hood, the suspension, or another system, you will want to make sure your vehicle gets the services it needs and components are in good condition.

A control arm is an item that may require attention from time to time. This part may have been mentioned when talking to an automotive professional about the health of your vehicle.

Control arm bushings cracking.

Control arm bushings cracking

What does a control arm do?

Control arms are one of the components that make up a vehicle’s suspension system. The control arm is the piece that connects the wheels, tires, hubs, spindles, and struts to the chassis, if you will. 

You will see some parts that attach to the control arms – bushings can be found on the frame side and ball joints are on the steering knuckle side. Ball joints and bushings are among the items we check when performing a Virginia State Inspection.

Can I drive with a broken control arm?

You cannot drive with a broken control arm without facing sparks, potential fires, and destruction to asphalt and concrete.

It is not advisable to drive your vehicle if the control arm is broken. 

What happens when a control arm goes bad?

When a control arm goes bad, it allows movement of wheels, hubs, and suspension components, which can cause the vehicle to be a lot less controllable.

If a control arm breaks off, you’re looking at an accident.

What are bad control arms symptoms?

Typically, when you have a control arm problem, it will be found when a technician is looking over a car or when tracking down a symptom during diagnostic testing.

You might notice some indicators when a control arm is going bad, such as:

  • Clunking sounds
  • Bad wheel alignment indicators
    • Uncentered steering wheel
    • Vehicle pulling one way
  • Squeaking noises
  • Vibration
  • Knocking sounds

Sometimes you will hear a clunking. You may feel a vibration. At times, you might feel the wheels shift when you apply the brakes or a shift when accelerating.

The symptoms can also be similar to a bad tire alignment, like the steering wheel being off centered or the car pulling one way.

What causes control arm wear?

Excessive rust buildup on control arms.

Excessive rust buildup on control arms

Control arms and the connecting parts can wear out over time. 

Control arm bushings sometimes crack or become dry. Ball joints and control arms could bend. You might also see movement at the ball joints.

Control arms can break, as well. Rust may also build up on the control arms as a result of salt and sand that is spread on the roads during the colder months. 

What are the types of control arms?

There are a few different kinds of control arms found on vehicles today. You have front control arms, upper and lower rear control arms, and upper and lower front control arms.

Some manufacturers have forward and rearward control arms, like a BMW or a Porsche, where you have a 4-link control arm. For four-link control arms, you have four control arms that connect the suspension to the spindle.

If you think something is wrong with a control arm and you aren’t sure if it’s safe to drive your car, get in touch with an automotive expert or auto repair shop you trust.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Do I have a car ac leak? Where do leaks occur?

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A functioning air conditioning is a must on those hot summer days.

When something is wrong with the system, it can make drives home feel long and unpleasant.

A car ac leak is one problem that could keep you from receiving cool, refreshing air.

What are car AC leak symptoms?

Honda HR-V AC hose leaking.

Honda HR-V AC hose leaking.

Typically, when you have an air conditioning leak, you’ll notice that your a/c system isn’t performing the way it should. When you have an air conditioning problem, it might not feel as cool or maybe it stops working completely.

For bad leaks, green ultraviolet dye could be seen if it’s been added to the system.

Another possible sign is smoke, which can indicate a fast leak.

What color is Freon when it leaks out?

Freon doesn’t have a color. The tracer oil has a color. The oil has a dye in it that’s going to be a fluorescent green. 

Refrigerant doesn’t have a color or smell. The smell comes from the inside of the system and the oil we put in there.

Can I drive if my AC is leaking?

Yes, you can drive a vehicle if the air conditioning is leaking.

A car ac leak won’t affect the overheating of the engine or the drivability. The defroster probably won’t work very well, because the compressor should be working for the defroster to be effective.

How serious is an AC leak in a car?

How serious a car ac leak is depends on comfort. 

If it’s 90 degrees, it’s very important to have an air conditioning problem addressed. If it’s in the middle of winter, it’s not that important, except when it comes to the defroster.

What are the most common leaks in a car AC system?

A car ac leak can stem from many places. Some common areas include air conditioning condensers, where corrosion could build up and pinhole leaks may develop. Impacts can cause condensers to leak, as well.

Mazda 3 S AC condenser leaking.

Mazda 3 S AC condenser leaking.

We discovered a leaking and deteriorating a/c condenser on a Mazda 3 S that was brought in for a/c diagnostics.

Condenser seals, gaskets, rubber lines and fittings are other potential sources or air conditioning leaks.

Over time, gaskets can become brittle. Meanwhile, rubber lines and fittings are affected by temperature changes.

Leaks also develop at the evaporator core and air conditioning hoses. A Honda HR-V wasn’t blowing cold air. One of our technicians found that the a/c low side hose that connects the compressor to the condenser was leaking.

Expansion valves, air conditioning compressors, and accumulators are other possible culprits.

We have also come across problems with the schrader valve. This component on the high pressure side of the a/c line was seeping on a Lincoln Navigator.

What happens during car AC diagnostics?

When looking into a car ac leak, we start by making sure there aren’t any noticeable issues. 

Ultraviolet dye and oil are added and the system is recharged with an air conditioning machine. The driver uses the vehicle for an allotted time and we check for dye when they bring it back.

The dye can be seen using a blacklight or certain glasses.

If your air conditioning doesn’t feel like it’s running or isn’t as cool as it used to be, ask a trustworthy autoshop to look into the problem so you can get back to enjoying those summer rides again.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Car window problems: What’s wrong with my car window?

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Are you having trouble rolling your window up or down? Did a window mysteriously disappear?

We may not experience car window problems often but they can be inconvenient when they do occur.

What are common car window problems?

What can cause a window to suddenly stop working or not operate the way it’s supposed to?

We have run into various car window problems. These are some possible culprits behind them:

  • Tracks
  • Window motors
  • Window regulator
  • Window switches

Tracks: The tracks of the windows could get dry over time. Every now and then, a silicone spray needs to be used to keep those slides lubricated and keep the resistance down.

Window motors: Window motors getting weak overtime is another possibility. 

Window regulators: The window regulator can go bad. This piece mounts to the bottom of the window and almost looks like a scissor. So as the motor powers up, it pushes the window up. And as it powers down, it will go down. Regulators can be cable driven. The little plastic wheels the cables ride on may wear out, break or snap. This will cause the regulator to bind up and stop. 

Window switches: The window switches might stick or not work, especially on the ones you press one time and the windows go up or down.

Why is my car window having trouble going up?

More commonly, we see problems on the mechanical side – the window motor wearing out and sometimes other electrical issues. Maybe the motor no longer has enough power to move the window up and down.

In the case of switches, it could be something specific, such as the switch being worn out or a fuse. 

There are some problems that have to do with the regulator.

If the plastic wheel the cable rides on breaks the cable becomes misaligned. Therefore, the cable wraps around parts it’s not supposed to.

Window regulator and motor needed on Dodge Grand Caravan.

Window regulator and motor needed on Dodge Grand Caravan

If you have a regulator that breaks a bolt, the window can drop down into the door.

The driver of a Dodge Grand Caravan discovered that the driver side window was missing one morning. We learned that the window regulator had failed and the cables became loose. It needed a new regulator and motor.

How to tell if a window regulator or motor is bad?

We are able to figure out if you have a bad regulator or motor through diagnostic testing, which involves removing the door panel. 

We begin diagnostics by testing power and ground in the motor. If you have power and ground operating the motor independently, we then inspect the regulator.

A broken cable or plastic pulley can be seen through an inspection by removing the door panel. 

Typically, for the first level of testing, you will want to make sure there’s power and ground to the switch. When you apply power to the switch, does it apply power to the motor to let it go up and down?

How do I know what’s wrong with my car window?

Both of the front windows stopped working on a Chevrolet Cruze. The window regulator assembly was broken on both sides.

There are a couple of signs that could potentially alert drivers of a problem. 

If they hear a crunching noise, a lot of times it’s an indication the cable that drives the regulator is off track. What you’re hearing is the cable wrapping around something.

A window that suddenly stops working is another symptom to watch for. Perhaps the window was working and the next time you get in the vehicle it won’t go up and down. If it will start working again when you give the base of the door a light tap, generally it means that it has a weak motor.

These are a couple of ways you can determine if it’s a motor or regulator, but most of the time you have to pull the door panel off and have an inspection performed.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What is a tire bubble? Can it be fixed?

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Have you noticed anything abnormal about your car’s tires? Is there damage or something wrong with a tire’s structure?

When inspecting tires on a vehicle, our technicians look for any problems that could jeopardize a motorist’s safety.

Some tire concerns we are watchful of include cracks in the sidewall, low tire tread, punctures, chords showing, and old tires.

Another issue that can develop are impact bubbles. We have come across a tire bubble when performing a courtesy check or state inspection. Drivers might also find them when looking at their tires.

What is a tire bubble?

Tire bubbles can appear on the shoulder or sidewall of a tire.

An impact bubble or blister occurs when a tire strikes something, such as a curb or pothole, very hard.

This impact creates a cavity between the inner liner and outer liner, which is a weak point. When an impact blister is present, the tire is at risk for blowing out.

Can a tire with a bubble be fixed?

Bubble in tire sidewall on Toyota Corolla.

Bubble in tire sidewall on Toyota Corolla

No, a tire with an impact blister is not repairable. The structure of the tire has been compromised, and there’s no repairing that. 

When a nail or another item gets logged into a repairable section of the tread, we can install a patch plug and get you safely back on the road.

An impact bubble, however, can’t be fixed. In this scenario, the tire just needs to be replaced.

Can you drive on a tire with a bubble?

We recommend that you avoid driving on a tire that has an impact bubble. 

If you have to drive, you should travel at a low rate of speed because the tire is at risk for a blow out, which is unsafe.

Get to a safe place where you can pull over and put a spare tire on, or to a shop that is able to replace the tire.

Again, it is not advisable to drive on a tire with a bubble. It would not pass a Virginia State Inspection. 

Impact bubble on Hyundai Elantra tire.

Impact bubble on Hyundai Elantra tire

Will a tire bubble get bigger over time?

Yes, an impact bubble can get bigger over time, but generally the tire will blow out before the bubble gets much bigger.

How long will a tire with a bubble last?

There is no known time frame for how long a tire that has an impact bubble will last. We’ve seen tires pop within minutes and we’ve seen people drive around on them for a week. 

Tire bubbles are dangerous because they are unpredictable – you don’t know when the tire will blow out. That’s why we recommend replacing the tire as soon as possible.

How do I check for tire problems?

When we are heading out the door or arriving at our destination, many of us have a habit of going straight to or from the driver’s door. This routine can keep us from noticing problems with our cars.

We recommend doing a walk around of your vehicle every day. By taking a few minutes to look at the tires, lights, windows and body, you are able to note any changes.

For tires specifically, you will want to watch for any tire damage, tire wear, or indications of low tire pressure. If something seems amiss, reach out to a tire shop you trust for a professional opinion.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.