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Engine diagnostics training held for HomeTowne Auto Repair

In Automotive Diagnostics, News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Tracking down engine problems was covered in a recent class.

HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire participated in an Advanced Engine Diagnostics training that was run by NAPA AutoTech.

Data is one of the topics discussed during the training.

The NAPA AutoTech representative showed what a compression stroke and the wave form for a good crankshaft sensor look like.

Engine diagnostics training.
Engine diagnostics training

The engine diagnostics process

Information from the engine diagnostics training can be helpful for both service advisors and technicians.

When talking to customers, front counter personnel are able to better explain next steps in the diagnostic process.

One of our Service Advisors learned about other ways to diagnose cars that might save time in the future.

Misfires and mass airflow sensors

This course showed newer technicians that there is a lot more to learn. 

One of the Apprentice Technicians found the topic of emissions and engine misfires interesting.

The discussion about mass air flow sensors also stood out to him. At this point, he doesn’t typically run into mass airflow sensor problems, but it helped point him in the right direction when he works on them in the future

For more experienced technicians, the engine diagnostics training reaffirmed details they were aware of.

With regular training, our goal is to provide team members at all levels the support and knowledge they need.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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HomeTowne Auto Repair invests in new scan tool

In Automotive Diagnostics, News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

When a vehicle receives a new part, sometimes the software needs an upgrade.

The technicians at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire are now able to move forward with these tasks.

We have invested in an OPUS IVS DrivePro 2. Like any other scan tool, this device provides us with live data. It also comes with other features, such as programming.

Features of our new scan tool

Using this device, our technicians can program and code new software.

Say we’re working on a Nissan with a mass airflow code. Maybe the mass airflow sensor is doing what it’s supposed to but the computer is manipulating the information in a different way. 

In this case, Nissan might say, “Oh, I see the problem – here’s an updated part. However, you have to change the parameters on the computer.” That’s what the new software does.

Master Technician using Opus IVS DrivePro 2.
Master Technician using Opus IVS DrivePro 2

Our new scan tool comes with built-in programs, which help speed up the diagnostic testing process.

It also has some AI-driven diagnostic procedures. This ensures that technicians at different levels don’t miss something when working on your vehicle.

Taking out roadblocks

One of our Master Technicians likes how the OPUS IVS DrivePro 2 gives us more capabilities.

When a manufacturer comes out with an update for one of the modules, we can go in and do it ourselves.

Being able to reprogram allows us to take care of our customers at the shop instead of sending them to the dealer.

Today’s vehicles are made up of many computers and modules. By keeping up with technology, we can continue to improve our diagnostic process.

That way, we can – in a more timely manner – get the keys back to where they’re supposed to be: in your hands.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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HomeTowne Auto Repair hosts Tank Farm Day for employees

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire employees visited the Tank Farm in Nokesville this past weekend.

The Americans in Wartime Experience uses this property for its annual Tank Farm Open House.

HomeTowne Auto Repair employees and their loved ones receive a Tank Farm tour.

On Sunday, we were able to hold a Tank Farm Day for our staff members and their loved ones.

Family Day participants received a tour of the property and rode on an armored personnel carrier. Food from Mission BBQ in Woodbridge was provided, as well.

Those taking a tour check out military vehicles.

“It was great getting together with our co-workers and meeting family members,” Marketing Director Erin Jones said. “We really appreciate the Americans in Wartime Experience allowing us to host Tank Farm Day.”

Tank Farm Day attendees in an armored personnel carrier.

We would also like to give a special shout out to Mary Hooker and Latajia Carthens from Mission BBQ for helping us put this event together.

Community members will be able to see the Americans in Wartime Experience’s military vehicle collection at the 2023 Tank Farm Open House. The event is taking place at 13906 Aden Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 26 and 27.

Tank Farm Open House flyer.

HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire is a supporter of the Americans in Wartime Experience. More information about the open house can be found on the non-profit’s website or in this article we wrote.

Here is a video of what it was like riding on the armored personnel carrier:

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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HomeTowne supports Americans in Wartime Experience

In Community Involvement, News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Memorial Day is almost here. We are grateful for all who sacrificed.

Becoming a V3 Certified Company

Several of our employees currently serve or are veterans. These military branches include the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, active Marine Reserve, and Navy.

Earlier this year, we became a V3 Certified Company. To receive this recognition, we completed required training offered by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. 

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services runs the initiative, which seeks to assist employers as they recruit, hire and keep veterans.

Virginia Department of Veterans Services folder.

Supporting the Americans in Wartime Experience

HomeTowne Auto Repair is a supporter of local non-profits, including the Americans in Wartime Experience. 

This organization aims to honor those who served and educate community members. It’s currently constructing a site in Dale City that will feature an education center and “landscapes of war” exhibits.

For several years, we have helped promote the Americans in Wartime Experience and its annual Tank Farm Open House. We produce videos and write articles that are shared through What’s Up Prince William (WUPW.news), a news site that we provide funding to.

HomeTowne Auto Repair has supported advertising on social media, as well.

Tank Farm Open House

This year’s Tank Farm Open House will be hosted on August 26 and 27. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Held at 13906 Aden Road in Nokesville, the program will feature military tanks and demonstrations. There will also be food trucks and activities for kids.

Registration and more information about the Tank Farm Open House can be found on the Americans in Wartime Experience’s website. Donations are requested but not required to participate.

Here is a video about the event:

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Why you should work for HomeTowne Auto Repair

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Are you looking for a positive work environment or a career that’s constantly evolving with technology?

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is actively accepting job applications.

Our family owned business was established in Woodbridge, Virginia in 2013. We perform a variety of services.

Job positions at HomeTowne Auto Repair

There are several job positions available. These include shuttle drivers, automotive technicians, general service technicians, service advisors, and marketing team members.

We work as a team to help our customers and provide them with exceptional service.

Employee benefits

Working at our auto repair shop comes with many benefits.

In addition to paid holidays and vacation time, we offer competitive pay and an employee discount. 

Each technician receives uniforms as well as a laptop and tablet to use. Employees have a 5-day work week and access to training opportunities. We also cover 100 percent of their basic health care plan.

How to apply

Those interested in applying should email their resumes or work experience and their phone number to jobs@hometownetire.com.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and provide a driving record from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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HomeTowne Auto Repair participating in apprenticeship program

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is working with NAPA Auto Parts, which created an apprenticeship program. It’s geared toward young people who are interested in entering the automotive field and being automotive technicians.

Tools are one of the barriers to entering the industry, because you don’t necessarily know what tools to buy, and it can be very expensive to get started.

Through this program, we as a shop buy a cart and $2,500 worth of tools from Carlyle Tools. Participants are partnered up with a mentor and have access to the NAPA online training center, where they watch videos, complete classes and take tests.

One of our technicians standing with a manager.

The apprenticeship program is built to span 2 years. Over that time frame – along with mentorship, on the job training, and classes – they should earn four ASE certifications. While the tests must be taken offsite, the aspiring technicians are able to prepare for them through available classes and ASE test prep courses.

As participants receive ASE certifications, they earn more money. So not only are they getting experience, they’re also growing their income.

There is still a great need for automotive technicians. Those who didn’t or aren’t interested in attending college can move up very quickly, if they apply themselves. Much of the training is now online, so you don’t have to necessarily wait for a class to be offered in your area like you used to.

With vehicles today being as complicated as they are, you need a way to get a good start in this field. 

We find that a lot of young people are coming out of some automotive training programs without any real world experience. So, it’s almost like they’re starting over, even if they have an associates degree for automotive. Training in the automotive field is imperative.

A HomeTowne Auto Repair technician and manager next to a tool box.

The automotive industry is very good because it’s challenging, and there’s a lot of work with electronics and high-tech now. It’s not just changing tires and brakes. We do offer those services, but there’s so much more tied to it. 

For example, many electronics are connected to the tires on a vehicle. There are sensors that produce a specific ID, antennas that pick up the signal, and modules that take that and convert it to signals for the car’s computer. All of this takes place just to tell you how much pressure is in a tire and if it’s losing air. So, this is no longer your grandpa’s car we’re working on.

Electronics are among the topics that will be covered in the apprenticeship program. Participants will also learn about a wide range of other subjects, such as diagnostics, brake systems, as well as heating and cooling systems.

Four of our employees are in this program, and we look forward to seeing how successful they will be. 

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

A NAPA Apprenticeship program participant with one of our managers.
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Catalytic converters getting stolen from vehicles

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Those who park their cars in commuter lots should stay vigilant.

Recently, HomeTowne Auto Repair has received four cars that had their catalytic converters stolen.

What catalytic converters do

Located after the exhaust manifold, this component adjusts the exhaust emission, decreasing the amount of air pollution a car produces.

A vehicle may have between one and five catalytic converters.

They are made with very expensive metals and can be sold at scrap yards for $50 to $500.

How thieves work

Catalytic converter thieves tend to target commuter lots and hit a few cars at one time.

When there are hundreds of vehicles packed into a space, they are able to slip into the middle rows and are in and out within a few minutes.  

From what we’ve learned, there are multiple people using multiple tools. New reciprocating saw blades are used, with the old ones left in the parking lot.

This occurs in waves and isn’t done randomly.

We recommend keeping your car in plain sight and have a camera on it at all times.

There are companies, like CatClamp, that produce catalytic converter locks. 

We installed this on a truck after a customer had their converter stolen twice in one year.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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HomeTowne Auto Repair pickup and delivery option

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Are you stuck at home? Is your car in need of repair? A new service is making sure that it’s ready for the road.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is offering a pickup and delivery service.

How the pickup and delivery service works

Those who would like to use the service can call us at (703) 594-4646 and schedule to have their vehicle picked up from their home. 

After taking photos of any damage they see, a staff member will drive it to HomeTowne Auto Repair.

We will call you with information from the inspection and an estimate, and when we have your approval we will proceed with the repairs.

Once the work is complete, our staff will reach out to you, and you will be able to pay over the phone.

A drop off time will then be scheduled.

Towing can be arranged for vehicles that shouldn’t be driven or aren’t starting. Our pickup and delivery service can be impacted by severe weather.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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Shuttle and pickup options for our auto repair shop during Coronavirus

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is taking several steps to protect customers and their families, as well as staff members.

We are offering a scheduled pickup and delivery service for those working from home or taking care of the kids.

If you’re interested in this option, please call us at 703-594-4646.

Drop off and pickup options

We are also offering some drop off and pickup options.

Anyone who doesn’t wish to come into the building may drop off their car and place keys in the “After Hours” drop off slot — even if we’re open.

You can also give us a call, and a staff member will come outside to collect the keys and information.

We are still offering our free shuttle service.

Customers are welcome inside the building, however, we are limiting our waiting area to one person or party at a time.

Cleaning procedures

HomeTowne Auto Repair is also increasing the number of times we are sanitizing door handles and common areas.

Our bathroom and waiting room area are being cleaned after each use.

After working on your vehicle, we are cleaning certain areas, such as the steering wheel and door handles.

This additional cleaning may cause more delays than normal, so please be patient. 

Thank you for your continued support. We hope to do everything we can to make this difficult time less hectic.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics. 

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How to deal with sun glare

In News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

It’s that time of the year where the sun is at a bad angle and blinds drivers during their commute. We have a few suggestions for how you can address the sun glare.

Sun glare tips:

  • Using a sun visor is one solution.
  • Drivers should also make sure their windshield is clear by cleaning it inside and out.
  • They can also set their defroster to the warm setting and turning the fan up.
  • It’s also a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.