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Five things to you can check before a state inspection

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

As a consumer you do not always have the ability to know what your car will need other than the visual items that you can see but here are some things to keep in mind prior to going to the state inspection station.

Look at your tires to check the tread depth, turn your wheels to the side and look for inside and outside tire wear, run your hands over the surface of the tire and see if they are wearing evenly. If there is more wear on either the inside or outside, chances are that your car is out of alignment, if the tires treads are the wear bars in three locations, your tires will most likely fail state inspection. Use a Penny to gauge the tread depth, if you can see Lincoln’s Head, they are too low on tread and will most likely fail.

Check all of your lights, have a family member operate all of the lights to confirm if any bulbs are not working. Look at the tag lights (these lights illuminate the license plate) this is often overlooked by the car owner, they must be in working condition and are very inexpensive replacements. Check the reverse lights, marker lights (the orange ones located on the sides of the vehicle) brakes lights, including the third brake light. Also condensation in the headlight assemblies that affect the light pattern can cause you to fail as well. Making sure all bulbs are in good working order can save you from a rejection sticker at the inspection station.

Make sure the mirrors are not cracked or missing, the horn works and works correctly (not muffled) and if you hear a loud exhaust noise from under the car that is not normally there you may want to get that looked at before you go for inspection.

Another overlooked item is the seat belts, check to see if they work properly and latch. Check that the drivers window works, the other ones do not have to but this one does.

Now for a confusing one: lights on the dash. These go back and forth depending on the State Police manual. As of February 2014, the ABS (antilock brake system) light CAN be on, The Airbag light has to come on for a bulb check then go OFF. The parking brake light has to work when the parking brake is applied and the high beam indicator has to work.

These are some of the items you can check in your driveway before taking you vehicle in for a Virginia State Inspection.

Below are some state inspection items that are more easily checked at a shop.

State inspection check

Suspension system. At Steve’ s Auto, we do a free inspection of these items every time you bring your car in for service with us. If you see any fluids in your driveway, take note of the color and get it checked out. If your rack and pinion is leaking (this is your steering component) you will fail inspection.

Ball Joints and other suspension items are also part of a state inspection. Even though as a consumer you cannot tell if they are bad, there are some tell tale signs to listen for. Clunking coming from the front end is a good indication that they may be getting worn out. Loose tie rod ends are also a wearable item and it does affect your alignment and tire wear as well.

Brakes are also one of the items the state inspector will be looking at. If you have noticed any squealing or grinding you may need brakes, have a pre-brake inspection done so there are no surprises when you go to get it inspected. It requires removing at least 2 of the wheels and getting a measurement of thickness on the pads and rotors to determine if it will pass. The state legal limit is 2/32nds, if it’s below the 2/32nds specification, it will fail.

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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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Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Announces New Service Writer, Teresa Anderson

In Service Standards by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, an auto repair & tire shop located in Woodbridge, has brought on a new service writer and not only is she talented but she brings the feminine touch.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, located at 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge, VA, announces it has hired a new service writer, Teresa Anderson. Her new role with the company will be helping in a variety of ways, including writing service, offering customer advice, and working as a liaison between the technicians and customers. She comes to the business with years of experience in the automotive industry, including working at a tire and automotive shop.

“I love interacting with people and thrive on it,” explains Anderson. “I like helping people and I feel that if you treat people right they will treat you right in return. My philosophy is to tell people what they absolutely need in terms of safety first and foremost.”

Prior to joining the team at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, she has worked in sales at a tire and automotive shop, as well as an automotive company switchboard operator. She has lived in the area for the last 20 years and takes pride in always aiming to offer customers good service that is based on honesty and safety.

“I look forward to working with hometown honest hard-working people,” adds Anderson. “I am looking forward to working in a smaller independent shop. I like knowing who I am working for and what their values are.”

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Shop offers a full line of services and a lifetime labor warranty * to help maintain and repair vehicles. The services offered include air conditioning and heating, inspections, tune-ups, tires, engine replacement and repair, steering and suspension, exhaust systems, wheel balancing and alignment, and brake services. The shop serves the areas of Virginia that include Dale City, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, and Woodbridge, VA.

About Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Shop Located at 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge, VA, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire has been in business since 1979. The company offers a full-service auto shop, including such services as vehicle repairs, maintenance, tune-ups, state inspections, engine replacement and repair, emissions inspections, steering, brakes, tires, wheel alignment and balancing, and more.

For more information, visit the website at: stevesautorepairva.com.

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 know when to replace your radiator hose?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

There are a few indicators you may notice when you need to replace your radiator hose.

Signs that you need a new radiator hose

  • Hard cracked hoses
  • Swelling in the hoses
  • Hose feels like it is crunching when it is squeezed

The radiator is one of the most important devices in your car because it keeps the engine at its normal operating temperature.

Radiator hoses circulate coolant from the radiator when necessary. Your radiator hose can completely collapse, causing the engine to overheat and become unable to run. In extreme cases, a collapsed hose can cause the engine to burst.

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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Start your Summer off with a Bang with Music at the Marina

In Promotions by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Get a head start on your Fourth of July by attending Music at the Marina. Join us at 7 p.m. in Leesylvania State Park.

Hear the Navy Band, Country Current, the Navy’s premiere country-bluegrass ensemble, and enjoy face painting, prizes, fireworks and fun!

The band will setup on the deck by the Breakwater park store, with a backdrop of the Potomac River.

The park will have large tents for shade or throw down your own blankets or chairs and watch as the sun sets over the water. Fun for the whole family. See you there!

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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June Air Conditioning Special

In Promotions by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Did you know that in summer months, the inside temperature of a vehicle sitting in the sun can easily reach 120 degrees or more? Keeping you and your passengers comfortable during the hottest weather is dependent on proper maintenance of your car A/C system.

Steve’s Auto Repair is offering a June Air Conditioning Special.

What our June Air Conditioning Special includes

  • AC Performance Check
  • AC Filter Inspection
  • HVAC System Clean

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.