View Post

Mercedes alignment: Some things to know

In Alignment by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A Mercedes alignment may be needed if your vehicle is pulling to one side or if its steering wheel isn’t center.

Many factors, such as potholes, curbs and everyday use, can cause tires to go out of alignment.

There are alignment requirements — caster, camber and toe — that make sure your car travels straight and is able to maintain control.

Another thing to consider when getting your alignment done, depending on the year, make and model, you may need to make sure the shop can recalibrate the Automatic Driver Assist System (ADAS). This has to do with lane assist and vehicle avoidance systems. Since the system works with the steering components, this system may need to be recalibrated.

How much does a Mercedes wheel alignment cost?

A standard tire alignment can cost between $95 and $250 for a Mercedes. This doesn’t include taxes and fees. The cost can depend on what make and model the vehicle is, what special tools are required, and what adjustments need to be made that require special kits.

What can throw out your tire alignment?

The wheel alignment of a Mercedes may be impacted by curbs, potholes and everyday use. Tie rod ends, ball joints and other parts affect it, as well.

Is a cheap Mercedes alignment good?

High end European vehicles, such as Mercedes, require the right alignment equipment to calibrate the steering system correctly. It takes knowledge and special tools to make sure it’s done right. Sometimes your budget alignment place may not be the best 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.

View Post

What causes a car battery to fail?

In Battery by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

“Do you have a dead battery?” is usually one of the first questions someone will ask when they hear that a car won’t start.

A car battery going bad is a common problem that may leave you stuck at work, outside the store, or in the driveway.

Other possible issues include having a bad alternator or a bad starter.

High quality batteries can have a lifespan of 4 to 6 years. However, due to a variety of reasons, they may stop working correctly.

Reasons why a car battery can go bad

There are many factors that can cause a car battery to fail, aside from age.

Here are a some of the culprits:

  • Charging system: Charging systems that aren’t working correctly can cause batteries to die. If your vehicle’s tensioners are worn out, or if any belts are loose they can cause the alternator to stop functioning.
  • Corrosion: Corrosion can build up on the battery terminals when battery acid combines with other substances underneath the hood of your vehicle. You can prevent corrosion by checking a battery’s water levels and cleaning the terminals and cables. You can use anti-corrosion pads underneath the battery terminals. Learn about other ways to maintain your car battery.
  • Electronics in your vehicle: Vehicles have clocks, computers, alarm systems and electronic modules. If you leave your car sitting for two to four weeks, the electronics can drain your battery. If you’re going to be gone for a while, you can use a battery maintainer that will help it stay charged. You can also have a friend come by and start your car. If your vehicle sits outside, you may want to invest in solar panels that plug in.
  • Leaving your headlights or dome lights: Leaving your headlights and dome lights on drains the car battery. If you’re going to leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time, make sure these lights are off.
  • Very hot or cold seasons: If you have an old or weak battery, it could die during the winter or summer. Batteries typically go bad during warmer months, because they don’t perform well in the heat. If you live in an area that has extreme hot or cold weather conditions, you need a batter that has more reserve power. They’re going to cost more money, but you should choose a quality battery that has more reserve and is manufactured better over a cheap battery.
  • Weak battery: It’s important to take care of your battery. Those that aren’t maintained properly can weaken more quickly.

If it has been a while since you replaced your battery or you are heading on a road trip, we recommend having it checked. Our technicians can tell if a car battery is going bad using a battery tester. The battery is one of the components they look at when performing a courtesy inspection.

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. 

View Post

Steve’s Auto appreciates being voted ‘Best Auto Repair Shop’

In Community Involvement by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

This year, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge has been voted “Best Auto Repair Shop” in InsideNOVA’s 2019 Best of Prince William.

Voting through Best of Prince William allows for members of the community to show their support for local businesses and non-profits.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire wants to thank everyone who was a part of making this award possible. Without your support we would never have been selected as the ‘Best Auto Repair Shop.’  We are honored that we were voted ‘Best Auto Repair Shop’ for the second consecutive year. Thank you to all of our supporters.

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.

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.

This article was written by Contributing Writer Aaron Billingsley.

View Post

Power steering pumps in Toyotas

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The power steering pumps on Toyotas can produce a few thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, depending on the required load. 

The pump pushes the fluid through the hoses to the power steering rack and pinion, which is connected to the steering knuckles that move the steering wheel left or right.

As with any part on a vehicle, over time components can leak.

If you start to hear a whining noise while you’re turning the wheel, you should check your power steering fluids. This could mean that there’s a leak in your hoses, rack or pump.

Maintenance on power steering pumps

Doing proper maintenance on your power steering system, such as changing the fluid every 30,000 miles, will help prolong the lifespan of the components and can reduce the cost of replacing power steering parts.

With today’s vehicles being as high-tech as they are, you must use the correct type of power steering fluid. Otherwise, you could do damage to the system.

One of the things that Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire does while doing an oil change is look over systems like these to let you know about any existing problems.

If the system runs out of fluid or the power steering pump stops working, it can be hard to turn the steering wheel.

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. 

View Post

Reliable Goodyear tires for various makes and models

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

What you use your vehicle for and your daily mileage are a couple factors you should keep in mind when shopping for new tires.

Here are some reliable Goodyear tires that are good for various makes and models.

If you have any questions about these tires or others that we offer at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, feel free to give us a call (703) 670-8005.

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.