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 fromMission BBQ in Woodbridge was provided, as well.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are animals making themselves at home in your vehicle?
As the cooler temperatures begin to creep in, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for various creatures that seek shelter in or near it.
“I’ve removed anything from mice, rats, squirrels, and their nests,” HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Owner ST Billingsley said. “I’ve removed cats, snakes, and even a chinchilla.”
Many critters are drawn to your car’s warmth. The normal operating temperature of engines are 220 degrees, and they stay warm for hours after the vehicle is turned off.
Others view it as protection from predators. An owl can see a frog through a leaf, but can’t see it through metal.
Animals may also be drawn by smells.
So, it’s important to pay attention, especially right now.
Signs of rodents
While working on vehicles, we will see indicators that a rodent has been around. These signs include nests in the air box and upholstery damage. (Upholstery is a material that mice enjoy using to build them.)
The air box – where the cabin air filter goes – is one place they like to build nests. This can restrict the air flow to the engine. As part of the oil change service at HomeTowne Auto Repair, we do check the cabin air filter. That’s how we find those things and get them cleared up. You may be able to hear a mouse nest moving around when you turn on your blower motor.
Another area they tend to camp out is the heating and air conditioning air distribution box behind the dash. They like to eat up the insulation for nest construction.
You may also notice mouse droppings or experience car problems.
One of our customers needed to have their Buick towed in, because it wouldn’t start. When cranking, the vehicle would begin to start and then make a weird noise. It had been sitting unused for about a month.
We got the car into the shop and discovered that the main engine harness and harness and connector to the mass airflow were chewed up.
Rodent damaged wires
How to keep animals away
Having mice or other rodents can be a nuisance and lead to damage that you need to take care of. So, how can you prevent them from making your car their living quarters?
It’s a good practice to check your engine oil once a week. That’s a perfect time to check to make sure nests aren’t being formed and insulation isn’t getting chewed up.
There are a few ways you can discourage mice from getting comfortable.
If you park your vehicle in a garage, you can use a more traditional tactic – setting up mouse traps around it. (Just make a note to yourself to move them when you’re getting ready to back out.)
Mice can be driven away by the smell of dryer sheets. So you might want to try tucking them into the engine compartment.
It also doesn’t hurt to keep your car clean. That way they aren’t attracted to the smell of empty soda cans, candy wrappers, and bags from fast food restaurants.
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.
If your battery light comes on or flickers on your dashboard, it could be a sign of an alternator going bad.
The alternator is driven by the engine to produce electricity to run the accessories in a vehicle and recharge the battery.
Some common problems that could lead to an alternator not working correctly can be normal wear and tear, and the brushes or diodes going bad. A common overlooked problem is a drive belt — or serpentine belt — becoming loose or stretched and slipping around the alternator.
The large number of electronics in today’s vehicles and all the accessories drivers like to plug in puts a heavy load on the alternator. The alternators actually have to be more heavy duty than before so they can charge the battery at a consistent rate.
Battery light and other signs of an alternator problem
The battery light coming on steady or flickering, especially when you come to a stop, are some signs that you’re having an alternator problem.
If you’re having a problem starting your car, it could be because the alternator is struggling to charge the battery.
If you believe you’re having any problems, you’ll want to have your vehicle checked with good electrical diagnostic equipment at your local auto repair shop. Because of the demand on the electrical system and the way alternators are designed, the old way of checking alternators isn’t always accurate.
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.
