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Power steering issues can be caused by rusting

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Toyotas can be reliable vehicles that last for many years.

However, rust can build up on the components of various automobiles, including Toyota SUVs, forerunners, and Tundras.

This is especially true for those driven near the sea or in areas where large amounts of salt are used to treat the roads.

Power steering problems

Individuals driving these vehicles may eventually notice that the power steering isn’t working correctly.

When checked, technicians may not find any issues with the power steering pump, the rack and pinion, and the power steering cooler.

“Upon further inspection, you can see that the intermediate steering shaft that contains a universal joint is rusted and is starting to seize up, which is making it feel that the power steering is going bad,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling said.

Toyota steering shaft.

Toyota steering shaft

To assist with steering, he explained, the pump and rack and pinion must receive feedback from the steering wheel. The cause of the problem can be incorrectly identified.

“It can easily be misdiagnosed and that’s why it’s important to go to your professional automotive repair facility with ACE certified technicians,” Whitling said.

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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Tips for battling the sun in Northern Virginia

In Safety by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

The fight with the sun has begun for many drivers.

“This is the time of year, especially when you’re commuting to work and commuting home — depending on what time it is — where the sun is coming through the windshield,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling said.

There are a few things you can do to handle this problem.

Sun visor.Using a sun visor is one solution to the issue. Some sun visors now come in two parts and can be used for a windshield and side window.

“If you’re not sure about your car, look at the owner’s manual, which most people don’t do,” Whitling said. “You’d be surprised what your sun visors actually do now.”

Drivers should also consider purchasing a pair of sunglasses and remove any ice on their windshield.

“If you haven’t defrosted your windshield, that just makes that problem worse,” Whitling said. “There are a lot of accidents because of this problem.”

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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How drivers can address frost, prepare for winter months

In Fluids, Maintenance, Safety, Windshield Wipers by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Drivers are discovering an unwelcome guest in the morning — ice on their vehicle’s windows and windshields.

Frost on front windshield.

A few techniques can help speed up the defrosting process.

When preparing for the commute, it’s important to spend a few minutes getting rid of the frost.

“You want to make sure that your windows aren’t frosted up on the side, so you can see that car coming or that kid walking across the street,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling said.

Ways to address frost

Motorists should let their car run for 1 to 3 minutes before hitting the road.

“It allows heat to start to build up and, if you already have your defroster on, you can go ahead and start defrosting the windshield,” Whitling said.

Pointing outer vents to the side windows can help thaw any ice on them.

Whitling suggests drivers tests certain parts of their vehicle.

“It’s a good time to check your windshield washer fluid and make sure that it’s going to protect down to the correct temperature,” he said.Rear Window Defrost.

They should check their rear window defroster, as well. Electricity runs through the lines on the window to melt frost that has accumulated.

“It can take anywhere between, depending on how powerful the rear defroster is, 1 minute to 5 minutes. So, give it a little bit of time, make sure that it works,” Whitling said. “If not, now’s a good time to get your vehicle in to get it checked out.”

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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Tire pressure should be checked as temperatures drop

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Temperatures are decreasing across the state. And so is the tire pressure of some vehicles.

With the cooler months quickly approaching, drivers are advised to check their pressure of their car’s tires.

When to check tire pressure

Tire pressure should be checked a couple of times a year, or during an oil change, according to Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling.

“When you check your tire pressure and they’re all equally low, it’s just because of the change of temperature,” Whitling said.

If motorists notice that the pressure of one tire is much lower than the rest, it’s important to have it checked. It could be the result of a leak.

Drivers shouldn’t travel for long distances after their vehicle notifies them of the low tire pressure.

“It causes extra wear on the tires,” Whitling said. “Also, when it comes down to handling and emergency stops, you want those tires performing correctly. You don’t want them being too soft or too flexible, where they’re not able to really do their job.”

Some travelers fill their tires with Nitrogen, which can help keep pressure more consistent than air.

“If it’s needed, you can go ahead and put air in with the Nitrogen,” Whitling said. “When you are able to, go to your service center — like Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire — and we can do the Nitrogen recharge for you.”

Whitling suggests individuals who use Nitrogen to adjust the pressure this time of year because of the temperature change.

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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Brake service alerts available for BMW vehicles

In Brakes by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Did you know that your BMW is equipped with smart technology that tells you on your dashboard when you brake service is needed?

You have brake wear indicators on almost all BMW vehicles to include your BMW SUV. These brake service alerts will warn you of when your brakes are getting low.

We will replace your brake pads, rotors, brake wear sensors, lube the caliper slides, and flush your brake fluid to ensure your safety on the busy northern Virginia roads.

Whether you have a BMW sedan, coupe, convertible, or SUV, we have you covered.

Updated brake service alerts

Some of the older versions of BMW 650i had customers that were experiencing some squealing, even when the brakes were not ready to be replaced.

BMW has since then come out with a newer version of the brake wear sensor with a new design to prevent that from occurring. It can be identified by its new green color!

When we replace your brake components here at Steve’s, we will reset your brake maintenance reminder for free with our service. We also provide all BMW approved fluids for your car.

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.