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What is a tune up now?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A tune up used to involve replacing parts, such as spark plugs, spark plug wires, and the distributor cap and rotor.

Mechanics would change the air filter and fuel filter, replace points in the condenser – if the car was old enough – and even perform an oil change, depending on the time frame.

It could also consist of adjusting the distributor to change the timing, cleaning the throttle plate and the choke on the carburetor, and making air fuel adjustments, including setting the base idol.

Through the years, as vehicles have become more advanced with fuel injections and computers, what is considered a tune up has changed.

Tune up services offered today

Changing the spark plugs is one service that continues to be offered. However, the mileage between spark plugs has gone from 30,000 miles to between 60,000 and 105,000 miles in most vehicles today.

This increase is due to the ignition systems being Coil on Plug (COP) and the materials that the spark plugs are made out of, such as iridium and platinum, lasting much longer.

Of course there’s still air filters, but a lot of the time the fuel filters are integral with the fuel pumps in the gas tanks, depending on the vehicle. 

One service that helps greatly with today’s vehicles is cleaning the throttle body and doing a fuel induction service. The way the PCV systems are made, more carbon gets built up in the intake and the valves than it used to.

While you’re driving, computers take care of a lot of adjustments you used to have to make. However, it’s more important than ever to maintain your vehicle or to do the tune up at the interval, even if your vehicle is running just fine. Computers will try to compensate for a problem that an automotive technician could catch during the regular tune up.

Using the right spark plugs

It is also very important to use the correct type of spark plugs for your car or truck.  While a cheaper spark plug may technically allow your vehicle to run, you could be asking for the check engine to turn on for weird issues and possible damage to your engine.

The way vehicles are designed nowadays, it could be very difficult to get to the spark plugs. You used to be able to work on them in your driveway, but today it could take four or five hours to reach them, depending on what you have to take off to get to them.

SHOP TIP: Because some spark plugs are very hard to get to, when you go in for a tune up, ask to see your spark plugs. Unfortunately, when working with other shops, we have seen that the front three have been changed but not the three in the back.

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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Why you should come to Steve’s Auto Repair for an oil change

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

What’s the value of coming to Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire for an oil change, rather than other places?

Yes, you can get your oil changed pretty much anywhere. However, when you choose to have this service performed at Steve’s Auto Repair, you don’t just drive away with an oil change.

What’s included in our oil change

In addition to changing the oil and oil filter, our technicians look over your vehicle through a mini state inspection. They pull the wheels and rotate the tires, as well – which you would normally be charged an additional $20 for elsewhere.

With our digital inspections, which we can email or text to you, you can see recommendations we have for you without having to wait around at the shop. The digital inspection also gives you an update on various parts, such as the condition of your car’s air filter or how worn the brake pads are.  

Last year, we began using full synthetic oil for all vehicles, except for the few cars that require regular oil. With this switch, you no longer need to worry about the up sale of oil. 

As people start returning to work, they will be driving more. Synthetic oil allows you to travel 5,000 miles between oil changes and is better for the internal components of the engine.

For more information about why oil changes are needed, check out this article we shared.

Here is what we do during an oil change:

  • Change the oil
  • Change the oil filter
  • Check the filters
  • Perform a digital inspection
  • Rotate tires *
  • Check brakes
  • Check tire pressure
  • Test battery *
  • Check accessible fluids

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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Engine repairs needed on Toyota Avalon

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Oil leaks occur for a number of reasons, and may be fixed through various methods.

For a 2006 Toyota Avalon, engine repairs were needed.

When the car was previously brought in for general service, we noticed oil leaks and recommended a new engine oil pan gasket and engine timing cover gasket. The customer also noticed small drops of oil under the vehicle.

Engine repairs performed

One of our technicians replaced several seals, the timing cover gasket, camshaft seals, valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.

Technician looking at an oil pan.

Technician looking at an oil pan

To complete the repairs, various parts and the engine were removed. 

Parts taken out to remove engine.

Parts taken out to remove engine

Oil leaks and oil changes

A bad oil filter, broken filler cap, and insecure drain plug are other issues that could lead to oil leaks.

Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, can prevent engine wear and keeps the internal system clean by preventing sludge build up. This can keep passages open and PCV Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems clear. 

If the PCV systems become clogged, they can put increased crankcase pressure on the engine which could produce oil leaks. 

We recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. To learn more about when and why to get an oil change, read this article we published.

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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How to prepare your car for fall

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s hard to believe that fall is just a couple of weeks away.

As the temperatures begin to drop, we recommend being watchful of a few items that can help prepare your car for fall.

Tips to help you prepare your car for fall

Tire pressure

Drastic changes in temperature can lead to tire pressure loss. Tire pressure should be checked at least a couple of times each year, or when an oil change is performed.

Read more about when and how to check your car’s tire pressure by checking out this article we shared.

If all of the tires have low tire pressure, it’s most likely due to the temperature change. However, if one tire is much lower than the others, it may indicate a leak.

Having low tire pressure can cause additional tire wear and makes it more difficult to control your vehicle in an emergency.

Checking the tire pressure.

Checking the tire pressure

Car battery

Checking your vehicle’s battery is another way you can prepare your car for fall.

Weak car batteries tend to go bad when it’s extremely hot or cold outside. A car not starting could mean that the battery is dead. 

Other possible reasons why a car won’t start are discussed in this article.

You should also watch for the battery alert light, which is a sign that there is a problem with the battery or it’s low on power.

Testing the car battery.

Testing the battery

Windshield Washer Fluid Concentration

As strange as it sounds, your vehicle’s windshield wiper fluid concentration is something you should consider as it gets colder. 

During the summer, some people dilute windshield washer fluid to save money. If that diluted fluid is in the system during the fall and the temperature drops low enough, it can freeze.

Windshield on a Volkswagen.

Windshield on a Volkswagen

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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Oil changes: When and why are they needed?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Car costs can add up.

Maintaining your vehicle through regular oil changes is one way you can prevent engine damage — and essentially — cut down on future spending.

Some cars burn oil overtime. If a vehicle doesn’t run on the correct amount of oil, the oil won’t be able to lubricate engine components. Items actuated by oil pressure also won’t work as efficiently. 

We suggest having it replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

Types of oil available

Different oil change options are available. Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire used to carry multiple oil types, such as regular oil and semi-synthetic oil. 

Last year, we switched to full synthetic oil, which has lowered the cost of synthetic oil for oil changes. Synthetic oil helps extend the lifespan of engines that normally operate on regular or semi-synthetic oil.

We also offer Mobil 1, an oil option that is used in various cars, including BMWs and Mercedes.

What happens during our oil changes

In addition to changing the oil and oil filter, we also perform a tire rotation and conduct a courtesy check during an oil change.  When doing a courtesy inspection, we look over parts of the car, such as the lights and brakes.

Our technicians can write notes about the car in a digital inspection.

The inspection report, which also provides information about the car and recommendations, can be accessed by our customers via email or text.

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.