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What is a battery service?

In Battery by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The parts in your vehicle can go a long way when they’re taken care of. All systems need some form of maintenance from time to time. 

Did you know that there’s even a way to maintain your car battery? It’s called a battery service.

Several problems can cause batteries to fail. The battery service addresses one of them: corrosion.

When is a battery service needed? 

We recommend a battery service whenever we see corrosion on the battery terminal ends. This corrosion builds up as a result of a chemical reaction.

The metals between the terminal ends and the posts of the battery make great continuity, but they do not like each other.

A battery service was performed on a Toyota Camry, which had acid covering the top of the battery.

Corrosion had also collected on one of the battery terminals.

Why do we recommend servicing your battery? 

Ford Focus battery service.

Ford Focus battery service

You will want to service the battery when you see corrosion or there’s poor battery test contact.

You may attach a battery tester and it says, “check clamps” or something similar. When you wiggle them around, they don’t seem to make contact. That could be obstructing the test.

A battery service provides you with cleaner contact when turning your vehicle on, because the starter absorbs a massive amount of voltage as it starts your car.

This maintenance can give you better cranking power.

What happens during a battery service? 

The battery service starts with putting in a memory saver on the OBDII port. We don’t want to wipe out all of the electronics, which would – most of the time – default to factory settings.

Then, we disconnect the terminal ends and use a tool to clean them. This female tool can go into the holding clamps. A female tool is used to clean the posts on the battery.

Anti-corrosion pads are installed to reduce the chemical reaction that causes corrosion buildup on the terminal ends.

Once the pads are added, we reattach the terminal ends, torque to the correct specification, and remove the memory saver. 

The process ends with testing the battery to make sure it’s working properly.

How do I know when I need a new battery?

Battery test on Honda Civic.

Battery test on Honda Civic.

Sometimes, a battery service is the right option for your car. Other times, it might be due for a battery replacement.

High quality batteries typically last about 5 years. A battery’s lifespan will depend on the quality of the battery and battery terminals, the battery hold down, the driving environment, and other factors.

You may need a new battery if you’re having trouble starting your vehicle. The battery light could turn on, as well.

A weak battery might also be found when you bring it to a shop. 

What happens during a battery test?

Our technicians test the battery as part of the courtesy inspection. They look at the charging system and starter, too. The tester performs a health check up on the battery, including the voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA).

Wherever you take your car, make sure the technicians use a good battery tester – not a cheap one.

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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Summer car maintenance: What does it look like?

In Battery, Cabin Air Filter, Fluids, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Summer has officially begun.

For many, the new season will bring a slew of outdoor activities, trips, and much-needed rest and relaxation.

As you start filling your summer schedule with fun in the sun, you will want to prepare your vehicle for any time you plan to spend on the road.

Having it inspected by an automotive expert can help prevent unwanted breakdowns or repairs. 

Summer car maintenance tips

Before embarking on any day trips or vacations, take a look at our summer car maintenance checklist:

Air conditioning: When your car ac cuts out or isn’t working properly on a stifling summer day, it can be miserable. Make sure that the system is blowing cold air that can keep you and your passengers comfortable. Possible culprits behind a/c problems can include a bad compressor, blocked condenser, low freon, and wiring issues.

Dirty cabin air filter on Honda Odyssey.

Dirty cabin air filter on Honda Odyssey

Air filters: Now that pollen season is over, a new cabin air filter may be needed. This helps the air stay fresh and free of dirt. Your cabin air filter also helps your air conditioning system breathe. Plus, if this filter is clogged, it can force your blower motor to work harder.

Battery: When was the last time your battery was replaced? If it’s been a while, ask an automotive technician to perform a battery test. (While they’re at it, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for them to check the alternator and starter.) Extreme heat (just like extreme cold) can finish a weak battery.

Brakes: The braking system consists of many parts, including brake pads and rotors, calipers, and brake hardware. Brake repair might be needed if the brakes are low and any components are stuck.

Drive belts: Depending on the type of vehicle you use, it may have one or multiple drive belts that go around essential components. To protect these items and enable them to work as designed, confirm that these belts aren’t worn, loose, frayed or broken. 

Fluid levels: How are your fluid levels looking? This includes your coolant and antifreeze. Depending on the fluid level and quality, there could be a leak or the car might be due for mileage-based services.

Tire puncture on Toyota RAV4.

Tire puncture on Toyota RAV4

Tires: High quality tires ensure that you have proper traction when the roads are dry and during any scattered thunderstorms you pass through. Before heading out for a trip, have someone check the tire tread and tire pressure. They should also confirm that the tires are wearing evenly and there are no tire injuries.

Windshield wipers: During your travels, you may hit a few bugs and some rain. Replacing torn or damaged windshield wipers will help keep your windshield clear of smudges and streaks.

Preparing for a safe summer

The warmer months can look differently for everyone. They might bring sports games, family vacations, or just hanging out in your hometown.

By following these summer car maintenance tips, you can ensure that your plans aren’t bogged down with a trip to an auto parts store or repair shop.

These basic checks also offer protection on those long stretches of road.

Whatever this season has in store for you, we hope it’s a safe and pleasant one for you and your loved ones.

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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Why did my car battery light come on?

In Battery by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Vehicle’s will let you know if they sense that something is wrong. Sometimes, problems trigger a dashboard light.

One of these lights can tell you if the car battery needs to be checked out. The battery alert light is a small box with a plus and minus sign. 

You will typically see this icon when you turn on your car before it disappears. However, sometimes the symbol doesn’t go off when the other lights do, or it may show up a while after you start the engine.

The battery light indicates that a car’s battery isn’t receiving the power it needs to run correctly.

What can cause the battery light to turn on?

A signal wire that has power all the time and is going to the light behind the dashboard. If the alternator or battery don’t send enough voltage, it will trigger the light.

Many problems can prompt the battery alert light to come on.

Bad battery

One possibility is that the battery is going bad. High quality batteries can last around 5 years. The type, size, quality and where it’s purchased can affect the lifespan. 

Very hot and cold temperatures can cause a weak battery to die. We talk about other causes of battery failure in this article.

Apprentice Technician performing a battery test on a Lincoln MKZ.

Apprentice Technician performing a battery test on a Lincoln MKZ

We check the status of a car battery using a battery test. This is a part of our oil change process.

The problem you are experiencing may be battery-related if the vehicle is cranking slowly or it has a flashing battery light.

Alternator failing

The alternator is responsible for sending power to the battery and accessories. Eventually, it needs to be replaced.

This component normally provides between 14 and 14.8 volts of electricity. Issues can occur if it’s running too high or low.

You may have a bad alternator if the electronics aren’t working right, or you smell something that resembles burnt rubber or electronics burning.

Whirring, grinding and growling sounds, or a slow or dead battery are other symptoms.

More information about alternator problems and dead batteries can be found in this article we wrote.

Electrical problems

Maybe the battery and alternator are good, but the issue is occurring between the two.

Corroded battery terminals on a Kia Soul.

Corroded battery terminals on a Kia Soul

For example, the battery terminals could be corroded. This is a result of acid that’s released from the battery. 

If cheap battery terminals are used and moisture gets in, corrosion and rust sometimes build up on the battery cable that connects to the terminal.

Corrosion can stop electricity from making it to the battery or vehicle. Battery terminal corrosion may be avoided by using protection pads.

Some vehicles have a fuse that protects the electrical system. If the fuse breaks, the battery light will appear.

Other battery problems to keep in mind

In addition to checking for corrosion, we recommend making sure the vehicle has a good battery hold down in place.

Battery hold downs help prevent plates that are protecting the battery cells from breaking or cracking. When they crack, the cell goes bad.

You might also want to confirm that the mechanic or shop you take your car to has a reliable battery tester. Certain cheap testers aren’t accurate when checking the battery status.

Taking good care of a car battery can help it last as long as possible.

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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Mileage-based services: what does your car need and when?

In Alignment, Battery, Cabin Air Filter, Maintenance, Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The lifespans of vehicles have lengthened over the years, which means that drivers are keeping them for extended periods of time.

To ensure that your car lasts as long as possible, it requires maintenance. After a period of time or as a vehicle reaches a specific mileage, certain tasks are recommended.

Some mileage-based services include flushes, replacing parts, and tune-up related items.

Year-based car maintenance

Every 3 to 5 years

Battery replacement is normally needed around every 5 years for good batteries. How long a car battery lasts can be impacted by the quality, type and size. Where you buy it from is another factor.

Worn tire on a Honda Pilot.No longer than 8 to 10 years

If it’s been 8 to 10 years since you last purchased tires, it’s time to invest in new ones. Depending on where you live, weather conditions and how you drive, your car may need new tires sooner.

Tires tread depth must be at least 2/32 of an inch. There shouldn’t be any chords showing or cracks in the sidewall. 

Mileage-based services

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles

Oil changes on many vehicles should typically be performed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. We know that some manufacturers are recommending them every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or when the oil service light turns on. If you want to keep your vehicle for a long time, you may want to choose synthetic oil and have it changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

It’s a good idea to have tire rotations done every 5,000 miles, too. This service is a part of our oil change process.

Dirty cabin air filter on a Toyota Highlander.Between 10,000 and 20,000 miles

The lifespan of cabin air filters is normally 10,000 to 20,000 miles. This is determined by the kind of vehicle you have and the driving conditions.

How long air filters last vary, as well. They are among the components we check during oil changes. Air filter replacement can be suggested upon inspection or per the manufacturer’s guidelines. They could last somewhere around 10,000 or 15,000 miles.

Every 15,000 miles

Ram 3500 receiving a wheel alignment.It’s a good idea to have wheel alignments conducted once a year or every 15,000 miles. This service is also suggested when you purchase new tires and following any needed suspension repairs.

Tire balances and GDI induction services should be performed every 15,000 miles, too.

Every 30,000 miles

A few mileage-based services are needed every 30,000 miles. This can differ among vehicles and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Typically, every 30,000 miles is the suggested frequency for brake fluid exchanges, coolant fluid exchanges, transmission fluid exchanges, power steering fluid exchanges, and fuel induction services.

If you want to receive some sort of extended warranty, you may want to start earlier than what the manufacturer suggests.

When a vehicle has between 50,000 and 100,000 miles

Worn struts on a Toyota Camry.

Worn struts on a Toyota Camry

When your car has between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on it, we recommend taking a look at shocks and struts. 

Depending on the vehicle, you may need to replace them as soon as 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Generally, you change these suspension parts between 75,000 and 100,000 miles.

When a car gets to 100,000 miles

Cracking serpentine belt on a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Cracking serpentine belt on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

If a car’s serpentine belts haven’t been replaced by the time it reaches 100,000 miles, now is a good time to do so. Also called “drive belts”, serpentine belts go around various engine components, including alternators and water pumps.

Any original spark plugs should be changed, as well. Swapping out spark plugs when needed helps improve a vehicle’s operation and extends the lifespan of subsystems.

After 100,000 miles

After a vehicle hits 100,000 miles, it’s important to keep up with the mileage-based services needed every 15,000, 20,000 and 30,000 miles. The manufacturers will have different recommendations.

Wherever you have your car worked on, make sure that the mechanic or auto repair shop is aware of what maintenance it needs and when.

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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Winter car safety tips

In Battery, Brakes, Cooling System, Fluids, Headlamps, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Today is the first day of winter.

Following a few winter car safety tips can help protect you on road trips, while you run errands, and anything in between.

Make sure your car is up-to-date on maintenance services.

Battery, brakes and belts

Car battery test on a BMW 328i.It’s a good idea to have a battery test performed, because weak car batteries are more likely to die during very hot and cold times of the year.

You should also ask an automotive expert to take a look at the timing belt – which surrounds pulleys – and the serpentine belt – which wraps around engine components.

Measuring brakes on a Toyota Sienna.

Measuring brakes on a Toyota Sienna

The brake system needs to be working correctly, as well. This includes the brake pads and rotors, calipers, brake hardware, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

For a vehicle to operate safely, pads and rotors must be at 2/32 of an inch or more. If the red brake light or ABS light turn on, bring it to a shop or a mechanic as soon as possible.

Taking care of your windshield is also critical. Windshield wipers should be replaced if they are torn or leave streaks, making it difficult to see. Using washer fluid with the right temperature protection level helps prevent it from freezing.

More winter car safety tips

Other components we recommend getting inspected are:

  • Car lights
  • Coolant and other fluids
  • Tires and tire pressure

Cloudy headlight lenses on a Volkswagen Jetta.Winter is made up of shorter nights, rainy days, and snowy conditions. To help prevent accidents, car lights need to be checked regularly. When needed, replace any bad bulbs for headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights. 

Headlights can grow foggy, and headlight restoration can be used to clear them up. Depending on how long you plan to keep your vehicle, it might be best to just replace the headlight assemblies.

Low coolant on a Hyundai Elantra.

Low coolant on a Hyundai Elantra

It’s important to keep an eye on a car’s fluids, as well. This includes the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid.

Fluid that’s lower than normal may be a symptom of a leak. If certain fluids – like power steering fluid – appear dark, your vehicle could be telling you it’s time to replace them.

If an auto repair shop performs a coolant fluid exchange or tops off your coolant, make sure they put in the right kind. 

Coolant can be blue, red, purple, pink, orange or green. The type a car uses depends on the metal used for the engine.

Checking the tires is another one of our winter car safety tips.

Has it been a while since you purchased tires? Is the tread getting close to 3/32 of an inch or 4/32 of an inch? It may be time to invest in new tires. Goodyear Tire and Kelly Tire produce all season options. Winter tires are also available.

You should also ensure that they have the right amount of air. As the temperatures dip, tire pressure decreases. Driving on low tires can impact their lifespan.

Many vehicles are equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If yours is, be watchful for the TPMS light, which may turn on if one or multiple tires don’t have enough air.

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.