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Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire offers a comfortable ride

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

If you’re looking for new tires, Goodyear Tire is a brand that other drivers may recommend to you. And there’s a reason for that. 

Goodyear produces a large collection of reliable options that motorists have been putting their trust in for years.

​​The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire is one that drivers shouldn’t disregard. It comes with a ton of awesome features that are beneficial to motorists.

This tire can be used on various types of vehicles, including SUVs and sedans.

Drive comfortably and confidently

When you first hear or read the name, you may notice that it has “comfort” in it. That isn’t just a word that the manufacturer slapped on. It describes a key feature. 

When using the Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Because it’s made with ComfortFlex Technology, transitions are smoother and any bumps from the road are absorbed.

Driving without feeling the rough road does make it a more pleasant experience. But the benefits don’t stop there. Its tread pattern decreases any noise you hear.

Not only do you feel comfortable behind the wheel, you can feel confident and in control, as well. This all season tire offers superb handling as you’re going around corners.

Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire provides support in wet weather

The control you experience with the Goodyear Tire isn’t limited to those sunny days. You can be assured that it will continue during colder months and when wet weather conditions arise. This trait can be accredited to Evolving Traction Grooves and Tredlock Technology.

Plus, there is a lower chance of hydroplaning, thanks to AquaChannel grooves. In addition to helping you avoid sliding on slick roads, the grooves push away as much water as possible.

The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire is a tire you can enjoy for quite some time. Backed by a 60,000 mile tread life warranty, it’s able to last as long as four or five years, for the average driver.

Rebate available on select Goodyear Tires

You have a chance to save even more on a set of four Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive tires. Until March 31, 2022, you can get up to $200 back when you purchase four Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive tires with the Goodyear credit card.

Feel free to reach out to us, if you have questions or would like to learn additional information about this rebate.

The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire is one of many tires our Woodbridge tire shop sells. If you’re looking for a Goodyear Tire, but this one isn’t the right fit for your vehicle, there are plenty of others to choose from. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire, Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire, and Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire are also solid choices.

One of our staff members would be happy to help you decide which tire would best meet your vehicle’s needs.

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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Toyota cabin air filter, air flow problems

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Things got a bit squirrely at Steve’s Auto Repair this week.

One of our customers brought their Toyota by, because they were hearing a rattling noise. There also wasn’t a lot of air coming through the vents.

Nuts that squirrels put in a Toyota's air cleaner box.

Nuts that squirrels put in a Toyota’s air cleaner box.

Our Woodbridge mechanics looked into the problem and came across an unexpected sight – the air cleaner box was filled with nuts.

Squirrel nests that were built in the cabin air filter box of a Toyota.

Squirrel nests that were built in the cabin air filter box of a Toyota.

Nests had been built in the cabin air filter box, as well. Some squirrels, apparently, decided to make the vehicle their second home. 

How often to change cabin air filter

The fix was a relatively simple – yet time consuming – one. The technician changed the Toyota cabin air filter, a component that purifies air going into the cabin area and blocks out dirt, dust, pollen, and bacteria. Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, a new cabin air filter should be installed every 10,000 or 20,000 miles. 

As part of our courtesy inspection, we check the cabin air filter. When replacing them, our technicians also spray BG Frigi Fresh, a disinfectant, into the vent system.

To address the problem the Toyota was experiencing, we also called in some backup – the shop vacuum – to remove any nuts that had collected deeper in the car.

How to tell if there are rodents in your vehicle 

Animals setting up shop in a vehicle isn’t an uncommon occurrence, especially during the colder months. Automobiles offer several perks for mice, rodents and other creatures. Not only do they provide protection from predators, they are also warm and some parts even give off attractive smells.

The air conditioning air distribution box, the air box, and the engine are a few areas mice like to burrow into. Their presence, however, can’t go unnoticed for very long. 

Eventually, you may notice signs that you have mice living in your vehicle, such as mouse droppings, upholstery damage, and insulation that has been chewed up. Your car – like the Toyota we mentioned earlier – may also experience some problems. This could be the result of mice chewing wires, or animals building nests or making your mode of transportation their personal pantry.

How do you keep critters out of your car?

You may be wondering how to keep rodents out of car. There are methods you can try. Being watchful for insulation damage and nests is one step.

We also suggest tucking dryer sheets – a smell that mice hate – into the engine compartment, and regularly cleaning out old food, snacks and drinks, which can draw rodents in.

Placing mouse traps around any vehicles that are parked in a garage is another strategy. However, it’s important that you remember to set them aside when you go to move the cars.

You should avoid feeding animals – especially near your car – as well. We had a customer who would feed the squirrels. They decided to chew the wiring on her vehicle, and she needed to have it towed in. The customer continued feeding the squirrel near it, and the same problem happened two more times. Eventually, we had to convince her to stop.

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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Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire great all year long

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

There are many tires being produced that can be used throughout the year.

If you are searching for a tire that will be dependable for all types of weather, the Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire is the way to go.

Is snow or rain expected? What about sunshine? Living up to its name, this Goodyear tire is able to take any of it in stride. 

It’s the type of tire you want on your vehicle when the weather seems a bit uncertain, or a storm comes up unexpectedly.

Drivers who choose this option can safely travel to their destination, no matter what mother nature has in store.

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire isn’t just for a certain make or model. It can go on various kinds of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.

Tire tread offers traction

This tire has become the “go to” among lots of motorists for several reasons.

Earlier, we mentioned that it’s reliable, a characteristic that stems from the way the tire is designed.

When you take a close look at the tire tread, you will see biting edges running across it. These small features play the important role of making sure you have traction all year long.

You will be able to confidently maneuver your vehicle whether the sun is out, it’s pouring, or snow is falling. 

Located in the middle are wide grooves, which improve the tire’s grip in wet weather by pushing away water and slush.

So, you can be confident that it will maintain contact with the road and you have a lower chance of hydroplaning.

Goodyear Assurance All-Season gives you control

Traction isn’t the only perk that the tread provides. It’s able to decrease the amount of noise you hear when driving, as well.

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire also has large shoulder blocks that give you better control in dry and wet conditions.

Another benefit is it comes with a long lifespan.

Backed by a 65,000 mile warranty, this tire will be there to weather the elements with you for years to come.

Other Goodyear Tires available

The Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire is a great option for the different seasons. However, it isn’t the only all season tire that Goodyear Tire produces.

Other reliable tires we recommend include the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire and the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire.

Before setting your eyes on a specific tire, talk to someone who works in the automotive industry or a local tire shop. 

If you don’t take your car to a particular tire store in Woodbridge, feel free to contact us. We sell a wide range of tires, including Goodyear Tire, Kelly Tire and Dunlop Tire. Our staff would be happy to help you choose the right one for your vehicle.

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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Timing belt: When it should be changed

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

In order for a vehicle’s engine to work properly, its timing needs to line up correctly. The timing belt has a part to play in this. Located around engine components, it ensures that the crankshaft and camshaft are running at the same rate.

Because of age and day-to-day use, timing belt replacement is sometimes necessary. 

A new one is normally installed when the vehicle hits a certain mileage. Some manufacturers recommend changing it every 60,000 miles, while others say every 100,000 miles. You should also get a new one if it’s cracked or jumps time.

Whatever the reason, it’s best if you don’t avoid changing the belt. Internal engine damage may occur if it breaks, or if components are banging against one another because it’s out of timing by too much. 

Bad timing belt signs

So, how do you know if you need a new timing belt?

Since timing belts have other parts over them, you won’t be able to just pop up the hood and see if they have become worn or are broken.

But a bad timing belt can result in some problems you may notice. These issues include engine misfires, which may occur if the engine is out of timing.

The car not starting is another indicator. This happens because the timing-related parts aren’t turning and compression isn’t being created by the engine.

You might hear noise the components are creating, as well.

Timing belt replacement cost

There isn’t a set answer for how much getting a new timing belt costs. Depending on the vehicle, the cost to replace a timing belt can be anywhere from $300 to $3,000. It could really run such a wide range, because of the amount of work involved.

The job isn’t only limited to changing the belt. Sometimes the job is as simple as installing a new belt and tensioner. However, the job may also be a little more complicated or involve other components. One of our technicians, for example, recently put a new timing belt on a Volkswagen when he went to replace the turbocharger. 

Many vehicles have two timing belts, multiple tensioners, and idler pulleys, and certain cars have water pumps that are driven off of the timing belt. Those are the type of parts that you will want to replace while you’re there.

We also like to change the camshaft and crankshaft seals at the same time, because if they start leaking after you finish that work then you need to do it all over again. This happened with a Volvo a couple of years ago.

Yes, performing the extra maintenance will cost more because of the additional time and parts needed, but it will be much less time consuming and expensive in the long run.

This is how timing belts can be a little bit of an investment, but it’s well worth it.

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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White, blue or black smoke from your car

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It can be a little concerning when you notice smoke from your car exhaust. This occurred to me recently when a friend started their Chevy Colorado. 

If this happens to you, you might think, “What’s wrong?” and “Is it safe to drive my vehicle?”

Before taking off down the road, you need to make sure your car is drivable. There are a few areas you can check:

  • Take a look at the temperature gauge, which tells you if the engine coolant temperature is where it should be.
  • Make sure there aren’t any warning lights or alerts on your dashboard.
  • Check the oil level and coolant level to ensure they aren’t low.

What to do if you notice smoke from your car

Wondering what to do if there’s white smoke from exhaust? What if you notice blue, gray or black smoke from your car? 

Having the car checked out by a trained automotive expert – like an ASE certified technician – is your best and safest option.

If you don’t see any warning lights and everything seems to be OK, drive the vehicle to a nearby auto repair shop as soon as possible.

If there is a problem, or something changes when you start traveling – if it starts overheating, for example – you should pull over at a safe location and call a tow truck. 

Choosing to ignore alerts, low fluid levels, or odd behaviors for too long could lead to more damage.

What do different smoke colors mean?

You can get a better idea of what’s causing the smoke by looking at different factors, like the color and the smell.

White smoke coming out of exhaust can be the result of a few different problems. It may indicate an engine problem or that coolant is going into the combustion chamber. A cracked cylinder head, a head gasket that’s leaking, or a cracked engine block are other possibilities.

A sweet smell is typically associated with antifreeze or coolant. Meanwhile, the smell of fuel can mean that the issue lies with the fuel system.

Blue, gray and black are other colors of smoke to watch out for. If the smoke from your car is gray or blue and you notice a smell that seems bitter, it might mean that the engine is burning oil. The situation could occur if valve seals are leaking, piston rings have become worn, a PCV valve is clogged, or the crankcase is overfilled with oil

Not using the correct kind of oil and not having regular oil changes performed may also cause this problem. We recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. 

Grey or white smoke coming out the back of the vehicle – but not necessarily the tailpipe – could be an external leak, such as engine oil dripping or transmission fluid leaking from a cooler line onto the exhaust.

Too much raw fuel burning could lead to black smoke that has a gasoline smell, a problem sometimes caused by a fuel pressure regulator that has failed, a bad engine sensor or ignition part, or a fuel injector that’s leaking. 

You should have your vehicle serviced at a car repair shop, because some of them – including Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, an auto repair shop in Woodbridge, Virginia – perform visual inspections and note anything out of the ordinary, such as oil leaks and coolant leaks. Internal leaks are more difficult to diagnose, but your mechanic can help determine the problem and help you and your family stay safe on the road.

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.