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Reasons why a car won’t start

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

You get into your vehicle, and the interior lights come on. You put your key in the ignition, and the dashboard lights up. You turn your key a little further, but it won’t turn on. 

There are many reasons why a car won’t start.

Here are a few of them:

  1. Dead battery: It could be a problem with your battery. You may have enough battery to turn some things on, but you don’t have enough to turn your car on. Battery failure can occur for several reasons.
  2. Starter: If you turn the ignition or press the ignition start button, and you hear it click but nothing happens, it may be a sign that your starter or starter solenoid is bad. Other symptoms are covered in this article.
  3. Fuel system problem: Your vehicle may not turn on if it has a fuel system problem. It could be anything from a clogged fuel filter, a fuel pump not working, or even the fuel tank being empty of gas. Even if the fuel gauge reads that you have fuel, it may be reading incorrectly.
  4. Transmission sensor: Some vehicles may experience a no-start condition, because of the neutral safety switch that’s in the transmission. It could be bad or a gear shifter problem that’s not aligning correctly on what some people refer to as the PRNDL. You may want to make sure it’s in park or neutral before starting the car. 
  5. Anti-theft system: Another reason a vehicle may not start is if the anti-theft system is activated. Even though you use the key for the car, it can actually cause the vehicle to not start. One indication of this is if the security light is flashing while the ignition is on. Also, most keys have some type of chip or transmitter that the car receives, and it’s not uncommon for them to go bad.

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 your hub bearing going bad?

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A hub bearing is a large assembly typically used on four-wheel and front-wheel vehicles.

It takes the place of what used to be called “wheel bearings.”

A wheel hub gets pressed into hub bearings, with the axle running through them.

A lot of times, the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is built into the hub bearings. This allows the computer to determine how fast each wheel is spinning.

Bad hub bearing causes and signs

Hub bearings can wear out over time, and driving conditions can impact their lifespan. For example, if you hit a lot of potholes, the wheel wearing can wear out more quickly.

If the hub bearing has gone bad, you will usually hear a roaring sound.

When giving quotes to our customers, we usually give the price for a hub bearing as well as a hub, because there are some things you can’t predict. We would rather plan for the worst and hope for the best.

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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All season Goodyear tires for winter

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s important for drivers to have peace of mind, despite the weather’s plans.

Winter in Northern Virginia can vary – you may see snow and ice one week, and it could be cold and rainy the next. Drivers in this area need a set of tires that they can rely on through the forecast changes.

Goodyear produces several tires that work well throughout the year, even when winter weather makes its appearance.

Some all season Goodyear tires we recommend

Automobiles on the road today have different needs and purposes. With there being so many tire options available, it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to make the right choice for your vehicle.

To help simplify the process, we thought we’d narrow it down to a few possibilities.

Here are some all season Goodyear tires we suggest you consider:

  • Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire
  • Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire
  • Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire

We describe features of each tire below.

Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire

Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire.

Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire is dependable in all types of conditions – rain, snow and sunny days. 

Thanks to biting edges found around the tire, it provides grip year-round. There are also wide grooves that evacuate water and slash, reducing the possibility of hydroplaning.

This feature also comes with large shoulder blocks that enable motorists to maintain control, whether the roads are dry or slick.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire

Another great option is the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire.

Directed to seasonal changes, this severe snow certified tire provides great traction on rainy and snowy days. Its treadblock blades lock together as motorists travel around corners. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire can push precipitation away, as well.

This all season tire features soy-based rubber compound with silica, which helps keep it pliable when the temperatures drop.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire

We also recommend the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire, a solid pick for commuting and adventures. 

It can stay in contact with the road – even windy ones – due to sipes of various sizes and angles. This tire offers four wide grooves that decrease the likelihood of a driver sliding on wet surfaces. 

The Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire doesn’t just do well when it’s raining, however. Its traction can be trusted in snow and ice, too.

A winter tire option

Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire. Photo courtesy of Goodyear Tire.

There are plenty of other all season Goodyear tires we could talk about, but we’d like to mention a winter tire for those interested in purchasing them.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter Tire is a trustworthy option that brings quite a few perks during the colder months. 

Biting edges provide winter traction in snowy and icy conditions. Meanwhile, wide grooves push away slush and snow. 

Stopping when it’s slippery isn’t a problem for this Goodyear Tire. Its stopping distance is 6 feet shorter in the snow, on average, than a leading competitor. 

All season tires tend to be the popular choice, but some BMW and Mercedes owners have a set of winter tires. When winter arrives, they swap out the tires and rims they use during the rest of the year.

Winter tires are also needed by those living in places further north and see more winter weather.

No matter what kind of tires you go with – all season tires or winter tires – Goodyear has a wide selection. The tire producer also owns Kelly Tires and Dunlop Tires, so there are many options to choose from.

Steve’s Auto Repair performs state inspections and emission tests. Our Woodbridge mechanics also perform digital vehicle inspections as part of our oil change process.

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Goodyear winter tires

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Snowy days are right around the corner.

A reliable set of Goodyear winter tires can help protect you and your family while you’re traveling to and from work, school and activities.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tire is a solid option if you’re in an area that has a lot of snow and ice. 

About the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tire

This winter directed tire offers directional tread that helps evacuate water from underneath it. 

It’s also pliable, which makes it ideal for wet weather conditions.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tire is able to stop about 6 feet sooner on snow-covered roads than competing tires.

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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Winter tire from Kelly-Springfield

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Winter will be arriving in less than a month.

To prepare for the inclement weather that comes with it, you may want to consider a set of winter tires.

A winter tire that offers traction control

Kelly Winter Access tires feature traction control that makes them ideal for snowy and icy conditions.

The tread pattern has more of an aggressive stance, allowing it to bite down.

Through its zigzag blades, the winter tire is able to push away water and slush.

A Kelly Winter Access tire’s tread compound is different than an all-season tire. The rubber stays more pliable during colder weather.

If you’re looking for an all season option produced by Kelly Tire, we recommend the Kelly Edge A/S Tire.

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.