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Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge now a certified Kelly tire dealer

In Shop Talk, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Kelly Springfield Tire Charger GT Performance Tire.

Kelly Springfield Tire Charger GT Performance Tire

If you’re in need of Kelly brand tires in the Woodbridge area then you’re in luck, as Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire now a fully certified Kelly tire dealer.

As a certified dealer, Steve’s is now fully stocked with the full line of Kelly tires, and have the equipment needed to make sure Kelly tires are properly installed and cared for.

Kelly Springfield Edge A/S all season tire.

Kelly Springfield Edge A/S all season tire

“As with all Goodyear tires, Kelly tires come with a 30 day test drive program. This means that our customers get up to 30 days with Kelly tires on their vehicle, to make sure that they like the tires and that they’re a good fit for their needs. If they aren’t happy with the tires, as a Kelly dealer we’re able to exchange them for another set of eligible tires within those 30 days,” said Steve’s Service Manager Gabe Guarino.

In addition to this guarantee, Steve’s customers with Kelly tires can also instantly take advantage of all Kelly tire offers.

Different Kelly tire models

At the shop, Steve’s has several popular Kelly tire models that will work with your vehicle including the Kelly Charger GT, the Kelly Edge All Season, and the Kelly Safari ATR.

Kelly Springfield All Terrain Tire.

Kelly Springfield All Terrain Tire

The Kelly Charger GT is a sporty tire with enhanced traction, and all season grip, and a black serrated sidewall design. This tire model works well with the Acura Integra, Audi A4 and A6, the BMW 5 and 7, the Cadillac CTS and Seville, Honda Accord, Civic, and Prelude, the Mercedes E Class, and the Nissan Altima and Maxima.

The Kelly Edge All Season is an all season tire with enhanced grip, long treadwear, and enhanced handling. And the Kelly Safari ATR is great for all terrain driving, with self-cleaning traction grooves to move through mud and snow in any season.

Kelly Springfield Tire HP Performance Tire.

Kelly Springfield Tire HP Performance Tire

Steve’s also offers an additional road hazard warranty that can be purchased for Kelly tires.

“We’re excited to be a certified Kelly tire dealer. By being a Kelly dealer, we can make sure that our customers have access to the full line of Kelly tires, and that they can take advantage of the 30 day guarantee, as well as the instant rebates Kelly offers,” said Steve’s Owner ST Billingsley.

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.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire now a Goodyear Tire dealer

In Shop Talk, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Goodyear Tire.

Goodyear Tires in Woodbridge Virginia

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is now a certified Goodyear Tire dealer.

As a Goodyear Tire dealer, the shop offers the full line of Goodyear tires, with up-to-date tire machines, technicians that can fix your tire light, and nitrogen – a better option than compressed air for your tires.

“The benefit for the customer is that if they have any type of Goodyear tire warranty or recall information, they can come directly to us to get that fixed. We’re the only Goodyear dealer currently in the Woodbridge area,” said Steve’s Service Manager Gabe Guarino.

Customers can now also take advantage of Goodyear tire rebates at the shop.

Popular Goodyear Tire brands availableGoodyear Tire logo.

Some popular Goodyear brands Steve’s now has in stock are the Wranglers, Assurance, Eagle LS-2, and the classic Eagle RS-A.

“Those came in stock, all the way back from 1990 Nissan Maximas. The Goodyear RS-A is also what every single police Interceptor Cruiser uses,” Guarino said of the RS-As.

Steve’s Auto offers road hazard warranties for all Goodyear tires, with a 3-year, 2/3nds of wear warranty.

Goodyear tires on a truck.

Goodyear Tires in Lake Ridge Virginia

“We’re proud to be able to offer Goodyear products in our shop. Goodyear is known for their durability and quality, and we’re able to help our customers by becoming the only Woodbridge area Goodyear dealer,” said Steve’s Owner ST Billingsley.

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.

Is your car ready for summer?

In Brakes, Cooling System, Maintenance, Safety, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The sun is shining, and it’s almost time for summer. While the summer offers plenty of fun and great weather, it also comes with summertime traffic, and the gridlock and bumper-to-bumper with the Washington, D.C. commute and beach traffic.

Keeping that traffic in mind, you’re going to want to make sure that your car is prepared. Here are some things you should check to get your car ready for summer.

Get your car ready for summer by checking the air conditioning system.

Make sure your car or trucks air conditioning works good for the summer months

Is your A/C blowing cold?

With your heat blasting during the winter months, chances are that you haven’t needed to use the air conditioning – which means that you may be unaware of potential problems with your A/C system. Nothing is worse than trying to head out for a long car ride – or even your morning commute – and realizing that your A/C is blowing hot.

If you’ve noticed that your A/C system is blowing warmer than it normally would, it’s good to bring it in and see if there are any leaks, and get replacement or repair done before the thermostat really starts to rise.

Are your brakes ready for stop-and-go?

Brake pads and rotors.

Front brake pads and rotors need to be checked to ensure proper vehicle braking

Checking the brakes is another way to ensure your car is ready for summer.

We all know that when you live in this area, there are bound to be traffic jams, regardless of the time of year. But with the summer, and all of the vacation and beach traffic in Northern Virginia, bumper-to-bumper can be a real challenge if you’re brakes aren’t in good shape.

Having quality brakes that aren’t worn down can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s stopping time, and can be the difference between a hard stop and a fender bender. For our customers we recommend that they change out their brake pads when they’re worn down below 4/32nds.

Make sure you’re cooling system is doing its job

Engine coolant cap.

Make sure your engine cooling system is working properly

When’s the last time you had your cooling system serviced or checked? The cooling system in your vehicle – different from the car’s air conditioning – is important, and needs to be checked on regularly.

The cooling system uses a radiator, water pump, and a cooling fan to help create circulation in your car’s engine, allowing it to release heat so that your engine doesn’t become overheated. Especially as the weather gets warmer, all of that heat outside can take a toll on your car’s engine if you don’t care for it properly.

Make sure that you’re getting the coolant fluids topped off, and that you’re getting cooling system flushes this summer, to keep from dealing with an overheated engine.

Are your tires worn down?

Tire tread.

Make sure your tires are safe, with Goodyear tires

Whether you’ve got winter tires on your vehicle, or you’ve been riding on your all-seasons for a while, you need to be thinking about the condition of your tires as the summer approaches.

Just like brakes, the condition of your tires makes a huge difference in your stopping time and speed, as well as the comfort and handling of your drive. At Steve’s we recommend that customers consider replacing their brakes when they’re down below 4/32nds. Especially with all of the bumper-to-bumper traffic ahead, it’s good to make sure that your tires are in excellent condition for the summer.

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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3 things to watch out for with all this rainy weather

In Headlamps, Safety, Tires and Wheels, Windshield Wipers by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s been raining for several days now, and you’re probably wondering when it’s going to end. While we can’t predict the weather or make the rain go away, what we can do is tell you about things you should be on the lookout for with all of this rainy weather.

Check to see how your windshield wipers are doing

Your car’s windshield wipers see a lot more use when there’s rain for long stretches of time, and eventually like all things do, the wipers will wear out with frequently use. Having worn out windshield wipers can be a hazard, particularly at night or when there’s heavy rainfall, because they’re not as effective at removing the water from your windshield. They can also leave streaks and splotches that can make it difficult to see on the road. If you notice that your windshield wipers aren’t working very well, stop in and we can get those fixed quickly for you.

Headlights on a Toyota.

Check to see if you have a headlight out even daytime running lights can burn out.

Are your headlights working?

Much like the windshield wipers, if you’re using your headlights during the day and night because of gloomy and dark conditions, then you could see that one of your headlight bulbs has gone out. Sometimes people don’t notice that a headlight is out until it’s dark and they’re visibility is impaired, and that’s not the time when you want them to stop working on you. Checking your headlights regularly, especially during long stretches of rainy weather, is an easy way to see if your headlight bulbs need to be replaced.

Do your tires help you to stop in rainy weather?

Tire worn down to the tread bar indicators.

Worn tire down to the tread bar indicators definetly time to change these tires.

Regardless of the conditions outside or the tires you have, over time your tires will wear down from frequent use on the road. You want to make sure that your tires are at safe wear levels even when it’s sunny and bright, but days when it’s raining or snowing are really when you need those tires the most, as they’re what gives you traction and helps you to stop safely on the road.

New tires with deep grooves.

New tires have deep grooves and sipes to channel water away to keep you safe on the road.

Now is definitely a good time to check the tread depth on your tires, and make note of how good your car’s traction is on the road. If your tread depth is worn, it could be time for a new set of tires, or you may risk sliding around on the road in wet conditions.

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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Metro closing down for a while? Get your car ready

In Fuel Economy, Fuel System, Maintenance, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The word on the street is that the Blue Line, and several other area Metro lines will be closed for an extended period of time. This temporary Metro closing inevitably means that you’re probably going to be in your car more frequently, to get to work.

While we can’t get you out of the impending traffic nightmare that’s ahead, we can get your car prepared for those extra miles, and wear and tear – and save you some money too.

How to prepare for the temporary Metro closing

Fuel maintenance

For starters, when was the last time you had a fuel maintenance service on your vehicle? Many people forget how dirty fuel injects and filters can impact their car’s fuel economy. And you’re going to need the best fuel economy possible, heading north toward Washington, D.C. each day.

At Steve’s, we offer a BG fuel induction service that will improve your fuel economy, and get your engine running more smoothly. During the service we’re able to clean the fuel injectors, which will help balance your vehicle’s air and fuel ratio. It’s a service that should be performed every 15,000 miles, but it’s especially important now to catch up on it, now that you’re going to be on the road more.

Air filter

You also should have your air filter checked regularly. Did you know that a clogged air filter can reduce your fuel economy by 15 percent? That really adds up!

Get new tires

Another thing you’re going to want to invest in with the Metro closing temporarily for repairs is your tires. A lot of people don’t realize this, but your tires can have a big impact on your car’s fuel economy, and your stopping speed.  It’s very easy for one of our technicians to take a look at your tires and assess the condition, before making some recommendations.

With all of those traffic-filled miles ahead, you’re going to want to focus on one of two things – fuel economy and stopping time. At Steve’s we’re a Goodyear dealer, and if you’re looking to save

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Tire.

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Tire

We all hate it, but short stops and being cut off are an unfortunate part of having to drive for the morning commute in Northern Virginia. And if you want to avoid an accident, then it’s going to be important that you get tires for your vehicle that are designed to deal with those challenges. Especially for when you’re trying to quickly merge or switch lanes, having a sporty performance tire with good stopping power is going to be an asset. Especially with the huge influx of vehicles that will be on I-95 and I-66, you’re going to need all of the help you can get. That’s why we would recommend the Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire

The Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire was designed with stopping ability in mind. Having those extra couple of seconds, thanks to a good set of tires, can be the difference between a near-accident and damaging your vehicle. It has an asymmetric tread that makes handling easier, and it has a fantastic grip for all seasons and essentially all weather conditions. Its full-depth siping and biting edges help with its stopping ability and response.

Regardless of if you’re worried more about fuel economy, or stopping speed, both tires are a great investment to make for the coming months. You can’t change the Metro being closed, but you can do everything you can to make sure your car will have peak performance while you’re stuck in the daily commute traffic.

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.