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Is my oil filter housing leaking?

In Fluids by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Sometimes, finding the cause of an oil leak takes a little digging.

A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was brought in for a wheel alignment and tire rotation. While it was in the shop, we saw oil leaking from the engine oil filter housing.

When the oil filter housing leaks, it can run down the back side of the engine and onto the transmission. So, you don’t get a leak up front. If it leaks bad enough, it will pump all the oil out of the engine and burn the engine up.

The original housing was aluminum and plastic. We replaced it with an all aluminum part.

What is an oil filter housing?

Oil filter housing replacement.

Oil filter housing replacement

As the name implies, oil filter housings “house” the oil filter.

Every car is designed differently. The housing can either be plastic or metal, and be on top of or underneath the motor. It all depends on the engine design. 

Essentially, it’s a container for a paper filter. Metal filters don’t have a housing, you just screw them into the engine and it goes to an adapter. That’s the majority of vehicles up until around 2000. Then, they came out with cartridge filters, which come with a cap. 

If it has a housing, more than likely it’s a paper filter, not a metal filter.

How do you know when your oil filter housing is leaking?

A visual inspection is really the only way to find out if you have a leaking oil filter housing. 

We have found that the most common oil filter housing problems are with certain vehicles, like Jeeps and Dodges. They’re plastic and in the valley of the engine. So, you have to be over top of them to see the oil leak. 

The only way to find the leak in there, is to have it angled down, because you can have a leak in that valley for so long and it will spill off the back side and you’ll never see it. 

Toyotas and Lexus have plastic oil filter houses underneath that like to strip and crack. So, they have metal upgrades for both filter houses.

Is it safe to drive with a leaking housing?

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited oil leak.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited oil leak.

Whether it’s safe to drive when the oil filter housing is leaking depends on how bad the leak is. If you have a bad leak, the oil can drip onto the exhaust and can cause a flame. 

If you run your car out of coolant or oil – because it carries both of them – then it could damage the engine.

Is it worth repairing or replacing an oil filter housing?

The short answer is “Yes”.

If you don’t repair or replace the oil filter housing, you can run the vehicle out of oil or coolant. If you run the engine out of oil, it can lead to unnecessary friction. If you run the car out of coolant, it will overheat.

What are other oil leak causes?

The oil filter housing leaking isn’t the only source of oil leaks.

Leaks can also occur if the oil pan is damaged or the valve cover gasket has become worn. Other possible causes include the oil filter going bad and the oil drain plug becoming loose are other possible causes.

Oil leaks also stem from bearings and seals.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, 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 participates in air conditioning training

In Diagnostics, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Our technicians, service advisors and managers walked away from air conditioning training with new insight and some tips.

NAPA Autotech held an “A/C System Operation and Diagnostics” course at Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire, 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge.

The class covered how a car ac works, servicing the system, and diagnostic testing.

Air conditioning certification

Becoming certified in air conditioning is one topic that stood out to a couple of technicians.

One of our Master Technicians has been working on a/c systems for decades. This was the first time he heard about a certification. The day after the air conditioning training, he earned his certificate.

An Apprentice Technician who is already certified realized that he should retake it.

Hybrid and electric vehicles

AC System Operation and Diagnostics training.

AC System Operation and Diagnostics training

Hybrid and electric vehicles were covered in the a/c training, as well.

One part of the presentation that interested the technicians is that hybrids and electric vehicles need non-conductive fluid.

If you get any static electricity inside of the oil, then it can cause electrical problems with the compressor.

Looking into a/c problems

The Service Advisors heard about other methods for handling a/c repairs. 

For example, relative temperature testing can be performed between parts of the a/c system. A relative temperature check would show us where you possibly have a flow problem and if the refrigerant is low.

One of the Service Advisors also learned that compressor amperage directly relates to pressure. 

Providing air conditioning training to team members allows them to answer any questions customers have and help those who are experiencing a/c problems.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, 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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When should seat belts be replaced?

In Inspection, Maintenance, Safety by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s a routine part of our driving experience: get in the car, grab the seat belt, and click it into place.

For most drivers, using this safety feature has become a habit. 

And if you have a newer vehicle, the alert system makes it nearly impossible to leave the belt unbuckled. 

We have become so accustomed to these reliable items that it can be hard to imagine them not working correctly.

As vehicles age, seat belt problems can develop.

What seat belt problems can occur?

Whether our technicians are performing a courtesy check or state inspection, looking over the seat belts is part of the process.

What are we looking for? 

Our technicians keep an eye out for fraying seat belts. Belts can become frayed over time (or if a dog chews on them).

Volkswagen Tiguan seat belt fraying.

Volkswagen Tiguan seat belt fraying

It’s also important that the seat belt light is working the way it’s supposed to. The light (which recognizes the belt is in use) should be able to turn on and off.

We want to make sure the retention on the buckle side is accurate and consistent.  

The seat belt retractor needs to be in good working condition, as well. If the belt comes out but doesn’t go back in, that’s a problem.

Another item we check is a safety latch. If the seat belt comes out too fast, it’s supposed to lock into place because that simulates a sudden stop during an impact.

What do we check during the Virginia State Inspection?

Our inspectors look for a few concerns when examining seat belts during a Vehicle Safety Inspection.

They check the belt’s condition and confirm it’s installed correctly. We make sure an approved kind of belt is used, as well.

How do we fix seat belts?

We fix seat belts with an O.E. replacement. The standard is to get them from the dealer. There are no aftermarket options. 

Every once in a while, we will need to find a used seat belt because no one makes them. 

On a couple of occasions, we have worked with a company that rebuilds seat belts. In those cases, that was the only option.

How often should seat belts be replaced?

For some car parts, it’s recommended to replace them after a certain number of miles or period of time.

Seat belts, on the other hand, usually last a lifetime. You only need to get new ones if something is wrong.

Why is it important for your seat belt to be working properly?

You need to have a functioning seat belt for a couple of reasons.

First of all, checking the seat belt is part of our Virginia State Inspection process. If there’s a problem, the car may not pass the state inspection.

But it’s not just about getting through this yearly requirement. Having a seat belt that is in good working order improves your safety.

Your seat belt is what keeps you from going through the windshield in case of an accident or when you have to stop at the last minute.

If your seat belt is looking a little worse for wear or it’s not working as designed, bring the vehicle by a shop or ask an automotive professional to look into it during the next maintenance service.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, 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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What is a battery service?

In Battery by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The parts in your vehicle can go a long way when they’re taken care of. All systems need some form of maintenance from time to time. 

Did you know that there’s even a way to maintain your car battery? It’s called a battery service.

Several problems can cause batteries to fail. The battery service addresses one of them: corrosion.

When is a battery service needed? 

We recommend a battery service whenever we see corrosion on the battery terminal ends. This corrosion builds up as a result of a chemical reaction.

The metals between the terminal ends and the posts of the battery make great continuity, but they do not like each other.

A battery service was performed on a Toyota Camry, which had acid covering the top of the battery.

Corrosion had also collected on one of the battery terminals.

Why do we recommend servicing your battery? 

Ford Focus battery service.

Ford Focus battery service

You will want to service the battery when you see corrosion or there’s poor battery test contact.

You may attach a battery tester and it says, “check clamps” or something similar. When you wiggle them around, they don’t seem to make contact. That could be obstructing the test.

A battery service provides you with cleaner contact when turning your vehicle on, because the starter absorbs a massive amount of voltage as it starts your car.

This maintenance can give you better cranking power.

What happens during a battery service? 

The battery service starts with putting in a memory saver on the OBDII port. We don’t want to wipe out all of the electronics, which would – most of the time – default to factory settings.

Then, we disconnect the terminal ends and use a tool to clean them. This female tool can go into the holding clamps. A female tool is used to clean the posts on the battery.

Anti-corrosion pads are installed to reduce the chemical reaction that causes corrosion buildup on the terminal ends.

Once the pads are added, we reattach the terminal ends, torque to the correct specification, and remove the memory saver. 

The process ends with testing the battery to make sure it’s working properly.

How do I know when I need a new battery?

Battery test on Honda Civic.

Battery test on Honda Civic.

Sometimes, a battery service is the right option for your car. Other times, it might be due for a battery replacement.

High quality batteries typically last about 5 years. A battery’s lifespan will depend on the quality of the battery and battery terminals, the battery hold down, the driving environment, and other factors.

You may need a new battery if you’re having trouble starting your vehicle. The battery light could turn on, as well.

A weak battery might also be found when you bring it to a shop. 

What happens during a battery test?

Our technicians test the battery as part of the courtesy inspection. They look at the charging system and starter, too. The tester performs a health check up on the battery, including the voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA).

Wherever you take your car, make sure the technicians use a good battery tester – not a cheap one.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, 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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Are my tie rods going bad?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Have you ever been told that your car needs new tie rods?

Tie rod replacement may be recommended if an automotive technician noticed this part is moving or worn when inspecting the vehicle. The problem could also have been discovered when looking into a driver’s concern.

Whatever way the bad tie rod was found, the suggested service may leave you with a few lingering questions.

A couple of them may be whether tie rods are important and if replacing them is necessary. (The short answer to both, by the way, is “yes”.)

The longer explanation and answers to some other questions you may have can be found below.

What is a tie rod?

Chevrolet Tahoe tie rods moving.

Chevrolet Tahoe tie rods moving.

Tie rods can be found in the steering system.

These components link the steering knuckle with the rack and pinion or steering linkage. Together, they allow a steering wheel to move to the left and right.

Some cars have a gearbox, which is made up of center or drag links. Others come with a rack and pinion (a tube that contains a pinion). The pinion is turned and rotated by the steering shaft.

There are inner and outer tie rods featuring joints (normally ball and socket).

How long do tie rods last?

The lifespan of a tie rod depends on the vehicle. When properly maintained, they can last a lifetime. 

A lot of times, tie rod ends will wear out prematurely due to poor maintenance and severe driving.

How do you know when you have a bad tie rod?

You may have problems with steering if your vehicle has a bad tie rod. It might not feel as smooth.

Because this problem could impact the wheel alignment, it’s also possible for drivers to experience bad tire alignment symptoms. 

These indicators include a car pulling one way, early tire wear, and a crooked steering wheel.

Noises may be heard, as well.

What do bad tie rods sound like? A clicking might appear when turning. Meanwhile, a tie rod that doesn’t have enough lubrication can create popping and creaking noises.

What happens when a tie rod goes bad?

Toyota RAV4 tie rod replacement.

Toyota RAV4 tie rod replacement

Tie rod problems could affect the safety of a vehicle.

If a tie rod is no longer working, it can cause the car to lose its steering capabilities.

Can you drive with bad tie rods?

It would not be safe to drive a vehicle that has a bad tie rod. 

If they are worn, they have play. If your steering linkage has any sort of movement, that means there’s a delay between you turning the steering wheel and it turning. 

Eventually, if the tie rods break or pop out of socket, then – all of a sudden – you have no steering.

How can I take care of my tie rods?

We recommend bringing your car to an auto repair shop that will regularly check your steering system (not just the tie rods).

Lubrication is important for tie rod ends. Automotive professionals used to grease the zerk fittings.

Today, many cars have zerk fittings that can’t be serviced. It’s a good idea to install serviceable ones after they go bad.

If the time comes to get new tie rods, replace them as soon as possible.

There are a few poorly manufactured options. So make sure any tie rods you get are high quality and designed to last a long time.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, 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.