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Wheel alignments: when and why we recommend them

In Alignment by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated April 10, 2024

Our vehicles need different kinds of upkeep to continue performing the way they were designed.

Wheel alignments are one form of maintenance that should be performed on a regular basis.

This service might not sound crucial, but it offers various benefits that can be seen in the long run. Helping your tires last by preventing uneven and premature tire wear is one perk.

When to get wheel alignments

Wheel alignment measurements.Car alignments should be performed every 15,000 miles or once a year. They are also recommended whenever you purchase new tires, or after steering and suspension parts are replaced.

It’s a good idea to get an alignment if you notice certain symptoms. An uncentered or crooked steering wheel is one indicator that a tire alignment should be performed. You may also notice the car pulling to one side and tire wear on the inner or outer edges.

Different road conditions, such as potholes, construction zones, curbs and speed bumps can throw off alignments. 

Suspension wear could have an impact, too. Worn, bent or broken suspension parts may lead to a bad tire alignment. These components include lower control arms, ball joints, idler arms and tie rod ends.

How we perform tire alignments

There are two different types of wheel alignments. A four-wheel alignment is required for most vehicles, and a two-wheel alignment is used on most pickup trucks.

When conducting an alignment, the tires are checked before the car is taken for a test drive. Then, the vehicle is placed on a rack and targets are secured to the tires. 

Tire alignment targets on Toyota Sienna.The wheel angles measured by the targets are read by cameras. Our automotive technicians are able to use this information to make any needed adjustments.

We check different specifications – caster, camber, toe and thrust angle. 

Caster refers to how wheels are angled forward or backward, and camber is how they go in or out. Toe is the term used to explain how far to the left or right the wheels are from the car’s center. “Thrust angle” describes the rear axle’s position in comparison to the center and front axle.

On top of looking at these different parameters, our technicians confirm that there aren’t any problems with the suspension components. They also measure the ride height.

If the car uses driver assist, an Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) system reset may be needed after the alignment is complete.

What aren’t wheel alignment problems

Some symptoms may seem like a wheel alignment problem but are actually connected with a different system or issue.

Drivers might feel their car pull and think it’s a bad wheel alignment when – in reality – a tire needs to be replaced.

Vibration is another concern that our customers have brought up. Normally, this has to do with tire balancing.

Meanwhile, a steering wheel that shudders as you step on the brake pedal could be rooted in a brake problem.

If you aren’t sure if a car alignment is needed, reach out to an auto repair shop or mechanic you trust. They should be able to track down the problem and get your vehicle driving the way it should be.

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 a cheap tire may affect the safety of your car

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When purchasing new tires, many drivers choose to focus on the price.

You may be able to buy a cheap tire that’s technically the correct size for your car for $99. But just because a tire is round and the right size, doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your car.

There are several factors you should keep in mind when getting new tires. The speed rating is one of them.

Tire speed rating

Tire speed ratings refer to the maximum speed of tires. It can depend on the type of automobile, and what you’re using it for. For example, sports cars typically have a higher maximum speed, while off-road trucks have a lower one.

Improved grip and power when stopping can be found in tires with a higher speed rating. However, the treadlife is normally lower.

Traction control and the anti-lock brake system (ABS) are two other factors you should consider when buying new tires.

Traction control and ABS

Your car’s anti-lock brake system allows you to maintain steering control by preventing your brakes from locking up during an emergency. This is applied by traction control, which watches for any tires that are slipping.

Tires are manufactured with traction control and ABS specifications. 

The vehicle manufacturers choose a tire with certain design characteristics that work with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) they have designed.

When the manufacturers build the vehicle, part of the plan is how fast the car stops. If you put on a cheap tire, the ADAS system may still work but it might not stop as quickly as it was originally designed.

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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Installing a new car starter on a Honda Pilot

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Is your car refusing to turn over? It could mean that you need a new car starter. 

Bolted into the transmission housing, this component shoots out a bendix, causing the flywheel to spin. The flywheel is responsible for turning the engine over.

It’s important to note that not all vehicles use a starter. Electric vehicles do not have starters, and hybrids may or may not have one. Certain hybrids use the hybrid system to start the engine.

Replacing the car starter

A new car starter was installed in a 2005 Honda Pilot.

First, the battery was tested. When our automotive technician confirmed that the SUV had a good battery. Then, he checked the starter and found it wasn’t working properly.

To get to this component, we needed to remove the battery, the tray the battery sits on, and the wires connected to the starter.

A jump box was used to bench test the new and older starters. Through this process, the technician was able to compare their power.

Signs that a car starter is going bad

A car that won’t start  – even when you use jumper cables – isn’t your only clue that you have a bad starter.

Other signs include a clicking sound when you try to turn it on. The dashboard lights should still appear, as long as you have adequate power from the battery.

You may hear a slight grinding noise, as well.

Key in ignition of Honda CR-V.There are times when starters go bad without any warning. The car may not have had a problem when you were leaving home but is having trouble starting as you’re wrapping up errands.

If you’re stuck with a car that won’t start, try jumping it and turning the key a few times. You may be able to get it going and drive it to a nearby auto repair shop. 

The other option – if this method doesn’t work – is having a tow truck pick it up.

How long starters last

A starter’s lifespan isn’t set in stone, typically ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Some last longer.

This can be impacted by different circumstances. These include how many times you turn your vehicle on each day. Connection issues, corrosion issues, heat, and driving conditions can affect the longevity, too.Connections, starter motor and starter solenoid.

The quality of the starter also has a part to play. Original equipment (O.E.) and O.E. equivalent starters from Bosch, Denzo, Motorcraft, and Delco will last a lot longer than remanufactured starters. That’s why we try to purchase new starters and go with the O.E. supplier.

Other car starting problems

Having a bad starter is one of a few problems that can prevent a car from starting.

The issue could lie with the battery, which may be dead. There could also be corrosion on the battery terminals or something wrong with a wire. 

Another possible culprit is a bad alternator, which provides power to various items you use everyday, such as lights and electronics.

More information about batteries and alternators can be found in this article we wrote.

You want to check for the whole starting system. Sometimes what can seem like a starter problem could be ground connections from the engine to the frame of the vehicle. Especially if you have had a transmission replaced or major engine repairs, it’s not uncommon for the ground wire to be loose or not connected, which would simulate a bad starter.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, 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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Oil changes: When and why are they needed?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Car costs can add up.

Maintaining your vehicle through regular oil changes is one way you can prevent engine damage — and essentially — cut down on future spending.

Some cars burn oil overtime. If a vehicle doesn’t run on the correct amount of oil, the oil won’t be able to lubricate engine components. Items actuated by oil pressure also won’t work as efficiently. 

We suggest having it replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

Types of oil available

Different oil change options are available. Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire used to carry multiple oil types, such as regular oil and semi-synthetic oil. 

Last year, we switched to full synthetic oil, which has lowered the cost of synthetic oil for oil changes. Synthetic oil helps extend the lifespan of engines that normally operate on regular or semi-synthetic oil.

We also offer Mobil 1, an oil option that is used in various cars, including BMWs and Mercedes.

What happens during our oil changes

In addition to changing the oil and oil filter, we also perform a tire rotation and conduct a courtesy check during an oil change.  When doing a courtesy inspection, we look over parts of the car, such as the lights and brakes.

Our technicians can write notes about the car in a digital inspection.

The inspection report, which also provides information about the car and recommendations, can be accessed by our customers via email or text.

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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Does my car need an emission test?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated May 9, 2025

Many people are familiar with the Virginia State Inspection. But did you know that your vehicle may also need an emissions inspection?

Cars emit fumes into the atmosphere. The emission test monitors them and makes sure that too much unburned fuel isn’t being released.

Managed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Vehicle Emissions Testing is performed every 2 years. In some parts of the state, an emission test isn’t required.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, the inspection must be conducted on vehicles housed in many cities and counties across the region, including Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire is an emissions testing location.

What we check during the emission test

The emission test isn’t just a chance to make sure your emissions system is functioning properly. 

This process also serves as another safety check for your car. Our emissions inspectors look for a few problems. 

For example, if the vehicle has bald tires or any major leaks it will be rejected for testing. This includes oil leaks, coolant leaks, and audible exhaust leaks.

We also confirm that the catalytic converter is installed and other components aren’t missing. This includes the gas cap and O2 sensors. The PCV system and exhaust system need to have all of their parts.

Our technicians keep an eye out for smoke, as well.

Check engine light on a Kia Optima.

Check engine light on a Kia Optima

A car can fail the emission test if the check engine light is on, because it means that there’s a code (or multiple) in the system.

So, if this symbol appears on your dashboard, check engine light diagnostics will be needed to pass the inspection.

How we perform emissions inspections

What does an emission test look like?

An emissions test begins with a pre-test, where our automotive technicians perform a visual inspection of the vehicle. We look for bald tires, leaks and other safety concerns.

Then, our inspectors verify information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the mileage, and the car’s weight.

We need to make sure the check engine light isn’t on or doesn’t come on during the emission test.

Performing an emission test on a Chevrolet Blazer.

Performing an emission test on a Chevrolet Blazer

An OBD II connection device is used on cars that were manufactured after 1996. For older vehicles, we place a sniffer tool in the tailpipe, and it reads the chemicals being emitted. The chemicals need to be within a certain range that’s based on the make and model.

When using the sniffer tool, our technicians are mainly checking for hydrocarbons and NOx.

We don’t test gasoline powered vehicles that exceed 10,000 pounds and diesel powered vehicles that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

If you’re not sure whether your car needs an emissions inspection or you still have questions about this service, reach out to a local auto repair shop that performs emissions testing.

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.