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Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire: Goodyear’s longest lasting tire

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Nowadays, many people want the items they purchase to be worth the investment.

This mindset extends to the tires they choose for their vehicle.

The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire is a good value. It’s one option that we suggest drivers turn to if they are hoping to stretch their dollar.

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire backed by an 85,000 mile warranty

How does the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire save users money?

The answer can be found in the lengthy lifespan.

Backed by an 85,000 mile tread life warranty, it’s considered Goodyear’s longest lasting tire. 

Depending on the warranty, good tires don’t need to be replaced for a few years. This all season tire could last the average driver 6 and a half or 7 years.

You can thank the rubber compound it’s made with for that benefit.

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire a reliable all season tire

The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire’s ability to take on many miles is a nice perk. However, it isn’t the only one.

In addition to long lasting, this tire can be trusted across the different seasons. It’s dependable year-round, because it’s designed with TredLife Technology.

The Goodyear Tire also features wide grooves and biting edges, which provide the grip needed to power through various types of weather.

Are you wondering how your tires are wearing? When you have the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Tire, you don’t have to.

Built-in wear gauges unveil this mystery. These gauges allow you to quickly and easily determine the status of the tire’s tread depth. Plus, a tool isn’t required.

Some tires are made for certain kinds of vehicles. But this one can be found on a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.

Other Goodyear Tire options

Do you want to stay in the Goodyear family but feel the Goodyear MaxLife isn’t the right fit for you? There are plenty of other options available.

There’s also the Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive Tire, Goodyear Assurance All-Season Tire, and Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire. We also sell Kelly Tires and Dunlop Tires, which are owned by Goodyear Tire. 

If you need help narrowing down your search, stop by our Woodbridge auto repair shop or reach out to us. One of our team members can provide you with more information about a specific tire. They can also offer recommendations based on your vehicle and driving conditions.

Goodyear rebate available

Goodyear Tire is currently offering a rebate on certain Goodyear tires. So, those interested or planning to buy a set soon could save money.

Drivers can get up to $150 back on four select Goodyear tires when they use the Goodyear credit card.

If you purchase four Goodyear Assurance MaxLife tires, you may get up to $100 back. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

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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AC repair on Chevrolet vans

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Chilly temperatures are lingering in Northern Virginia. However, AC repair has already begun for the year at Steve’s Auto Repair.

Last week, one of our technicians performed A/C diagnostics on a small bus body that’s used by a local Boys & Girls Club.

Our Woodbridge mechanics are able to do AC repair on Chevrolet vans and GMC vans.

These particular types of vans – so the 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of Chevrolet vans and GMC vans – basically use all of the same air conditioning components. 

A/C diagnostics: Blockage in the compressor

On the Boys & Girls Club vehicle, the A/C compressor stopped working and actually ended up even throwing the air conditioning belt. So, it had a belt on it, and we saw the compressor was really dragging down. 

Through some testing and by taking some lines apart, we were able to find out where a blockage was. You could tell that there was some blockage with the compressor just by reading the gauges. The high-pressure side was going way too high. 

This one has a dual AC system. Your normal vents in your dash is the front A/C. There’s also a small evaporator in the back where some more lines run to, but that also has its own receiver dryer.

Desiccant material and compressor material create little balls that clogged the line.

Desiccant material and compressor material create little balls that clogged the line.

Desiccant material helps collect moisture that might be in the system, and it acts like a little filter. In this case, desiccant material and compressor material – such as seals and oil – was cooked together, creating little balls and clogging up the line. So, as the compressor was trying to force Freon through the line, it couldn’t go anywhere.

 

How we performed the AC repair

So, we flushed the lines with some special solvent, and  – afterwards – made sure that they were all dry. We got everything all cleared up and put a new receiver dryer in the back. On the front, our technician added a new A/C accumulator. It kind of works the same way, but it contains what’s kind of like a holding tank for Freon. 

A new compressor, A/C compressor belt and seals were also installed. New oil was added, and an EVAC and recharge on the system were performed, as well. We wrapped up the air conditioning repair by putting in the correct amount of R134 Freon and retesting the system. Everything was working fine. 

When you’re looking at doing an air conditioning job on a vehicle, sometimes you need to look below the surface. Yes, the compressor was bad, but it can also be important to find out what was the problem that made it go bad. Sometimes, the compressor just fails. 

But even with that, you want to make sure that you’re changing the expansion valve or an orifice tube – if that’s what goes in the particular vehicle – and the accumulator and/or the receiver dryer. Changing all of those necessary parts is the correct way to do the job, so your money is well spent and it lasts.  

A lot of problems could lead to car AC repair. Common reasons why an air conditioning system can stop working are explained in this article we shared.

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.

This article is co-authored by Contributing Writer Lily Brown.

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Engine noise on an Infiniti QX80

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

As your vehicle ages, you may begin to notice abnormal sounds or behaviors.

Maintaining your car through oil changes, mileage-based services, and the replacement of old parts can prevent a lot of problems. Some issues, however, can’t be avoided.

An Infiniti QX80 was making an engine noise recently. The driver brought it to our Woodbridge auto repair shop after hearing a whining sound that would go away when the vehicle warmed up. The car wasn’t too far along in its mileage – just a little over 120,000 miles.

Engine noise diagnostic testing begins

Our technician started his investigation, which involved the removal of many parts. This included the oil pan, the timing cover, and the 32 bolts that hold the cover on. Timing chain.

The cause of the engine noise, he found, was the timing chain rubbing against the timing cover. The tensioner was also out further than it should be.

Timing chains ensure that the camshaft and crankshaft, components that control the opening of an engine’s valves, are in correct timing. Overtime, they can stretch and begin to bounce around.

In addition to getting new timing chains, the Infiniti QX80 will receive a new timing chain tensioner and new timing chain guides.

New timing chains, timing chain guides, and a timing chain tensioner.

New timing chains, timing chain guides, and a timing chain tensioner.

The timing chain’s connection with other parts

For one of these engines, you may or may not get a PO340 code, which has to do with the camshaft position. It’s a sensor, so sometimes it can pick up if there’s some slack in the chain. 

Along with this particular vehicle, it would actually make a whining noise, not necessarily a rattling noise. If the chain was loose enough, you would have a rattling noise.

The other thing that’s important with these timing chains is the oil pump is right in front of the engine and is driven by the timing chain. On a couple of the camshafts, you have variable camshaft sprockets that are all oil controlled and driven off of the timing chain. There are many components that are connected with the timing chain.

Depending on what year it is, there could be an updated crankshaft timing gear. 

It’s also important to know that as the timing chain begins to stretch it can start to damage the oil sprayer. This requires a special tool to pull out and put back in to make sure the timing chain has the correct amount of oil, so it will last.

Maintenance and research

This timing chain problem is one that the company has had with its engines. Unfortunately, there isn’t really anything you can do to prevent this issue. It’s going to happen, even if you do take care of the vehicle.

But don’t let that discourage you from maintaining your car. A lot of other problems can be avoided with regular checkups. (Regular oil changes, for example, can prevent engine damage.) Also, if something were to happen to a part – knock on wood – you may be eligible for warranties, because you kept up with the recommended maintenance services.

Other than making sure your car’s basic needs are met, we recommend doing your research. Read your owner’s manual, and look up whether there are any common problems associated with your particular vehicle. That way, you have an idea of some potential issues to watch out for.

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 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.