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12 Tips to Help you Save Fuel

In Fuel Economy by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

So, you’ve got more interesting things to do with your money than use it on fuel. But how do you save money for the fun stuff?

Here are a few tips compiled by our service writer, Teresa Anderson, perfect for the upcoming spring months.

How to save fuel

  1. Use a low rolling resistance tire! These can save up to 3% in fuel annually!
  2. Pre-route and combine your errands and try to drive the least miles to accomplish all errands at one time.
  3. Keep your car light! Take out the things that create excess weight in your car and take things off the roof racks that create resistance while driving (luggage) Being aerodynamic improves your gas economy
  4. Only fill up your gas tank half way, and never allow your tank to go below ¼ tank. Each gallon of fuel weighs approx. 6 lbs, so a full tank will make your car heavier. When you allow your tank to get below ¼ tank that puts additional stress on your fuel pump and can suck up residue that forms in the bottom of your gas tank clogging the injectors, which can hinder your gas mileage.
  5. Slow down! Follow the posted speed limit and use your cruise control when possible. Don’t tailgate; keep a distance from the car in front of you so you can brake less often. This keeps your fuel consumption down.
  6. Proper tire inflation is a must! You can lose up to a pound of tire pressure per week, so always check your tire inflation pressure. Too little air pressure can not only wear your tires out but affect your gas mileage.
  7. Make sure your transmission fluid is flushed according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean fluid makes your transmission shift smoother causing less stress on the engine.
  8. Do a fuel induction service at least once a year. This removes the carbon buildup on the injectors and can make your car run more smoothly and burn fuel more efficiently.
  9. Avoid using your air conditioning when you can. Use of the a/c unit also burns more fuel. So drive with your windows down when you can!
  10. Keep your air filter clean. Have your technician check it at each oil change. A clogged air filter can cause your engine to starve for air, making the mixture of air and fuel less economical.
  11. Avoid idling for long periods of time. If you want fast food, rather than go through the drive thru park the car and go inside. Remember the more the car is turned on, the more fuel you are using. (and it’s good exercise!)
  12. Keep your engine tuned up. Foul plugs can cause misfires and cause the other plugs to work twice as hard to run, which in turn costs your more money in fuel, not to mention engine damage.
    Click here to view the original article.

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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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.

Click here to view the original article.

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.