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Environmentally friendly actions we take

In Uncategorized by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

We believe in helping our community. Part of that support includes doing our part to help protect the place we live and work in.

From the services we offer to the parts that are replaced, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire follows several environmentally friendly procedures.

Old brake rotors.

Recycling products, environmentally friendly tires available

For example, many of the products we replace are recycled. A company is hired by us to process old oil and coolant. Car batteries, brake rotors, and other scrap metal are picked up and recycled, as well.

Recycling these fluids and parts enables us to reduce waste and discard them in a safe and appropriate way.

Tires also play a part in our goal to be eco-friendly.

On top of having tires recycled, we sell and inform customers about eco-friendly tires, which weigh less and require less force in order to move.

You can determine which tires are environmentally friendly by taking a look at the tread depth, which are going to start at a lower number.

When repairing flat tires, our technicians use plugs rather than Fix-A-Flat, which is bad for the environment. Anyone who uses this product is charged a hazmat fee. That way, we can have it recycled like our oil and coolant.

Vehicle next to Emissions Inspection Station and Certified Emissions Repair Facility signs.We offer emissions inspections and repairs

Steve’s Auto Repair is an emissions inspection and repair facility.

When performing Vehicle Emissions Testing – which is managed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – inspectors ensure that a vehicle isn’t leaking oil or has any audible exhaust leaks. They also make sure it has a catalytic converter, which is responsible for reducing how much air pollution is produced.

Conducted every two years, an emission test is required on vehicles that are parked in certain localities. Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park are among them.

We can repair problems that would prevent a car from passing the emissions inspection. The numerous issues that would cause a vehicle to fail include engine malfunctions, catalytic converter problems, misfires, and the check engine light turning on.

Our business’ emissions inspection program was recognized earlier this year for following license requirements and completing inspections in a “dedicated and commendable” manner.

Other ways we try to be eco-friendly

To keep our car repair shop clean, our staff uses biodegradable cleaning products. They contain natural substances and aren’t harmful to the environment or animals. 

When the building isn’t in use, we avoid wasting electricity by turning off computers and almost all lights – our security lights are the exception.

Even though we are already taking environmentally friendly actions, our company is considering other options for the future. Installing a waste oil heater is one idea we are looking into.

We are also planning to upgrade our lights, as they burn out, to energy saver lights.

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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Spark plugs and ignition coils: when they should be replaced

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When starting a vehicle, we don’t typically stop to think about all of the components and processes that make this action possible. 

Spark plugs and ignition coils are some of the little guys that are working behind the scene.

So, what do spark plugs do? Spark plugs team up with ignition coils and other components to get your vehicle to start. Fuel that is located in the cylinder head is sparked by the spark plugs. Ignition coils lend a hand by producing the voltage.

When to change spark plugs

How often to replace spark plugs has changed. These components have a much longer lifespan today. They used to be replaced around the 30,000 mile mark. This has been extended to between 60,000 and 105,000 miles. 

However, you should consult your manual for the manufacturer guidelines for your vehicle or feel free to contact your local auto repair shop.

If you’re wondering how to tell if a spark plug is bad, here are some indicators:

  • The check engine light turns on
  • You’re having trouble starting your vehicle
  • Your car runs rough when idle
  • Engine misfires (You may feel that your car is chugging when going up a hill or accelerating.)

With today’s vehicles, with OBDII systems if you feel the vehicle not running correctly and the check engine light is flashing you definitely have a misfire that could be causing catalytic converter damage.

Technician working on vehicle.

Because of all the computer systems and safety systems in cars and trucks, if you have an engine running problem it could impact other safety systems, such as traction control and Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) systems. Since the engine wouldn’t be running correctly, the computer may turn those systems off when you have a problem.

If you are having a misfire, you need to get it diagnosed by your local auto mechanic to actually get to the bottom of the problem. Starting with computer diagnostics and pulling the code that may just show a cylinder misfire doesn’t really help you pinpoint the issue. They may need to perform some testing to determine if it’s a spark plug, coil boot, ignition coil, or an ignition control problem, such as an ECM (car’s computer) or an ignition module.

Types of spark plugs

There are different kinds of spark plugs produced. When replacing them on your vehicle, it’s important that you use the right type and avoid choosing the cheapest option.

We recommend using O.E. manufacturer specific spark plugs over O.E. equivalent, and here’s why:

Certain spark plug manufacturers are associated with specific vehicle manufacturers. For example, Bosch is known for producing parts for European vehicles. Many of these  manufacturers will also make spark plugs for other vehicles, and they may work just fine. However, they also might not for the long haul. This can be for various reasons, like the tolerances being off.

In addition to having spark plugs produced by various manufacturers, you now have different metals being used. There are tips made out of platinum and iridium. This can impact how long a spark plug lasts.

Worn spark plug and carbon buildup on spark plug.

What can cause spark plug problems

There are quite a few issues that can cause a bad spark plug.

Spark plugs could go bad if carbon builds up, which may be a result of dirty air filters or fuel injectors, or if the fuel-air combination is too rich.

The spark plug tip becoming overheated multiple times, and engine oil entering the combustion chamber are other culprits of spark plug failure.

Valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals.

Overtime, the gap will get bigger, due to the metal wearing away from everyday use.

A lot of engines are designed where the spark plug is located in a tube in the middle of the cylinder head. The gaskets and seals can leak into the spark plug tubes. So, in some instances the fix may be replacing the spark plugs and the spark plug boots and also the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals.

How to tell if ignition coils are bad

If you notice that your car is misfiring or stalling, it could be an indicator of a bad ignition coil. Other symptoms include rough idle, misfire during acceleration, and hard start.

Distributor-less ignition system and ignition coils.

This part may stop working correctly if a vehicle has bad spark plugs or plug wires, or if there is an overload with the voltage.

Like spark plugs, ignition coils can be designed differently. Sometimes, ignition boots come separate from ignition coils.

There are four types of ignition coils: conventional, electronic, coil packs, and coil-on-plug. Without getting too much into the weeds, each type of coil has the same purpose of producing high voltage to the spark plug but are designed differently.

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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State Inspections piece by Steve’s Auto Repair owner published

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

State inspections and whether they are necessary has been heavily discussed by Virginia lawmakers and those working in the automotive industry.

This topic is the focus of an article that was published by InsideNOVA earlier this month.

The Northern Virginia media outlet shared an opinion piece by Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Co-Owner ST Billingsley. 

Titled “State Inspections help keep local drivers safe,” the guest column talks about why the annual requirement is important.

One out of five vehicles didn’t pass the safety inspection in Virginia in 2018, according to Keep Virginia Roads Safe. Of those that failed, 78 percent had infractions associated with steering and suspension components. There were braking violations on 44 percent of the automobiles, and tire infringements on 41 percent of them. 

Vehicles, the article explained, can have issues without drivers being aware of them. If those problems aren’t addressed, they can jeopardize the safety of the drivers, their passengers, and others.

The number of deaths on highways rose in states that got rid of safety programs, such as South Carolina and Florida.

In the opinion piece, Billingsley also encouraged drivers to have their vehicle inspected each year, and avoid using cars that haven’t received regular maintenance or been checked over by an automotive professional.

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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Car heater blowing cold air

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

If you’re like me, you have or are getting ready to turn the heat on during your morning commute.

When you do it the first couple of times this season, you may notice a couple of problems.

A burning smell is one of them. This can happen if dirt kicks up in an area that hasn’t been used in a while. But if the issue persists, you should have it checked out at a repair shop near you.

The car heater blowing cold air is another common problem, which can stem from several underlying issues. These reasons include:

  • Low on coolant
  • Heater core problems
  • Thermostat not working
  • Blocked or broken heater control  

We will provide a deeper explanation about each possible cause below.

Low on coolant

A car heater not blowing hot air can occur when a vehicle’s coolant level is low. Coolant helps ensure that the engine temperature doesn’t get too high and prevents issues, like your car overheating. The warm air you feel when you turn on your heat is generated by hot coolant from the engine. If the right amount of coolant isn’t in the system – typically the result of a coolant leak – the heater won’t function correctly.

Air distributor box and heater core.

Heater core problems

We mentioned earlier that hot coolant is needed to warm up a vehicle. The heater core is also a necessary part of this process. A car heater not working could be caused by a bad heater core or if the heater core is leaking. Bad heater core symptoms include the vents blowing cold air, and fog on the windows or in the front seats. Debris called “scale” could also be blocking this component, preventing coolant from making it into the heater core.

Thermostat not working

If a car heater isn’t doing its job, there may be a problem with the thermostat, which opens and closes based on the coolant’s temperature. A bad thermostat may cause the engine to become too hot or too cold and lead to the car heater blowing cold air.

Blend door, actuator and heater core tubes.

Blocked or broken heater control

Another possible issue is a blocked or broken heater control. For a heater control problem, it can be a few things. With today’s vehicles having a lot of electronics in them, there are “mode door actuators,” which are little electric motors that move a little door back and forth. That allows the air to go through the heater core, or not, and helps adjust the temperature. You can also have a blend door sensor made out of plastic that can break and won’t move, only allowing you to feel cold air. You can also have problems with heater control cables on some of the older vehicles. Blockages may occur in the air distribution box – where the heater core is located – as well. Mouse nests, papers and other items can prevent air from making it to the heater core.

Air distribution box.

The type of car heater repair needed varies for each problem. Our technicians are able to perform diagnostic testing and replace the parts needed to address it.

Sometimes, if the heater core needs to be replaced the whole dash of the vehicle must be removed. This can take a little bit of time, so if you need a new heater core plan to be without your car for one to three days.

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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After hours pick up offered at Steve’s Auto Repair

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

When you’re having work done on your car at a local auto repair shop, a bit of planning may be needed to bring the vehicle by or pick it up. 

Steve’s Auto Repair has a few different pick up and drop off options to make it easier for customers.

Some drivers can’t pick up their vehicle while we’re open. For that reason, we are now providing an alternative – our after hours key return.

This option allows you to acquire your car keys without having to worry about them being left in an unlocked vehicle.

After hours pick up option

If you are unable to come by between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, you may pay for any repairs or services through text or email. 

Once the payment has been processed, you will receive a code to use in our after hours key return. This will allow you to get your key.

When you are available, swing by Steve’s Auto Repair, which is located at 2603 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge. Then, type the code into the after hours key return.

By offering this after hours pick up option, we hope to make it easier for you to get back 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.