View Post

Engine repairs needed on Toyota Avalon

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Oil leaks occur for a number of reasons, and may be fixed through various methods.

For a 2006 Toyota Avalon, engine repairs were needed.

When the car was previously brought in for general service, we noticed oil leaks and recommended a new engine oil pan gasket and engine timing cover gasket. The customer also noticed small drops of oil under the vehicle.

Engine repairs performed

One of our technicians replaced several seals, the timing cover gasket, camshaft seals, valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.

Technician looking at an oil pan.

Technician looking at an oil pan

To complete the repairs, various parts and the engine were removed. 

Parts taken out to remove engine.

Parts taken out to remove engine

Oil leaks and oil changes

A bad oil filter, broken filler cap, and insecure drain plug are other issues that could lead to oil leaks.

Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, can prevent engine wear and keeps the internal system clean by preventing sludge build up. This can keep passages open and PCV Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems clear. 

If the PCV systems become clogged, they can put increased crankcase pressure on the engine which could produce oil leaks. 

We recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. To learn more about when and why to get an oil change, read this article we published.

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.

View Post

Digital inspections provide details about health of vehicle

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you ever wonder about the repairs your car needs, or what an auto shop is recommending?

You can learn this information through our digital inspections, which focus on the health of a vehicle.

We began using this tool last year. Before that, our technicians would write down notes and fill out a check list.

What digital inspections include

The digital inspections enable them to provide more details as well as take photos of vehicles they work on. These photos can be of components that are in good shape and areas that need repairs, such as leaks.

We can also upload videos, which may show what’s going on when some photos can’t.

In addition to providing recommendations and diagnosis, they may provide a description or animation about parts. For example, if you don’t know what a power steering belt is, there could be an animation that explains how it works.

Digital inspections can be sent to our customers over email or text.

Nowadays, fewer people are waiting around for their car. Instead, they are going to work, running errands, and spending time with family. Rather than bringing customers to their car to show them exactly what’s going on, we can bring the car to them.

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.

View Post

How to prepare your car for fall

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s hard to believe that fall is just a couple of weeks away.

As the temperatures begin to drop, we recommend being watchful of a few items that can help prepare your car for fall.

Tips to help you prepare your car for fall

Tire pressure

Drastic changes in temperature can lead to tire pressure loss. Tire pressure should be checked at least a couple of times each year, or when an oil change is performed.

Read more about when and how to check your car’s tire pressure by checking out this article we shared.

If all of the tires have low tire pressure, it’s most likely due to the temperature change. However, if one tire is much lower than the others, it may indicate a leak.

Having low tire pressure can cause additional tire wear and makes it more difficult to control your vehicle in an emergency.

Checking the tire pressure.

Checking the tire pressure

Car battery

Checking your vehicle’s battery is another way you can prepare your car for fall.

Weak car batteries tend to go bad when it’s extremely hot or cold outside. A car not starting could mean that the battery is dead. 

Other possible reasons why a car won’t start are discussed in this article.

You should also watch for the battery alert light, which is a sign that there is a problem with the battery or it’s low on power.

Testing the car battery.

Testing the battery

Windshield Washer Fluid Concentration

As strange as it sounds, your vehicle’s windshield wiper fluid concentration is something you should consider as it gets colder. 

During the summer, some people dilute windshield washer fluid to save money. If that diluted fluid is in the system during the fall and the temperature drops low enough, it can freeze.

Windshield on a Volkswagen.

Windshield on a Volkswagen

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.

View Post

Symptoms of a bad rack and pinion

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you have a stiff steering wheel?

It could mean there’s a problem with your 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 last month. 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.

New and old rack and pinion.

New and old rack and pinion

Rack and pinion replacement

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

This rack and pinion 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 the this component through regular power steering fluid exchanges.

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.

View Post

Tire rotations prolong life of tires

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Good, reliable tires can be pricey.

Tire rotations are one way you can prolong their treadlife.

We perform them as part of our oil change process. We recommend oil changes, which help prevent engine damage, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The suspension in the front of a vehicle, where the engine is located, is designed differently from the back, which has less weight.

If we leave the tires on the front or the back for too long, they will adapt to that particular weight and cause feathering on the edge of the tires.

Types of tire rotations we offer

Normally, our technicians switch the front tires with those on the back. For certain vehicles — like Jeep Wranglers, which have a full-size spare on the back — we perform five-tire rotations, where the tires are rotated clockwise.

This will prevent drivers from having a full-size spare that’s bigger than the tires as they wear down.

Cross tire rotations are provided upon request.

We do not move front tires that are at 4/32 of an inch or less to the back. Doing so increases the probability of hydroplaning.

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.