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Oil pressure light: Why did mine come on?

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When you start your vehicle, various dashboard lights should appear for a few seconds before turning off.

One of these symbols sort of resembles a teapot with a drop of fluid coming from the spout. This icon is the oil pressure light. 

If there is something going on with the oil level or – as the name implies – oil pressure, the warning light will illuminate.

This icon is an important one that drivers should know about and be watchful for.

Oil pressure light causes

Jeep Grand Cherokee low on oil.

Jeep Grand Cherokee low on oil

Oil pressure issues can be the result of a few problems you may not see when looking at your car, such as:

  • Clogged oil pump pickup tube
  • Oil pressure switch going bad
  • Oil pump wearing out
  • Low oil level
  • Blocked engine channels
  • Worn engine bearing

Oil pressure switch is bad: The oil pressure light can be triggered by a faulty oil pressure switch. This component checks the pressure and will prompt it to appear. For some manufacturers, a malfunctioning oil pressure switch isn’t unheard of.

Engine oil leak on Chevrolet.

Engine oil leak on Chevrolet

Low oil level: Low oil is another potential culprit behind the oil pressure warning light. The vehicle might have an oil leak, which can stem from a damaged oil pan, seals or bearings going bad, a valve cover gasket wearing out, and other causes. It’s also possible that there is an oil consumption issue.

Clogged engine channels: Cars – and certain components within them – rely on oil pressure to operate correctly. The amount required can vary among situations. When it’s below where it needs to be, the oil pressure light may turn on. Oil pressure can be impacted by engine ports and channels that are blocked by sludge (old engine oil).

Other causes behind the oil pressure light include the oil pump or an engine bearing becoming worn. It’s also possible that the oil pump pickup tube is clogged.

Next steps

When a car’s oil pressure light comes on, we advise motorists not to drive it.

For those who notice the symbol as they’re traveling, it’s a good idea to pull over and check the oil level. If there’s plenty of oil on the dipstick, they should call a tow truck. 

You will want to avoid operating the vehicle because you don’t know if you have oil pressure. Your car is saying you don’t. Driving it after the light comes on could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

In cases where it’s low on oil, oil can be added. While restarting the vehicle, you should keep an eye out for the light and see if it disappears.

During oil pressure light diagnostics, our technicians take a look at the oil level and confirm that the oil pressure switch is functioning. After that, the mechanical oil pressure is checked.

The next steps from there depend on what we learn through our diagnostic process.

If you’re heading out the door and see this warning light or others appear on your dashboard, contact an automotive expert you trust. Even if it seems inconvenient or puts you behind by a few minutes. When in doubt, your best bet is to reach out.

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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Airbox clamp rusts in half on Ford F-150

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Checking a car’s air filter is included in our courtesy inspections.

When one technician went to complete this task on a Ford F-150, he ran into a small hiccup: the airbox clamp had rusted in half.

As the clasp is unbuckled, two halves of the airbox come apart so you can remove the air filter. The clasp is intended to keep the box closed and seal up the filter. 

The engine air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. So, it’s a good idea to keep a good seal between the two.

While undoing the clasp on the pickup truck, we realized there wasn’t enough metal on the bottom to capture it.

For a number of years, these types of clamps were used on certain vehicles – like Ford F-150s, E-150s, E-250s and E-350s. More recently, they have transitioned into a different style.

What can cause airbox clamps to rust

A few factors could result in an airbox clamp rusting. Age is one of them. The Ford F-150 we worked on was more than 15 years old.

Airbox clamp rusted in half.

Airbox clamp rusted in half

It can also be caused by exposure to the elements, like snow and rain. As you’re driving, your tires are kicking up salt, sand and water. Overtime, this may lead to rust, especially if you’re traveling in areas that see a lot of snowfall.

Batteries can cause corrosion, too. Corrosion sometimes builds up on battery terminals due to battery acid that’s released.

In the case of the Ford F-150, the clamp was close to the battery. Battery acid could have leaked down and come in contact with the clasp. 

Maintenance and airbox clamp replacement

Other than replacing the airbox clamp, there isn’t much else you can do if this part has become rusted and won’t remain secure. 

They do sell aftermarket kits. Next time your technician is working on your vehicle, you could ask them to take a look at the airbox.

There are some actions that could be taken to possibly prevent future problems. 

Make sure proper cleaning techniques are followed when the battery is changed. If battery corrosion is present, wash it off with water. This helps neutralize the battery acid and prevents it from impacting other components.

Regularly changing out air filters is also a good item to add to your car maintenance checklist. The lifespan of filters varies among vehicles and driving conditions.

Air filters don’t work as effectively when they become dirty, clogged or damaged. So, it’s important to replace them if your auto repair shop recommends it.

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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Suspension sounds and what causes them

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Is there a new sound you have started to hear when driving? It could be coming from your car’s suspension system.

Many parts make up this system and eventually wear out from daily use.

Different components and conditions can result in certain noises and symptoms.

Suspension sounds may be anything from a squeaking sound to a knocking or popping noise.

Different suspension sounds you may hear

Jeep Grand Cherokee tie rod ends.

Tie rod ends

Squeaking noise

If you hear a squeaking sound, there may be a problem with the pitman arms or tie rod ends. 

Typically found on older vehicles and trucks, pitman arms connect with the drag link. Worn tie rod ends and those that are moving a lot can “clunk” as the wheel moves.

Clunking sound

Tie rod ends aren’t the only reason you might notice a clunking noise.

Ford F-150 ball joint replacement.

Ball joint

This sound could also occur if a ball joint slips from the steering knuckle. Idler arms and broken sway bar end links can be behind the sound, too.

Knocking noise

A knocking sound may stem from other components.

Worn control arm bushings on a Toyota Sienna.

Worn control arm bushings

The noise could indicate that you have worn or missing control arm bushings. They usually make a knocking noise as you drive. You might hear a “thunk” when you turn.

Another source of a knocking sound are bearings on strut mounts. These parts can create it when they’re worn.

Fiat 500 worn sway bar links.

Sway bar links

A rattling noise might be related to sway bar links or sway bar bushings when they are wearing out.

Other sounds

Clunking, knocking and squeaking aren’t the only noises that are caused by the suspension system.

A clanking sound might occur with certain setups if they don’t have spring isolators. These rubber spaces, located between the strut and strut mount, are responsible for making sure the coil spring doesn’t move. If the isolators aren’t there and the spring shifts, you could hear clanking while turning.

For other systems, worn coil springs can lead to an occasional popping sound as you hit bumps.

It’s important to note that some noises may appear to be suspension sounds but are coming from a different area of the vehicle.

For example, a wheel bearing that’s wearing out can make a knocking or thumping noise at certain angles. In extreme conditions, a tire with a broken steel belt or something lodged in it can also make noise.

Addressing suspension noises

Whatever the cause of the noise turns out to be, it’s worth looking into.

When you notice a sound that you don’t remember hearing before, have an automotive expert look into the problem soon. 

Taking notes about the kind of noise you hear, when it’s occurring, and where the sound seems to be coming from can help narrow down the search. This could also get your vehicle back to you sooner.

If there’s any other relevant information (even if it seems insignificant), make sure to share that with the repair shop too. It could be the final clue that solves the mystery.

When performing noise diagnostics, our automotive technicians take the car on a test drive. Then – using information provided by the customer – they try to recreate the noise and pinpoint its location.

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 change a flat tire

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Does your car’s tire look like the picture above? If it does, the tire will need to be replaced.

In some cases – like when you’re in the breakdown lane on I-95 – it’s probably best (and safer) to call a tow truck and have the car brought to a nearby auto repair shop.

But if you’re in a parking lot or your driveway and you have the needed tools, you can change the tire yourself.

One of our technicians installed a spare tire on a Volkswagen Beetle the other week after another employee realized she had a flat tire on her way to work. 

How to change a flat tire

Before you begin to change a flat tire, you should have these items on hand:

  • Spare tire or new tire
  • Bottle jack or jack stand
  • Wheel chock
  • The wheel lock key (if your tires require it)
  • A tire pressure gauge

Chocking the wheels on a Volkswagen Beetle.It’s ideal that you also have a safety cone, triangle, or flare.

When you go to change a flat tire, turn your four-way flashers on. That way, other people can see you. If possible, try to replace it on a flat surface.

Then, you will want to set up the cone, triangle or flare, and chock your wheels. We recommend chocking wheels on the opposite side from the flat tire. For example, if the front driver’s side tire needs to be changed, it’s a good idea to chock the rear passenger tire. This is because the weight falls on this wheel when you lift the car up and over.

Once you have completed these safety measures, you are ready to change the tire.

Using a jack on a Volkswagen Beetle.Step 1: Set the jack

Start the tire replacement by setting up whatever jack you have available. It’s ideal if you can lift the car from the frame or pinch weld. Begin taking weight off the vehicle. 

Side note: It’s important that you make sure the bottle jack is steady and able to support the car’s weight. You can test this by lifting the vehicle all the way up, and give it a little rock to confirm it’s solid. Drop it back down so the rubber sits on the road.

Step 2: Remove the lug nuts

As you’re taking weight off the car (and before the tire is lifted) start taking off the lug nuts. This will prevent the tire from spinning when you go to take it the rest of the way off. 

Step 3: Put on the spare tire or new tire

Adding lug nuts to a spare tire.Take all of the lug nuts off and remove the flat tire. Make sure to have a spare tire ready. The less time you are on that jack, the better. You can’t control tractor trailers coming down the highway, which blows a lot of wind. If you’re on a bad jack or crooked spot, you want to be quick about it.

Step 4: Replace the lug nuts

Quickly replace a few of the lug nuts, hand tight. Then add the other two before dropping the vehicle down. You should put the lug nuts on in a star pattern the best that you can by hand.

Step 5: Check the tire pressure

Checking tire pressure on spare tire.Before heading down the road, make sure you look at the tire pressure of the new or spare tire using a tire pressure gauge. 

You can find information about how much a tire requires on the sidewall or the driver’s side door jam. If the tire pressure is a little low, you can fill it up at many gas stations.

If you’re not on a full size tire, you’ll want to go to your auto repair shop as soon as possible. The recommended miles for a donut spare is typically 50 miles. It’s also important that you look at the sidewall for the maximum speed limit. For some donut spares, you shouldn’t drive more than 55 miles per hour.

Items to keep in your car

With the winter months around the corner, it’s a good idea to keep several items in your vehicle, in case of an emergency.

These include:

  • Water
  • A blanket
  • Jumper cables
  • A shovel
  • A flashlight
  • A first aid kit

These can come in handy if your car battery dies, or if you’re stranded on the side of the road and it’s going to take a while for the tow truck to arrive.

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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Steve’s Auto Repair becomes V3 Certified Company

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

With its proximity to Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Belvoir, Northern Virginia is full of military members and veterans.

Veterans not only had a role in the security of our country, they also have an active part in the running of our auto repair shop.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire has been named a V3 Certified Company. The designation is provided through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services’ Virginia Values Veterans V3 Program. This program seeks to help employers carry out practices based on recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans.

To become certified, staff members completed training that focused on a variety of topics, including information about the United States military, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Skills offered by those who served and strategies for employing and keeping veterans were covered, as well.

A few Steve’s Auto Repair employees are veterans.Apprenticeship program

We have staff members who have served in different areas, like the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, active Army Reserve, Marine Corps and Navy.

One of our technicians, who was in the Army, now participates in our apprenticeship program.

“We appreciate all veterans for their service. Those we have the privilege of working with are an important part of our team,” Steve’s Auto Repair Co-Owner ST Billingsley said. “We are proud to be a veteran owned and operated business and are honored to be a V3 Certified Company.”

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.