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
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.
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.
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
To complete the repairs, various parts and the engine were removed.
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.
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.
Do you ever wonder about the repairs your car needs, or what an autoshop is recommending?
When having your vehicle serviced, you may have some unanswered questions or would like to see any problems that are mentioned for yourself.
Steve’s Auto Repair provides digital vehicle inspections that offer additional information about the health of a vehicle. They can be sent to our customers over email or text.
The form is filled out as our technicians perform courtesy checks. During this process, all areas of a vehicle are looked over.
Through digital inspections, the technicians are able to provide more details and take photos of vehicles they work on.
These photos can be of components that are in good shape. They might also indicate recommended repairs and services.
Measuring tire tread on a BMW
While performing courtesy checks, we might see a leak, discolored coolant, worn shocks and struts, corrosion on batteries, or other concerns. These discoveries can easily be shared with the customer, even when they aren’t at or near the shop.
Videos may be uploaded, as well. Sometimes, videos better illustrate what we are noticing, such as a suspension part that’s moving or a noise.
In addition to providing recommendations and diagnosis, technicians have the ability to write out a description or add an 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.
Benefits of using this tool
Using digital inspections has been beneficial for our auto repair shop and customers.
With this tool, we are able to point out potential problems, prepare customers for any services their vehicle may need in the future, and inform drivers about what we found when performing diagnostic testing.
Customers who keep the link to the inspection can always go back and look at it. So, they don’t have to worry about losing a paper copy or it becoming stained.
Automotive technician taking photos for a digital inspection
Legibility is another benefit. Employees and customers are able to read what the technician wrote. For those who speak English as a second language, digital inspections can help break down language barriers.
Details can be provided in a timely manner, so customers don’t need to wait until they arrive at the shop to receive updates. Plus, more information can be conveyed than when our technicians filled out courtesy check sheets.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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
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.
It could mean there’s an issue with your vehicle’s 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. 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.
Rack and pinion replacement
Installing a new rack and pinion
To replace this part, the technician needed to remove a bracket for the engine mount.
This one 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.
Rack and pinion problems are normally noticed when the vehicle is in a shop.
The only way a driver would notice a leaking rack and pinion is if they see spots of power steering fluid on the ground. This part is so buried that a lift would be needed to isolate it.
Bellows boots, which slide over the end seals of a rack and pinion on each side, will be very damp. Moisture could be seen or there may be fluid leaking out if they’re torn.
New and old rack and pinion
Leaks are also possible where the fittings screw into the rack and pinion, but those are pretty rare.
The end seals are normally what give way, because they’re always under pressure. The boots are there to protect the seals from the elements.
Other problems we look for
Dampness or leaks aren’t the only issues our technicians look for when inspecting a vehicle.
They also make sure there isn’t a lot of movement among suspension parts, such as the inner tie rod ends.
The mounting bushings – where the rack and pinion mounts to the subframe – are checked, as well. Those bushings can become worn overtime. If the rack is moving, the steering might feel a bit loose.
Problems could also arise if there is some sort of impact.
When performing an oil change on a Ford F-150, one of our technicians found that the end of the rack and pinion was broken. This damage had occurred when the vehicle drove over a pothole or hit a curb.
Water and dirt can get in if this component cracks.
Preventing unwanted problems
For some peace of mind, bring your vehicle to a place that offers good quality oil changes and digital vehicle inspections.
Minor problems may be caught early on and they can make sure your car is receiving the maintenance it needs.
Getting power steering fluid exchanges every 30,000 miles or so (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations) is one way you can take care of your rack and pinion.
If you notice a change in how your vehicle steers or see some type of fluid near your car, have an automotive expert make sure that something isn’t going on.
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.
