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Speed signs remind drivers to slow down

In Community Involvement by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Of course this video was meant to be silly.

However, there is an issue with people speeding through neighborhoods, especially those that connect with the Prince William Parkway, Route 234, Dale Boulevard and Hoadly Road.

The speed warning sign, like the one here on Hillendale Road, may not stop people from speeding. But it is a good reminder if you’re coming into a neighborhood from one of those major roads to lower your speed.

Impact of speed signs

Ever since the speed signs were put up, you can tell that traffic is a bit more controlled. I’ve been coming down this road for 20 years, and once those signs went up, it was a nice reminder for me to keep my speed down — as it is for many other drivers.

Fortunately, Supervisor Victor Angry has taken this issue to heart, and he has talked with us about his plan to bring traffic calming devices to the neighborhoods of the Neabsco District. He believes the devices will help improve safety for members of the community, especially the kids.

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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Steve’s Auto Repair seeking Service Advisor

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Do you have customer service experience? Are you looking to switch careers?

Come join the Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire team.

Service Advisor position available

The Woodbridge-based auto repair shop is looking for an entry level Auto Service Advisor. It’s seeking candidates who have a positive attitude, exceptional phone skills and computer knowledge.

Experience in the automotive industry isn’t required. Having customer service experience is a plus. Willingness to learn is a must.

Employees will be able to learn management skills through the full-time position. They would also receive fully paid health insurance, paid training, paid time off.

Questions and resumes may be sent to st@stevesautorepairva.com.

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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Windshield washer fluid: Blue does not equal good

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Just because your windshield washer fluid is blue does not mean that it is good. You should use a windshield washer fluid tester to make sure the temperature protection level is good to negative 40 degrees.

It’s important to make sure it has adequate protection so during cold weather, the washer fluid doesn’t freeze in washer fluid reservoir, washer pump. This will prevent any fluid from coming out of the washer nozzles when you try to use it to clear ice off your windshield.

It can also cause the plastic to break. 

The way vehicles are designed nowadays, the windshield washer reservoir in buried behind bumpers and fenders, and replacement can be difficult and costly.

Windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Washer fluid reservoir

Having the right windshield washer fluid protection

A lot of places use windshield washer fluid concentrate and one or two pumps can turn a gallon of water blue, but that doesn’t mean it’s providing the correct amount of protection.

During the winter months, there are many choices of fluid.

Washer fluid is normally blue, but can be other colors depending on the manufacturer.

“I particularly like RainX Winter Fluid, because it does help clear the windshield and it puts a light RainX coating for when it rains,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner ST Billingsley.

As long as you have washer fluid that is at the correct protection level, blue will do you just fine. 

Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light.

Washer Fluid Warning Light

If you’re not sure if you need more washer fluid, go to your local, independent auto repair shop and have them check it for you.

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 my transmission bad?

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

In today’s vehicles, it may be difficult to determine if you’re having an engine running problem or a transmission problem.

Since the vehicles have a lot of computer control in them, an engine running problem can mask itself as a transmission problem, and vice versa. 

Transmission.

Transmission problem indicators

One way to tell if you’re having a misfire problem over a transmission shaking problem is to take a look at the check engine light. If the check engine light is flashing, then it is most likely a misfire. If the symbol is steady and you’re still having that issue, then it could be a transmission problem.

Some other symptoms will be delayed engagement when you’re stopped and then you press the gas pedal. This can mean that there’s a clutch problem, a solenoid problem, or even low fluid.

Another direct indication is the drive indicator on the dashboard may start to flash. 

If you have to press the gas pedal much further than normal to get moving, this could be a transmission problem, but you should have an auto repair shop take a look. Catalytic converters can get clogged up and give you the same symptom.

Very dark and burnt smelling fluid are a couple of other indicators you should keep an eye out for.

One of the things you can do to help make this component last is to have a transmission fluid exchange performed about every 30,000 miles. This will not only put new fluid through the whole transmission, it can help get the clutch material and contaminants out of it.

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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Virginia safety inspection of headlights

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It’s important that drivers are able to see, even at nighttime and when there’s inclement weather.

To make sure that motorists are traveling safely, inspectors check a car’s headlights when conducting the Virginia safety inspection.

Headlights.

Problems with headlights

Headlights must have proper aim and mounting to pass the annual requirement. Vehicle safety inspectors shouldn’t be able to move the assembly.

They also look for cracks in the lenses and anything that distorts the light’s aiming pattern.

Headlights can also fail if they are discolored or they don’t have the correct candlepower — meaning that they’re too dim or too bright.

A headlight aligner machine can be used to check the candlepower and aiming.

Headlight aligner machine.

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.