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What factors impact tire repair?

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Many drivers have had the less-than-pleasant experience of realizing that they have a leaking or flat tire.

If you are able, your best bet is to Google “auto repair shop near me”, and head over.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire offers tire repair and goes by guidelines from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.

When a vehicle is brought in, our technicians locate the damage and determine if it’s repairable. For tires that are, a patch plug is added from the inside.

Patch plug.

When a vehicle is brought in, our technicians locate the damage and determine if it’s repairable. A patch plug is added from the inside.

When tire repair is and isn’t possible

We aren’t able to mend injuries that are on the inner or outer shoulder or the sidewall. The angle is another factor in tire repair. If it’s more than 45 degrees, it can’t be repaired.

Driving on a flat tire can also cause more damage and result in a tire being irreparable – even if the injury is in the center of the tread. 

Low tire pressure leads to heat buildup, which could cause a tire to come apart on the inside. This damage may be difficult to see just by looking at the outside.

Damage is also possible if a mechanic is careless when mounting tires. They could tear the tire bead, a problem that is hidden until the tire is removed. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that manufacturers do not recommend tire repair on some run flat tires.

In addition to tire repair, we offer a wide selection of tires, including Goodyear, Kelly and Dunlop.

Give us a call at (703) 670-8005 or come visit us at 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge, and we can help you decide what is the best fit for your vehicle.

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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Cabin air filter helps clean the air in car

In Cabin Air Filter by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Let’s clear the air … in your car.

The cabin air filter purifies the air that enters through the vents.

Typically located in the front of a vehicle, it also helps keep the heating core and evaporator clear.

Cabin air filter replacement

How often cabin air filters need to be changed depends on the car and driving conditions. 

For example, those who live on a dirt road may need to change it more often than someone who uses the interstate.

Drivers may notice a musty smell when it’s time to replace the cabin air filter.

Our technicians check it during every oil change, which we recommend every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

When changing the old filter, we spray BG Frigi Fresh — a disinfectant that removes viruses, bacteria, mold and odors — into the vent system.

One reason to have the filter checked is because animals will nest in it, clogging up the airways. 

When they become blocked, it can overwork the blower motor, which is responsible for pushing air through the vents when you turn on your car air conditioning or heat.

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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Brake problems on a Ford Explorer

In Brakes by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Brake problems are something drivers should be watchful for.

We worked on a 2000 Ford Explorer XLT that had a stiff brake pedal when the customer started braking. Then, it would become softer as they continued pressing on the brake pedal. A car’s brake pedal is supposed to be able to maintain pressure. If it goes down, something’s wrong.

As the Explorer stopped, it would pulsate. While working on the vehicle, Brian discovered heavy rust on the brake rotors, which was one of the reasons behind the pulsation. 

We installed a new wheel hub and bearing assembly, which have Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensors.

hub and bearing assembly.

hub and bearing assembly

The ABS monitors the wheel speed compared to the others and prevents a vehicle’s tires from locking up when there’s an emergency. This enables you to maintain steering control. In old cars, during a panic stop, the vehicle could start to slide.

Also known as “wheel bearings”, a hub bearing helps keep the wheel on. It is pressed into hub bearings, and the axle runs through them.

The Explorer’s front brake pads and rotors were also replaced.

Other brake problems

If the steering wheel shakes or shimmies, it could be a sign the brakes are going bad.

We talk about other signs that you need new brakes and rotors in this article.

Our technicians are able to address brake problems and can provide brake repairs.

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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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.

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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.