Steve's Auto Repair & Tire Blog

3 things to watch out for with all this rainy weather

In Headlamps, Safety, Tires and Wheels, Windshield Wipers by Steves Auto Repair and TireMay 13, 2016

It’s been raining for several days now, and you’re probably wondering when it’s going to end. While we can’t predict the weather or make the rain go away, what we can do is tell you about things you should be on the lookout for with all of this rainy weather.

Check to see how your windshield wipers are doing

Your car’s windshield wipers see a lot more use when there’s rain for long stretches of time, and eventually like all things do, the wipers will wear out with frequently use. Having worn out windshield wipers can be a hazard, particularly at night or when there’s heavy rainfall, because they’re not as effective at removing the water from your windshield. They can also leave streaks and splotches that can make it difficult to see on the road. If you notice that your windshield wipers aren’t working very well, stop in and we can get those fixed quickly for you.

Check to see if you have a headlight out even daytime running lights can burn out.

Are your headlights working?

Much like the windshield wipers, if you’re using your headlights during the day and night because of gloomy and dark conditions, then you could see that one of your headlight bulbs has gone out. Sometimes people don’t notice that a headlight is out until it’s dark and they’re visibility is impaired, and that’s not the time when you want them to stop working on you. Checking your headlights regularly, especially during long stretches of rainy weather, is an easy way to see if your headlight bulbs need to be replaced.

Do your tires help you to stop in rainy weather?

Tire worn down to the tread bar indicators.

Worn tire down to the tread bar indicators definetly time to change these tires.

Regardless of the conditions outside or the tires you have, over time your tires will wear down from frequent use on the road. You want to make sure that your tires are at safe wear levels even when it’s sunny and bright, but days when it’s raining or snowing are really when you need those tires the most, as they’re what gives you traction and helps you to stop safely on the road.

New tires have deep grooves and sipes to channel water away to keep you safe on the road.

Now is definitely a good time to check the tread depth on your tires, and make note of how good your car’s traction is on the road. If your tread depth is worn, it could be time for a new set of tires, or you may risk sliding around on the road in wet conditions.

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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Winter’s over: it’s time to replace your shocks and struts

In Maintenance, Promotions, Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and TireApril 18, 2016

Cars and trucks with high mileage can have worn out shocks and struts and show no signs of leaking

We made through a pretty bad winter, with a blizzard, ice, and variable temperatures, and we’re sure you’re looking forward to the warmer weather as much as we are. But now that the winter weather has subsided, we’re left with size-able potholes, and the damage that the winter inflicted on our cars.

One of the important services you should consider as we move into the warmer months is getting shocks and struts inspected. Here are five signs that you should replace your shocks and struts.

Signs to replace shocks and struts

Your vehicle’s handling is off

If you’re on your morning commute or off running some errands and you notice that your car isn’t handling like it used to, and it’s got more bounce or a rougher ride than normal, that’s a sign that your shocks and struts are worn down.

You’re going in for a nose dive

When you’re braking, turning, or speeding up you should always be able to maintain control of your vehicle – in large part because of the shocks and struts in your car. But if you’re noticing that the ‘nose’ or front of your car is starting to dive, especially when you’re applying the brakes, then that’s a good sign that your shocks and struts need replacing.

Your tires have patches

Worn suspension components like shocks and struts can cause premature tire wear

Shock and strut wear can impact your tires, and uneven wear is a good visual sign that they’re worn out and need to be replaced. When they wear out, your tire will bounce more frequently and hit the ground, losing rubber in the process – which is called cupping. You’ll often find that when shocks and struts need to be replaced, your tires will show uneven wear and smooth patches.

The car is making squeaking sounds

If you drive over a bump or pothole in the road, are you hearing loud squeaking noises coming from the suspension? Or when you’re getting out of your vehicle or braking? Then that’s another possible sign that your shocks and struts are in need of inspection, replacement, or repair.

Your car has more than 50,000 miles on it.

At our shop we follow guidance from the Motorist Assurance Program that recommends that drivers replace their shocks and struts after 50,000 miles. There’s some variance on mileage before its necessary, based on the type of car and road conditions, but if your car is over 50,000 miles and you’re experiencing some of the other issues we’ve mentioned, then it may be time to swap out those shocks and struts.

To get the spring and summer started off right, we’re offering a special at the shop, where you can get your shocks and struts inspected and replaced for only $20 over cost. To take advantage of this deal, bring this coupon to us to redeem the special pricing, good through April 30, 2016.

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Metro closing down for a while? Get your car ready

In Fuel Economy, Fuel System, Maintenance, Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and TireMarch 31, 2016

The word on the street is that the Blue Line, and several other area Metro lines will be closed for an extended period of time. This temporary Metro closing inevitably means that you’re probably going to be in your car more frequently, to get to work.

While we can’t get you out of the impending traffic nightmare that’s ahead, we can get your car prepared for those extra miles, and wear and tear – and save you some money too.

How to prepare for the temporary Metro closing

Fuel maintenance

For starters, when was the last time you had a fuel maintenance service on your vehicle? Many people forget how dirty fuel injects and filters can impact their car’s fuel economy. And you’re going to need the best fuel economy possible, heading north toward Washington, D.C. each day.

At Steve’s, we offer a BG fuel induction service that will improve your fuel economy, and get your engine running more smoothly. During the service we’re able to clean the fuel injectors, which will help balance your vehicle’s air and fuel ratio. It’s a service that should be performed every 15,000 miles, but it’s especially important now to catch up on it, now that you’re going to be on the road more.

Air filter

You also should have your air filter checked regularly. Did you know that a clogged air filter can reduce your fuel economy by 15 percent? That really adds up!

Get new tires

Another thing you’re going to want to invest in with the Metro closing temporarily for repairs is your tires. A lot of people don’t realize this, but your tires can have a big impact on your car’s fuel economy, and your stopping speed. It’s very easy for one of our technicians to take a look at your tires and assess the condition, before making some recommendations.

With all of those traffic-filled miles ahead, you’re going to want to focus on one of two things – fuel economy and stopping time. At Steve’s we’re a Goodyear dealer, and if you’re looking to save

Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Tire

We all hate it, but short stops and being cut off are an unfortunate part of having to drive for the morning commute in Northern Virginia. And if you want to avoid an accident, then it’s going to be important that you get tires for your vehicle that are designed to deal with those challenges. Especially for when you’re trying to quickly merge or switch lanes, having a sporty performance tire with good stopping power is going to be an asset. Especially with the huge influx of vehicles that will be on I-95 and I-66, you’re going to need all of the help you can get. That’s why we would recommend the Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire

The Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season Tire was designed with stopping ability in mind. Having those extra couple of seconds, thanks to a good set of tires, can be the difference between a near-accident and damaging your vehicle. It has an asymmetric tread that makes handling easier, and it has a fantastic grip for all seasons and essentially all weather conditions. Its full-depth siping and biting edges help with its stopping ability and response.

Regardless of if you’re worried more about fuel economy, or stopping speed, both tires are a great investment to make for the coming months. You can’t change the Metro being closed, but you can do everything you can to make sure your car will have peak performance while you’re stuck in the daily commute traffic.

5 things to have checked on your car this spring

In Alignment, Brake Fluid Flush, Cabin Air Filter, Cooling System, Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and TireMarch 7, 2016

With the winter fading away, and the weather finally starting to warm up with the onset of spring, it’s time to get your vehicle ready with a little ‘spring cleaning’ maintenance.

These are the top five spring car maintenance tips:

Have your vehicle’s fluids flushed
Get your tires inspected
Change your cabin air filter
Make sure light bulbs aren’t out
Get a wheel alignment

We provide more details about each one below.

5 things to have checked on your car this spring

Mercedes engine coolant flush

Have your vehicle’s fluids flushed – including the coolant

With winter on its way out, it’s a good idea to have all of your vehicle’s fluids flushed, checked, and refilled. It’s especially important for your coolant fluid to be flushed and topped off. Why? Because the warmer weather can raise the temperature of your vehicle, and coolant helps to keep things running smoothly.

“Given the fact that we’re going to start coming in to warmer weather, your car’s going to be running a little hotter because the ambient temperature’s going to be warmed up, so coolant’s a good fluid to get changed now,” said Rich Campbell, manager at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire.

Checking tires at Steves Auto Repair and Tire.

All that driving in the ice and snow wears away at the tread on your tires, and over time that means your tires are going to need to be replaced. When its springtime and the snow and ice have cleared, that’s the perfect time to have your tires inspected by a technician. If your tires are worn down and losing traction, that can make a huge difference when stopping on wet spring roads, so it’s important to get them inspected.

“You need to make sure you’ve got adequate traction,” said Campbe.

Have your cabin air filter changed

Cabin air-filter changes are an important part of maintenance year-round, but they’re even more important come springtime, because of the pollen and things floating in the air that can impair air quality.

“That cabin air filter filters your pollen, the dust, and getting ready for spring you want a good, fresh cabin air filter in there,” said Campbell.

Are your bulbs out?

Tail light bulb replacement at Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Bulbs go out on vehicles all of the time, and it’s important to get them replaced, no matter what time of year it is. But when you’re doing your spring car maintenance checkup on your vehicle, it’s worth checking if any of your lights are out, as they’re easily replaced during a trip to the shop.

Have your wheel alignment checked out

Bouncing around on potholes and that unexpected curb following a big snow storm can really throw your vehicle’s alignment out of whack. If you notice your car’s pulling, even slightly, or you’re noticing a very rough ride, then that’s a pretty good sign that you may need an alignment service. Many drivers get them during the spring, because of those potholes, left by the snow plows, we mentioned earlier.

Wheel alignment at Steves Auto Repair and Tire

If you want to make sure your vehicle is road-ready for all of the trips and events you’ve got planned for spring, then make sure that you take your car in for some spring maintenance at Steve’s.

Noticing car problems after storm? Get them checked out.

In Alignment, Fluids, Maintenance, Safety, Tires and Wheels, Transmission by Steves Auto Repair and TireJanuary 25, 2016

Last weekend, the entire area was pelted with more than a foot of snow, with up to almost three feet in some places! Even though the snow has stopped and you’ve managed to dig out your driveway to get back on the roads, you may be experiencing some car problems following the storm.

Here are some common issues that our technicians at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire has seen following the blizzard, that you should get checked out as soon as possible:

Tires
Transmission
Windshield wipers
Rim wheel
Wheel alignment
Windshield washer fluid

More information on each topic can be found below.

Check to see how your windshield wipers are doing

Are your headlights working?

Do your tires help you to stop in rainy weather?

Signs to replace shocks and struts

How to prepare for the temporary Metro closing

More about car problems