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Winter preparation tips from Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Winter will be arriving later this month.

There are a few ways drivers can get their vehicle ready for it.

We recommend having a mechanic look over various components to avoid possible problems in the future.

Here are some parts that should be checked:

  • Heat and defroster
  • Belts
  • Car battery
  • Windshield wiper blades
  • Fluid levels
  • Tire pressure
  • Headlights

More information about these parts can be found below.

How’s your heat?

When I first get in my car on a chilly day, my first thought is to turn on the heat. But a lot of us don’t actually think about whether the heat controls and defroster are actually working. 

Now is a good time to check them. The last thing you want is to find out something is wrong when it’s freezing outside.

You should make sure your belts and battery are in good working order, as well. Overtime, belts can break, fray or get caught around other components. Drastic changes in temperatures – both in the winter and summer – can kill a weak car battery.

Seeing that we do experience frost and occasionally see some snowy days, we also recommend taking a look at and replacing the windshield wiper blades.

Fluid levels for winter preparation

Windshield washer fluid is mainly used in the summer, but it’s also needed to get frost off your windshield in the winter. 

Some people pre-dilute their windshield washer fluid when it’s warmer and don’t give it another thought. When the temperature drops, the tank can freeze and crack, causing the windshield washer fluid to leak out. 

Taking a look at your basic fluid levels, such as coolant, is another way you can get ready for winter. 

Since we’re not using the heat during the rest of the year, we don’t really consider if the coolant is low. Coolant plays an important role in temperature control, so it’s a good idea to have someone check it out.

Antifreeze is another fluid that needs to be looked at. Make sure that it is at a safe level and it has a good protection level for temperature.

Tire pressure check

During this time of year, it’s also important to watch the tire pressure. When the temperature in the tire decreases, so does the PSI. 

Many will notice that their tires are lower and automatically think that all of them are flat. If all tires look low, it’s probably because of the temperature. 

If one tire is lower than the others, you may want to have it checked, because it could mean there’s a leak.

Taking steps to ensure that your vehicle is ready to tackle winter weather could extend its lifespan and can help keep you and your family safe. 

If you have any questions about winter preparation, give us a call at (703) 670-8005 or visit us at 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge.

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 is my Nissan vibrating when idle?

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Slower performance and rough idling can be signs that there’s a problem with a car.

A Nissan came in due to sluggish performance. 

One of our service writers noticed that the Nissan vibrating when idle and heard a “glug glug glug” sound. When he pressed the accelerator, the noise transitioned into a “putt putt putt”.

Cause behind Nissan vibrating when idle

While working on the vehicle, the technician realized that one of the camshaft adjuster solenoids was open.

Like fuel injectors, camshaft solenoids open and close. This enables the correct amount of oil to enter the variable valve timing system, which includes the timing chains and sprockets.

Oil was also leaking through the spark plug tube seals and backing up in some of the spark plug tubes.

Oil in a spark plug tube.

Oil in a spark plug tube

Too much oil in the spark plug tube can cause a misfire.

Because Nissan builds spark plug tube seals into the valve cover, we also needed to replace the valve cover.

New and old valve cover.

New and old valve cover

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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Signs that mice are living in your car

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Chilly months are ahead, which increases the likelihood of mice living in your car.

To mice and other animals, including squirrels and frogs, vehicles are warm and offer protection.

It only takes one cold night to draw them in.

Certain smells attract them, as well. Some parts – like fuel lines – that are produced with a soy-based substance can draw rodents in.

Normally, mice keep themselves hidden by burrowing deep in the engine. They build nests and will chew wires and insulation. 

Indicator of mice living in your car

Usually, drivers won’t find out that a mouse has been living in their car until something stops working and a mechanic or auto repair shop that’s working on it sees broken wires.

You may also notice insulation or what appears to be ground up newspaper around your vehicle, which indicates that they are moving it from another place.

Mouse droppings and damage to upholstery – which can be used to make nests – are other symptoms.

If you turn on the blower motor and it sounds unbalanced or loud – like something is flopping around – it’s a good sign that there’s a mouse nest.

Mice love to build nests in the air box. That’s a common area we see them when we’re performing oil changes or checking the cabin air filter.

How to keep mice at bay

You can deter mice by cleaning your car regularly and using mouse traps in your garage.

If you are having a big problem with mice living in your car, try putting dryer sheets in the engine compartment – mice hate the smell. But make sure to tuck the dryer sheets away so they don’t catch on fire.

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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Symptoms of a bad rack and pinion

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated July 22, 2024

Are you experiencing any steering problems?

It could mean there’s an issue with your vehicle’s rack and pinion. This component is connected to the steering knuckles, which turn the steering wheel left or right.

We installed a new one on a Honda Odyssey. Our technician determined that it needed to be replaced when he noticed it was leaking. 

This is a good reason why you should have the rack and pinion inspected.

Rack and pinion replacement

Master Technician installing a new rack and pinion.

Installing a new rack and pinion

To replace this part, the technician needed to remove a bracket for the engine mount.

This one was relatively simple to install. For vehicles that have switches and multiple sensors, the process can be more complicated.

A stiffer steering wheel is one sign of a bad rack and pinion. This problem can be caused by leaking steering fluid that’s getting bound up, or the system being low on fluid.

You can help protect this component through regular power steering fluid exchanges.

Signs of a bad rack and pinion

Rack and pinion problems are normally noticed when the vehicle is in a shop.

The only way a driver would notice a leaking rack and pinion is if they see spots of power steering fluid on the ground. This part is so buried that a lift would be needed to isolate it.

Bellows boots, which slide over the end seals of a rack and pinion on each side, will be very damp. Moisture could be seen or there may be fluid leaking out if they’re torn. 

New and old rack and pinion.

New and old rack and pinion

Leaks are also possible where the fittings screw into the rack and pinion, but those are pretty rare. 

The end seals are normally what give way, because they’re always under pressure. The boots are there to protect the seals from the elements.

Other problems we look for

Dampness or leaks aren’t the only issues our technicians look for when inspecting a vehicle.

They also make sure there isn’t a lot of movement among suspension parts, such as the inner tie rod ends. 

The mounting bushings – where the rack and pinion mounts to the subframe – are checked, as well. Those bushings can become worn overtime. If the rack is moving, the steering might feel a bit loose.

Problems could also arise if there is some sort of impact.

When performing an oil change on a Ford F-150, one of our technicians found that the end of the rack and pinion was broken. This damage had occurred when the vehicle drove over a pothole or hit a curb.

Water and dirt can get in if this component cracks.

Preventing unwanted problems

For some peace of mind, bring your vehicle to a place that offers good quality oil changes and digital vehicle inspections.

Minor problems may be caught early on and they can make sure your car is receiving the maintenance it needs.

Getting power steering fluid exchanges every 30,000 miles or so (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations) is one way you can take care of your rack and pinion.

If you notice a change in how your vehicle steers or see some type of fluid near your car, have an automotive expert make sure that something isn’t going on.

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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Auto parts shortage: Why you shouldn’t put off car repair

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Some auto parts have been more difficult to find since the Coronavirus outbreak started.

For example, Goodyear was slowing its tire production, meaning that there could be a shortage on certain types of tires as the country gets moving again. You may be able to get a tire that fits your car, but it might not be the right speed rating or load rating.

Auto parts shortage problem

Many of the parts we use are made by companies located in other countries. With countries around the world shut down, not as many people are working, which has cut down on the production for these products.

We recently needed a new computer for a Ford F150. Normally, we can receive one the next day. This time, there was one located in the United States, and it took five days for us to get it.

From what we’ve been told, the part stores and manufacturers have done a good job of tapping into each other’s resources to move products around. However, with the factories being closed or reduced production, we could see a drop off of supplies being produced.

While parts are still readily available, it’s probably a good idea to have something repaired that you’ve been putting off. If you wait a month or two, it may be more difficult to get it completed.

Our pickup and drop off services

If you need work done on your vehicle, we have a scheduled pickup and delivery service. A few drop off options are also available.

Anyone who doesn’t want to come into the building can bring their cars using our “After Hours” drop off slot. They can also give us a call at (703) 670-8005, and a staff member can meet them outside to get their 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.