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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.

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Our new pickup and delivery service: How it works

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you need work done on your vehicle but don’t have time to bring it to the repair shop?

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge can help.

We have started a scheduled pickup and delivery service. Here’s how it works.

Our pickup and delivery service process

Our staff will get all the information from you over the phone, schedule a time they can get your keys, and sign the ticket. 

We will take pictures of your vehicle for any damage we see and bring your vehicle to the shop to get serviced.

Before we perform any repairs, our staff will call you, provide you with an estimate, and go over our digital inspection with you. This will allow you to see exactly what they’re talking about from the comfort of your home.

Upon approval, we will repair your car. When we are finished repairing it, we will let you know and take payment over the phone. We will schedule a time we can return your vehicle to you and sign for delivery.

If your vehicle doesn’t start or is unsafe to drive, please let us know and we can arrange towing to our repair shop. Inclement weather conditions can affect pickup and delivery.

Customers interested in the service can simply call us at (703) 670-8005.

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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Pick up and delivery service available through Steve’s Auto Repair

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Due to concerns about the Coronavirus spreading, many people are working from home.

Schools across the region are also closing and some colleges are hosting classes online.

Steve’s Auto Repair offering pick up and delivery service

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge is offering a pick up and delivery service within the local area, through scheduled appointments.

“We’ll arrange a time to actually pick up your vehicle, arrange a time to bring it back, take care of everything else in between,” Owner ST Billingsley said.

Our employees will also wipe down the steering wheel and turn signal.

Anyone interested in the service may call Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire at (703) 670-8005.

“Take it easy out there, we want everybody to be nice and healthy; please give us a call if we can help you out,” Billingsley said.

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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Is my radiator coolant leaking?

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

There are many parts that keep an engine running properly.

The radiator is one of them. This component is critical, because it prevents the engine from overheating and keeps you from getting stuck on the side of the road.

How the cooling system works

In the cooling process, coolant flows through the radiator. Some of the heat disappears and the coolant flows back to the engine.

There are cooling fans that come on to pull air through the radiator to keep the air flow coming across the radiator. Some fans are belt driven while others are electric. The computers of vehicles with electric fans turn them on and off.

When the engine needs to heat up during colder weather, the computer will prevent the fan from turning on. In warmer months, the fan operates at a faster speed. 

Old Radiator.

Old Radiator

When to replace the radiator

You generally only need a new radiator if it’s clogged, there’s coolant leaking, the radiator is damaged, or the cooling fins have become bent and are preventing air flow from going through.

Oil coolers and transmission coolers that are sometimes built in the radiator leak, which leads to replacing the radiator.

Depending on how the radiators are made, some manufacturers are more prone to coolant leaking at the plastic end caps.

The radiators of some vehicles never need to be replaced.

Newer cars may need a new one if the plastic and metal components that are fused together don’t seal properly. As temperatures decrease outside, any cracks in the radiator are going to become worse.

There are a few symptoms you may notice when the radiator should be changed.

Drips near a vehicle’s bumper and the smell of coolant are a couple of signs that you need a new radiator.

If you smell something sweet when you get out of the car after driving it for a while, you probably have coolant leaking. 

Coolant fluid exchanges and different types of coolant

Every 30,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have a coolant fluid exchange, also known as a coolant flush — which is when coolant is drained from the system and replaced with new coolant. 

This service offers many benefits, including extending the lifespan of coolant and improving how well a vehicle performs.

How often you need a coolant fluid exchange also depends on the vehicle. Some manufacturers recommend them more often.

You can learn more about coolant flushes by reading this article we wrote.

We use the correct coolant for a vehicle. Even though the green coolant is pretty universal, not all vehicles work the best with it. Some European vehicles and Diesels use a different type of coolant. 

Sometimes, you might see Asian vehicles, such as Toyotas, with red coolant. Dye isn’t the only component that changes the coolant color. The type of antifreeze that helps protect the type of metal also impacts it. 

Getting a coolant flush or coolant exchange with a coupon may damage your car, unless the correct coolant is being used, like it is at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire.

Like other parts and systems in your car, the cooling system needs to be maintained. Doing this and replacing your radiator when it’s needed can save you a lot of headache in the future.

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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Steve’s Auto Repair seeking Service Advisor

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you have customer service experience? Are you looking to switch careers?

Come join the Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire team.

Service Advisor position available

The Woodbridge-based auto repair shop is looking for an entry level Auto Service Advisor. It’s seeking candidates who have a positive attitude, exceptional phone skills and computer knowledge.

Experience in the automotive industry isn’t required. Having customer service experience is a plus. Willingness to learn is a must.

Employees will be able to learn management skills through the full-time position. They would also receive fully paid health insurance, paid training, paid time off.

Questions and resumes may be sent to st@stevesautorepairva.com.

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.