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Steve’s Auto Repair’s emissions inspection program recognized

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire’s emissions inspection program has been recognized. 

We received a certificate of appreciation for observing licensing requirements and conducting inspections in a “dedicated and commendable” way.

Emissions inspection recognition.
Emissions inspection recognition

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) manages the Vehicle Emissions Testing.

An emission inspection is required every two years for cars housed in certain localities, including Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

During the test, inspectors confirm information, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and check for certain components that have to do with emissions control systems.

Read more about the emission test in one of our articles.

Emissions inspection unit.
Emissions inspection unit

Our certified inspectors are encouraged to follow the regulations and look for anything that doesn’t meet them.

“While doing the inspections, we communicate with the DEQ about issues that arise, such as tampering or gray areas,” Owner Scott Whitling said. “This helps us make sure that we’re staying in compliance.”

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Thinking about buying a used vehicle? This is what you should do.

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When it comes to auto repair, it’s important to know what you’re doing.

One of our customers learned this the hard way.

The check engine light on his 2006 Dodge Ram turned on and refused to turn off, even though he replaced all oxygen sensors and the exhaust.

As we continued to work on the truck, we learned more pieces of the story. After buying the vehicle online, the customer brought it to another shop and performed some repairs himself.

In addition to putting in the wrong transmission shifter cable, he installed an exhaust system, and placed the catalytic converter on the incorrect side. One of the O2 sensors was spliced, as well.

Pre-purchase inspection recommended before buying a used vehicle

If you are thinking about buying a used vehicle, it’s very important to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a reliable auto repair shop.

Even though all future problems can’t be predicted, the inspection can reveal visible issues, such as bad tires and exhaust conditions, check engine lights and wiring harness problems.

This can help you learn about costs and determine if it’s the right car for you.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Digital inspections provide details about health of vehicle

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you ever wonder about the repairs your car needs, or what an auto shop is recommending?

You can learn this information through our digital inspections, which focus on the health of a vehicle.

We began using this tool last year. Before that, our technicians would write down notes and fill out a check list.

What digital inspections include

The digital inspections enable them to provide more details as well as take photos of vehicles they work on. These photos can be of components that are in good shape and areas that need repairs, such as leaks.

We can also upload videos, which may show what’s going on when some photos can’t.

In addition to providing recommendations and diagnosis, they may provide a description or animation about parts. For example, if you don’t know what a power steering belt is, there could be an animation that explains how it works.

Digital inspections can be sent to our customers over email or text.

Nowadays, fewer people are waiting around for their car. Instead, they are going to work, running errands, and spending time with family. Rather than bringing customers to their car to show them exactly what’s going on, we can bring the car to them.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Does my car need an emission test?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Vehicles emit fumes into the atmosphere.

The emission test monitors them and makes sure that too much unburned fuel isn’t being released.

Managed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Vehicle Emissions Testing is performed every two years. In some parts of the state, an emission test isn’t required.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, it must be conducted on vehicles housed in many regional cities and counties, including Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is a testing location.

What we check during the emission test

During the emission test, inspectors verify information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the car’s weight.

Some safety features are also checked. If the vehicle is leaking oil or has bald tires, for example, it can’t go on the dyno machine we place it on while testing. We also make sure the catalytic converter is installed and there aren’t any audible exhaust leaks. If leaks are found, you are rejected from testing.

An OBD II connection device is used on cars that were manufactured after 1996. For older vehicles, we place a sniffer tool in the tailpipe, and it reads the chemicals being emitted. The chemicals need to be within a certain range that’s based on the make and model.

Our inspectors are mainly checking for hydrocarbons and NOx.

We don’t test gasoline powered vehicles that exceed 10,000 pounds and diesel powered vehicles that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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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Is your car’s state inspection due?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Is the due date for your car’s state inspection sticker or emission test coming up?

Now is a good time to bring it in and have them completed.

Why you should get your state inspection now

Last month, Governor Ralph Northam directed the Virginia Department of State Police to not enforce state inspections for 60 days. The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) has closed its customer service centers until at least May 11 and extended certain credentials, according to the DMV website. 

Once given the OK to return to work, many Virginia residents will rush to the DMV to have their tags renewed, which will require an updated emission test. They will also head over to an auto repair shop for their Virginia Safety Inspection.

You can avoid the rush and bring your vehicle to have the emission test and state inspection completed.

Customers who don’t want to come inside can drop it off by using our “After Hours” slot. They can also call us at (703) 670-8005 and a staff member will come outside for the keys and information.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, 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.