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How much does a wheel alignment cost?

In Alignment by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Like state inspections, wheel alignments should be done annually. This service can help you get the most out of your tires by preventing them from wearing out too soon, saving you money in the long run.

The type of alignment needed is based on the vehicle. Two-wheel alignments, which are also called front-end alignments, are performed on most pickup trucks. Four-wheel alignments, on the other hand, are conducted on most cars.

While doing an alignment, we check a few adjustments, such as caster, camber and toe. Caster is the angle of the wheels toward the front or back. Meanwhile, camber describes how they slant inward and outward. Toe refers to where the wheels are in relation to the center of the vehicle.

The wheels are inspected and a test drive is performed, as well.

How much is a wheel alignment?

The cost of a wheel alignment can be affected by different circumstances, including how old a vehicle is, the make and model, and the type of alignment needed.

An alignment costs between $80 and $188. This is how it breaks down, according to the type of vehicle.

The wheel alignment cost of a 2 wheel alignment or a 4 wheel alignment costs about $100. That is before any discounts or coupons.

If you have a GM truck, you could be looking at $146, due to the upper control arm adjustments needed. It takes a bit longer to do this service.

If you have a lifted truck and/or aftermarket suspension parts, it could cost $188. 

These costs do not include additional services that are needed. This includes suspension components becoming worn or seized by rust, bushings that have gone bad, and needing special parts, such as ball joints and adjustable control arms that would need to be installed to bring an alignment back into the correct specifications.

For vehicles that only need front end adjustments – which you could normally do a two wheel alignment on – the back may be modified with shims on the backing plates to bring the toe and camber into the right specs, even if they aren’t on car adjustments.

Cars that have toe specifications on all four wheels may require other parts to change the caster and camber. 

Vehicle safety systems, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), could impact the cost, because after getting an alignment there may be a system that needs to be recalibrated.

Shopping for a cheap alignment only based on price isn’t a good idea. 

Many places will technically put the readings in the green, but it may not be a good overall alignment. The manufacturers provide a range of adjustments. Even if they may be in the green, if the tires are pointed slightly to the left, it could cause the vehicle to pull while going down the road.

Our technicians look at the overall alignment, not just trying to turn the screen green.

Sometimes, even though the specifications may be technically just outside the green zone on the screen, it isn’t always necessary to replace parts to compensate for it. The amount of wear would be so minuscule, repairs may not be needed. 

That’s the type of information our technicians and service writers bring to our customers to help them make the best decision about a wheel alignment.

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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Power steering fluid exchanges get rid of contaminants

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Looking to steer clear of future problems with your vehicle?

Regular power steering fluid exchanges is one way to do it.

This service was performed on a Lexus RX350 recently.

When to get a power steering fluid exchange

We recommend power steering fluid exchanges every 30,000 miles. It also depends on the type of vehicle. Certain cars require this service more often.

Other services, such as brake fluid exchanges and fuel induction services, are also recommended at 30,000 mile intervals. So, it’s a good idea to have them done around the same time.

Because power steering fluid exchanges help protect the rack and pinion, you may want to have this service performed if you have any service done on these parts.

Why you should consider this service

In addition to cleaning out contaminants, they help keep the rack and pinion lubricated and ensures that the steering remains smooth.

If you put them off or the fluid is low, you will eventually hear a whining sound. It may become difficult to steer your car, as well.

Significant pressure and high temperatures are placed on power steering systems. Over time, this can impact the fluid’s ability to keep parts lubricated and causes metal to accumulate. 

The contaminated fluid leads to seal and valve damage as well as premature wear among components, such as the power steering pump and rack and pinion.

Performing a power steering fluid exchange.

What happens during a power steering fluid exchange and products available

During a power steering fluid exchange, we pour a cleaner in the reservoir and it runs through the system, suspending the impurities. The old power steering fluid and contaminants are removed using a push and pull method, and new fluid is added.

There are a few products BG makes for this service.

BG Quick Clean, the cleaner our technicians use, gets rid of deposits that collect.

Power steering systems are protected against heat and wear with BG Power Clean, which contains antioxidants and seal conditioners.

BG Universal Synthetic Power Steering Fluid is able to provide even better protection during high and low temperatures. When it’s hot, the fluid doesn’t become thin. In the cold, it won’t thicken.

For vehicles that have hydraulic or electric power steering, there’s BG Full Synthetic Electric Power Steering Fluid.

Signs that the power steering fluid needs to be changed

The technician determined that the Lexus RX350 needed a power steering fluid exchange when he noticed the fluid was dark while inspecting the vehicle. The power steering fluid becomes dark when contaminants build up and oxidation occurs.

It may be time to change out the fluid if steering becomes more difficult or the power steering pump sounds louder.

Components will eventually fail, as well.

Power steering fluid exchanges are one maintenance option Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire offers. We also conduct brake fluid exchanges, transmission fluid exchanges and induction services.

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 a steering wheel feels loose

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

While you’re driving, your steering wheel – at some point – may feel loose.

This circumstance could hint at a few different problems.

Possible reasons why a steering wheel feels loose

One possibility is that various steering and suspension parts are going bad. These include the tie rod ends and ball joints.

The pitman arms could also be damaged.

Other parts that might need to be checked – and potentially replaced – are the control arms, coil springs, drag link, and strut rod bushings.

A loose steering wheel may be a sign of a bad wheel alignment.

To read about other symptoms that an alignment is needed and when they should be performed by checking out this article we published.

Does your steering wheel feel loose after an alignment? What about after new tires have been installed? It shouldn’t.

If your steering wheel feels loose after these services have been performed, there is a mechanical error or they weren’t completed correctly. 

You should contact a repair shop as soon as possible to have the problem checked out.

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 do not want to put a cheap catalytic converter on your car

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

At some point in time, you may need to have a catalytic converter replaced.

There might be a running problem or possibly a code that comes up on the computer an auto repair shop hooks up to your vehicle.

Sometimes, the check engine light turns on and there’s a PO420 code, which relates to the catalyst system’s efficiency. The cause of this code can range from an old catalytic converter that isn’t doing its job anymore to how a car is running.

You also may see a flashing check engine light, which means you’re having a misfire on the engine. If this indicator is flashing, you should have it looked at right away and avoid driving it.

Operating the car could cause catalytic converter damage and material in this component could actually melt. That causes a restriction in the exhaust, preventing the air from getting out.

For example, fuel-injected vehicles can have weird shifting issues, low-power, even some chugging misfire – not only from the ignition misfire or the engine misfire but just because it’s so restricted that the engine cannot run correctly. 

This is why having diagnostics done at your local auto repair shop over just having the codes from the computer read. You might get codes saying the engine isn’t running correctly when the catalytic converter is clogged up. It can also mask transmission shifting problems.

Catalytic converter with half of the amount of material inside.
catalytic converter half the amount of material inside

Cheap catalytic converter vs a good catalytic converter

Cheap catalytic converters are out there, but that doesn’t mean they’re good.

Catalytic converters are expensive because of the materials that convert bad exhaust gases to good exhaust gases.

The materials that make up the catalyst in the catalytic converter, are materials such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.

What also can make a difference is how that material is made and how much the materials are in it. 

Catalytic converter material comparison good and bad.

If you cut open a catalytic converter, the materials could make up three-fourths of the space, compared to a cheap catalytic converter that may only have half or one-third of the materials in the container. This can impact how well it runs and its lifespan.

Let’s say you’re looking to buy an air filter. Your car uses a big air filter but you decided to buy a really small one. That small air filter isn’t going to collect as much dirt. In the case of the catalytic converter, if you buy a cheap one, it’s not going to convert the exhaust gases as much.

A cheap catalytic converter may work for a while. In our experience, we have found that they’re good for about a year to maybe two years. An emission test is required every two years in parts of Virginia. Generally, they don’t make it to the next emission test before they need to be replaced. 

So, you’re better off replacing the catalytic converter with a good one that contains the correct amount of material. You’ll be better off in the long run. 

Stolen catalytic converters

You should also be watchful of catalytic converter theft. Many are being stolen, especially off pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, because thieves can easily get underneath and cut them out.

Insurance companies want to go the cheapest route, so it’s important that you make sure they aren’t just having a shop weld in an aftermarket converter. If they do and you need to have it replaced later on, you will be stuck with the bill of replacing the pipes in the components before and after the converter. 

If you’re getting rid of the car, that’s fine. But if you’re going to keep it, make sure that the insurance companies are putting in Original Equipment (OE) equivalent parts and replacing the pipes.

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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Squeaky brakes: What causes them?

In Brakes by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Have you just recently driven your car backed out of the driveway and noticed your brakes were making a squealing or squeaking noise?

With the cold and damp weather, your brakes might make these sounds when you’re first hitting the brakes in the morning. 

In this case, squeaky brakes are nothing to be concerned about. A lot of cars have been sitting for awhile.

If you’ve been at home for a while or your kids are getting ready to start driving back and forth to high school or college, a squeaking and grinding noise may be heard. That grinding can be rust buildup on the brake rotors, which is caused by moisture and the vehicle sitting there.

Try going for a 20 or 30 minute drive and do some normal braking to see if it goes away. If it does, your brakes are probably OK. 

However, it’s probably not a bad idea to go ahead and get them checked at your automotive repair shop. You might also want to have a quick safety check done.

A service advisor at your local auto repair shop would be more than happy to get you in and take a look at your vehicle, just to make sure everything’s up to snuff before your kids get back on the road.

Other causes of squeaky brakes

In addition to weather conditions and rust buildup, squeaky brakes can be caused by the brake pads some vehicles have.

For example, performance brake pads may make a squealing sound when they are cold, even during warm, dry weather. This is because they need a little heat to grab and perform really well. After two or three brake stops, these brakes can be easily up to 200 or 300 degrees, which is when they work better.

If you do need new brakes, you should have the brake pads and rotors replaced at the same time. 

You’ll also want to have someone to look it over too, so they can make sure the brake calipers, the brake hoses and the brake fluids are good, and they can ensure that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is working correctly. A lot of these vehicles require special brake bleeding procedures due to ABS.

And another thing to look into getting – whether it’s due to time or there’s contamination in the brake fluid – is a brake fluid exchange. During a brake fluid exchange, we hook up a BG machine to actually push the fluid through the master cylinder, ABS system, the brake hoses, and the calipers to make sure that all the old brake fluid is out. Therefore, the pedal will always feel good and the brakes will be able to form correctly.

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.