Posted on 1/27/2023
Smog checks are a necessary part of car ownership in many states, including the state of Virginia. They are designed to ensure that vehicles are not emitting harmful pollutants into the air. If your car fails a smog check, or emissions test, you may be required to make repairs and have the car re-inspected before you can register it or renew your registration. Here are a few tips on how to pass a smog check: Get regular maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can help ensure that your car is running at peak performance and can help you pass a smog check. Look at the air filter: A dirty air filter can reduce your car's fuel efficiency and cause it to emit more pollutants. Make sure to replace your air filter if it is dirty or clogged. Check the emissions control system: Make sure that all emissions control equipment, such as catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, is working properly. Inspect the gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause ... read more
Posted on 12/30/2022
It is easy to know when you need new brake pads. The squealing noises from your brakes and the brake warning light are enough signs. On the other hand, determining if you require a new brake rotor is relatively difficult. Brake rotors experience significant wear and tear despite being made from sturdy metal. The following are signs you need a brake rotor replacement: Pulsation When you step on the brake pedal, you will feel a particular pulsation caused by the engagement of the Automatic Braking System (ABS). If a brake rotor is in good shape, there should be no further sound or vibration. With time, the brake rotor will start to wobble, and the wobble or runout will increase. You need a brake rotor replacement when the runout causes brake pulsation and steering wheel vibration when you brake. The mechanic will measure it and tell you if the wobble is causing the pulsation. Overheating Riding the brakes or long braking when driving downhill can easily cause deformation of the rot ... read more
Posted on 11/28/2022
Just because your timing belt is tucked away and out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. The timing belt plays an essential role in your engine – it rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft, so the cylinders can fire at the right time. While these belts are made of quality rubber, they don’t last forever. You should replace the timing belt on time. When your timing belt wears out, it may show the following symptoms: Ticking noise - A ticking sound means your timing belt is in serious trouble and requires a replacement soon. Oil leak - When your timing belt looks bad, you may notice oil spotting or leaking. This occurs when the gasket between the engine block and the timing belt cover wears out. Exhaust fumes - Excess exhaust smoke can mean various things, including a worn timing belt. In simple terms, your engine is working with a lot of stress. Therefore, you should check on your timing belt. Trouble turning over engine - When your timing ... read more
Posted on 10/31/2022
The car's braking system undergoes constant pressure when you drive around. You need them in order to decelerate or come to a complete stop when you need to. Therefore, a brake problem can be terrifying to deal with. One thing that can significantly wear down your brakes is pressing down on them too hard. The extra pressure heats your brakes, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. But can it damage your car? You might have to brake abruptly in certain situations, such as trying to avoid hitting another vehicle (or bicyclist or pedestrian). Understandably, you have to do it from time to time. But the answer is that braking too hard can damage your braking system. Firstly, it can dramatically wear down your brake pads. We recommend keeping a safe distance between you and other cars to prevent hard brakes. Secondly, you should be cautious of your surroundings and practice safe driving. As mentioned before, braking harshly will cause your brakes to heat up, makin ... read more
Posted on 9/28/2022
Your car almost entirely runs of fuel, which means that any issue with the fuel system will potentially affect the car functioning. For instance, the fuel filter can cause a lot of challenges. So if you suspect a faulty fuel filter, here are some symptoms you might notice; Stalling If your engine frequently stops out while you're on the road, your fuel filter may be unclean. Again, depending on how bad the obstruction was, your automobile could just start up again with no apparent loss of power. Stalls increase in frequency or get worse when accelerating as the obstruction gets worse and fuel supply is more erratic. It's probably time to change the filter because it is becoming entirely blocked. Increased Fuel Consumption You might want to check your gas filter if your vehicle's fuel usage starts to seem unpleasantly high. Your engine may run tight when your gas filter is blocked, squandering oil as it works harder to maintain your car. You can decrease the burden and g ... read more