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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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Steve’s Auto Repair participates in air conditioning training

In Diagnostics, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Our technicians, service advisors and managers walked away from air conditioning training with new insight and some tips.

NAPA Autotech held an “A/C System Operation and Diagnostics” course at Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire, 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge.

The class covered how a car ac works, servicing the system, and diagnostic testing.

Air conditioning certification

Becoming certified in air conditioning is one topic that stood out to a couple of technicians.

One of our Master Technicians has been working on a/c systems for decades. This was the first time he heard about a certification. The day after the air conditioning training, he earned his certificate.

An Apprentice Technician who is already certified realized that he should retake it.

Hybrid and electric vehicles

AC System Operation and Diagnostics training.

AC System Operation and Diagnostics training

Hybrid and electric vehicles were covered in the a/c training, as well.

One part of the presentation that interested the technicians is that hybrids and electric vehicles need non-conductive fluid.

If you get any static electricity inside of the oil, then it can cause electrical problems with the compressor.

Looking into a/c problems

The Service Advisors heard about other methods for handling a/c repairs. 

For example, relative temperature testing can be performed between parts of the a/c system. A relative temperature check would show us where you possibly have a flow problem and if the refrigerant is low.

One of the Service Advisors also learned that compressor amperage directly relates to pressure. 

Providing air conditioning training to team members allows them to answer any questions customers have and help those who are experiencing a/c problems.

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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When should seat belts be replaced?

In Inspection, Maintenance, Safety by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s a routine part of our driving experience: get in the car, grab the seat belt, and click it into place.

For most drivers, using this safety feature has become a habit. 

And if you have a newer vehicle, the alert system makes it nearly impossible to leave the belt unbuckled. 

We have become so accustomed to these reliable items that it can be hard to imagine them not working correctly.

As vehicles age, seat belt problems can develop.

What seat belt problems can occur?

Whether our technicians are performing a courtesy check or state inspection, looking over the seat belts is part of the process.

What are we looking for? 

Our technicians keep an eye out for fraying seat belts. Belts can become frayed over time (or if a dog chews on them).

Volkswagen Tiguan seat belt fraying.

Volkswagen Tiguan seat belt fraying

It’s also important that the seat belt light is working the way it’s supposed to. The light (which recognizes the belt is in use) should be able to turn on and off.

We want to make sure the retention on the buckle side is accurate and consistent.  

The seat belt retractor needs to be in good working condition, as well. If the belt comes out but doesn’t go back in, that’s a problem.

Another item we check is a safety latch. If the seat belt comes out too fast, it’s supposed to lock into place because that simulates a sudden stop during an impact.

What do we check during the Virginia State Inspection?

Our inspectors look for a few concerns when examining seat belts during a Vehicle Safety Inspection.

They check the belt’s condition and confirm it’s installed correctly. We make sure an approved kind of belt is used, as well.

How do we fix seat belts?

We fix seat belts with an O.E. replacement. The standard is to get them from the dealer. There are no aftermarket options. 

Every once in a while, we will need to find a used seat belt because no one makes them. 

On a couple of occasions, we have worked with a company that rebuilds seat belts. In those cases, that was the only option.

How often should seat belts be replaced?

For some car parts, it’s recommended to replace them after a certain number of miles or period of time.

Seat belts, on the other hand, usually last a lifetime. You only need to get new ones if something is wrong.

Why is it important for your seat belt to be working properly?

You need to have a functioning seat belt for a couple of reasons.

First of all, checking the seat belt is part of our Virginia State Inspection process. If there’s a problem, the car may not pass the state inspection.

But it’s not just about getting through this yearly requirement. Having a seat belt that is in good working order improves your safety.

Your seat belt is what keeps you from going through the windshield in case of an accident or when you have to stop at the last minute.

If your seat belt is looking a little worse for wear or it’s not working as designed, bring the vehicle by a shop or ask an automotive professional to look into it during the next maintenance service.

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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Are my tie rods going bad?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Have you ever been told that your car needs new tie rods?

Tie rod replacement may be recommended if an automotive technician noticed this part is moving or worn when inspecting the vehicle. The problem could also have been discovered when looking into a driver’s concern.

Whatever way the bad tie rod was found, the suggested service may leave you with a few lingering questions.

A couple of them may be whether tie rods are important and if replacing them is necessary. (The short answer to both, by the way, is “yes”.)

The longer explanation and answers to some other questions you may have can be found below.

What is a tie rod?

Chevrolet Tahoe tie rods moving.

Chevrolet Tahoe tie rods moving.

Tie rods can be found in the steering system.

These components link the steering knuckle with the rack and pinion or steering linkage. Together, they allow a steering wheel to move to the left and right.

Some cars have a gearbox, which is made up of center or drag links. Others come with a rack and pinion (a tube that contains a pinion). The pinion is turned and rotated by the steering shaft.

There are inner and outer tie rods featuring joints (normally ball and socket).

How long do tie rods last?

The lifespan of a tie rod depends on the vehicle. When properly maintained, they can last a lifetime. 

A lot of times, tie rod ends will wear out prematurely due to poor maintenance and severe driving.

How do you know when you have a bad tie rod?

You may have problems with steering if your vehicle has a bad tie rod. It might not feel as smooth.

Because this problem could impact the wheel alignment, it’s also possible for drivers to experience bad tire alignment symptoms. 

These indicators include a car pulling one way, early tire wear, and a crooked steering wheel.

Noises may be heard, as well.

What do bad tie rods sound like? A clicking might appear when turning. Meanwhile, a tie rod that doesn’t have enough lubrication can create popping and creaking noises.

What happens when a tie rod goes bad?

Toyota RAV4 tie rod replacement.

Toyota RAV4 tie rod replacement

Tie rod problems could affect the safety of a vehicle.

If a tie rod is no longer working, it can cause the car to lose its steering capabilities.

Can you drive with bad tie rods?

It would not be safe to drive a vehicle that has a bad tie rod. 

If they are worn, they have play. If your steering linkage has any sort of movement, that means there’s a delay between you turning the steering wheel and it turning. 

Eventually, if the tie rods break or pop out of socket, then – all of a sudden – you have no steering.

How can I take care of my tie rods?

We recommend bringing your car to an auto repair shop that will regularly check your steering system (not just the tie rods).

Lubrication is important for tie rod ends. Automotive professionals used to grease the zerk fittings.

Today, many cars have zerk fittings that can’t be serviced. It’s a good idea to install serviceable ones after they go bad.

If the time comes to get new tie rods, replace them as soon as possible.

There are a few poorly manufactured options. So make sure any tie rods you get are high quality and designed to last a long time.

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.