HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Blog

Toyota Prius tire alignment problems

In Vehicle Alignment by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 19, 2019

Are the tires of your Toyota Prius wearing unevenly? Is your car pulling to one side? Does the steering feel sloppy?

These are some signs of a bad tire alignment.

Various issues can be mistaken for a wheel alignment problem.

The steering wheel shuddering when you press the brake pedal is one of them.

Tire alignments should be performed when new tires are placed on the vehicle, and once a year — especially when you commute or are driving in an area that has lots of construction or potholes.

When you get new tires, you need to get a four-wheel alignment, because if the rear wheels are out, it can cause the vehicle to feel strange going around corners.

If your Prius has Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a point VSC calibration should be performed.

Issues that can occur with a Toyota Prius tire alignment

There are rear shims available to bring the rear wheels into the correct specifications, but they can only adjust so much. If the specs are out further than what can be done with shims, there could be bent components, such as a strut or spindle.

Another reason to make sure you have a good, four-wheel alignment is you can lose three miles per gallon if the tires are causing more resistance than they should be.

Toe, caster and camber are the main specifications that need to be checked during a wheel alignment.

Rust is one problem that may appear during a Toyota Prius tire alignment.

Depending on where Toyotas come from and how well they’ve been maintained, a lot of rust can build up on the suspension components, especially where adjustments are made.

The rust can cause components the seize up. This may require some parts to be replaced in order to perform the alignment correctly.

Some replacement parts for the Toyota Prius that are from the factory don’t come with needed adjustments. Aftermarket manufacturers do produce parts that offer them.

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 accepting Toys for Tots donations

In Community Involvement by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 13, 2019

Are you looking for a way to help the less fortunate?

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is serving as a drop off location for Toys for Tots.

The annual Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped gifts for children in need.

Where and when to drop off Toys for Tots donations

Toys for Tots donations can be brought to the auto shop between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is located at 15698 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge.

“We’ll start drop-offs next week and we’ll go ‘til December 14,” Service Writer Heather Skerry said.

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Check engine light started flashing

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 7, 2019

Written by Erin Flynn

My work week had an unexpected (and slightly stressful) start.

I had filled up the gas tank for my Volkswagen Beetle on my way to work. But when I was leaving the gas station parking lot, my vehicle began to shudder.

It stopped and then started shuddering again a little while later. As I was traveling down the road and preparing to merge onto I-95, the check engine light began to flash. “Oh no,” I thought to myself. A few minutes passed, and the light became solid.

I decided to have my car checked out and I cautiously made my way to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire. With a lot of luck, I arrived safely and explained my experience to the employees.

Determining the problem

When checking my car, the Woodbridge mechanics found out that it needed a new ignition coil.

They used a scan tool and noticed that there was a misfire, which means that the air in the fuel isn’t igniting the way it should. This problem may be the result of a bad spark plug or ignition coil, or too much or too little air or fuel.

Some symptoms of a misfire include the check engine light coming on, and a vehicle stalling, running rough or shuddering.

After the misfire occurred on cylinder 3, the technician swapped out one of the ignition coils with another one and saw the misfire followed to cylinder 2. If there had been an issue with the spark plug, the second misfire would have happened on cylinder 3.

Ignition coils, which can be found in most makes and models, command a spark plug to spark. Poor connection and oil intrusion can cause them to fail. They can also go bad over time.

Why did my check engine light turn on?

An ignition coil or spark plug going bad are a couple of culprits behind a check engine light turning on. However, there are many causes, such as a loose gas cap, low oil, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, and problems with the coolant system.

Meanwhile, a flashing check engine light may be a sign that there is an engine problem.

More reasons why the light turns are explained in an article posted on Bumper.com.

If you noticed that the check engine light came on and is remaining solid, there’s no need to panic. But the sooner you have your vehicle checked out, the better. Choosing to have it looked at early on can help automotive professionals pinpoint the issue more easily and quickly.

However, if your vehicle starts shuddering or your check engine light comes on, you should have a mechanic or auto repair shop look at it immediately. We also recommend that you avoid driving the car. Waiting to address a blinking check engine light could lead to bigger, more expensive issues, like catalytic converter damage.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to an expert if any other lights appear, or if you notice strange behaviors or sounds. To learn about dashboard lights and what they mean, check out this article we posted.

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What is a fuel injector?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 29, 2019

Certain components need to be in good working order in order for your vehicle’s engine to run properly.

Its performance can be impacted when there is a problem with the fuel injectors. These parts are responsible for sending fuel to the cylinder, allowing the engine to operate.

A 2008 Jeep Wrangler that was brought to HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire needed new fuel injectors. The vehicle’s check engine light had turned on, and it had a fuel injector code.

The intake manifold on a Sahara Jeep Wrangler. — Intake manifold on a Sahara Jeep Wrangler

Replacing fuel injectors

To reach the fuel injectors, we needed to remove the intake manifold. On this Jeep Wrangler, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube runs from the valve on top of the intake.

While working on the vehicle, we realized that a fuel injector was out of specification. We needed to install new injectors before rechecking it.

The steps to replace fuel injectors vary among vehicles. Some fuel injectors are in the intake manifold. Others are mounted directly into the cylinder head like a spark plug. That’s called direct injection.The general injector replacement process includes releasing fuel pressure, disconnecting the fuel rail, and pulling the fuel injectors out of the fuel rail.

The number of injectors depends on the cylinders. Most vehicles have one per cylinder but some have two for each cylinder.

Fuel injectors normally last the life of the vehicle. However, there are a few common issues found with some automobiles. For example, when certain Chevrolets reach 70,000 or 80,000 miles they will have a misfire at a cold start. This problem tends to resolve itself as the engine warms up. We’ve worked on a bunch of those vehicles.

Signs of fuel injector problems

The check engine light turning on isn’t the only sign that the fuel injectors aren’t working correctly. You may also notice the vehicle is riding rough and lacking power.

Other indicators of a fuel injector problem include the car having trouble starting or using more fuel than normal.

Another symptom that can appear if something is wrong with the injectors are engine misfires, which is when the fuel isn’t ignited right.

As high tech as some of these vehicles are becoming – such as certain Mercedes engines – it could take a while to diagnose and track down what your misfire problem may be due to the injectors.

A direct replacement may not be a fix. The manufacturer may have to read the values of the injectors overtime, and they can recommend what cylinder the injector should be put in to balance out the engine.

However, it’s always good to check the basics first, such as spark plugs, ignition coils and the operation of the fuel injectors.

Fuel injector maintenance

The best way to make sure a vehicle’s fuel injectors last is to take care of them over a period of time. Having fuel induction services conducted regularly is one way you can maintain them.

Recommended every 30,000 miles, the fuel induction service cleans out the air induction and fuel injection systems. Contaminants are removed from fuel injectors and other parts by a fuel system cleaner.

It’s a good idea to replace any bad fuel injectors in your vehicle sooner rather than later. If you have a symptom that’s linked to a fuel injector problem and the part isn’t replaced, the symptom will continue to grow worse.

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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Maintaining your vehicle’s coolant level

In Vehicle Fluids by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 22, 2019

Written by Erin Flynn

When I started my Volkswagen Beetle a few days ago, I heard a beeping sound and noticed that one of my dashboard lights was blinking.

A few seconds later, it turned off. I learned, later on, that it had been the coolant level light.

One of the staff members from HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire checked my vehicle’s coolant level and added fluid.

The light, he explained, turns on when the coolant goes below two metal rods that are located in the reservoir. However, each vehicle is designed differently.

Coolant Level Warning Light. — Coolant Level Warning Light

A vehicle’s engine operates at the same temperature throughout the year. Its coolant level fluctuates when it’s extremely hot or cold outside.

What can cause the Coolant Level Light to turn on?

Decreases in coolant could also mean that there’s a coolant leak, which can be difficult to determine. Parts of a cooling system may leak when the vehicle is moving or when it’s stationary.

The coolant light could also be triggered if an engine is overheating.

Some vehicles have a dual purpose light, and others have a separate one.

Dashboard lights have various meanings.

You can learn about those specific to your vehicle by reading your owner’s manual.

Whether your vehicle has a spare tire and the location of your vehicle’s tire parts are also covered in the handbook.

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Check engine light may indicate catalytic converter problem

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 15, 2019

A catalytic converter helps reduce pollution by changing a vehicle’s exhaust emission.

Ray from HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire installed a new one on a Dodge Caravan on Monday.

The vehicle was brought to the shop when the check engine light came on.

When checking the O2 sensors on the computer, he realized that the catalytic converter wasn’t working properly.

An old catalytic converter and a new catalytic converter. — An old catalytic converter and a new catalytic converter

Catalytic converter types

Different types of two-way and three-way converters are available. Years ago, one-way converters were used.

Ray installed a two-way converter, which contains chemicals that changes the air.

The type of converter a vehicle needs depends on the make and model, and how the engine runs.

Some converters don’t go bad.

Others may need replacing if a misfire occurs. A misfire shoots raw fuel in the converter, which can’t switch over raw fuel.

In addition to the check engine light coming on, the smell of raw fumes is another sign that a vehicle needs a new one. However, the check engine light would be your first indicator.

There are many reasons why a check engine light turns on. If it does, it’s a good idea to bring the vehicle into an auto repair shop soon.

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Oil leaks in Toyota Tundra’s and Sequoia’s

In Uncategorized by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 4, 2019

Oil leaks are a common problem with some Toyota Tundra’s and Sequoia’s. HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire has certified technicians who can help solve them.

This week, Technician Ray addressed an oil leak by replacing a camshaft cover seal. The seal was located between the camshaft housing and head of the Toyota V8 engine. To get to the seal, he needed to remove the valve covers, front cover, timing chain, and camshafts.

How to tell if a vehicle is experiencing oil leaks

Drivers can have their vehicles checked during oil changes to make sure there aren’t any issues.

Parking on a clean surface will allow them to see if a puddle is forming.

Typically, engine oil is black, brown or yellow. Check out this article to read about other reasons why a vehicle may be leaking.

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Signs that your starter is going bad

In Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireSeptember 12, 2019

Click. Click. Click.

It’s a dreaded sound for many drivers, especially when they are trying — unsuccessfully — to start their car. This is also a telltale sign that a vehicle’s starter is going bad.

A bad starter is one reason why a car won’t start. Having a dead battery or the alternator going bad are other possibilities.

What are the symptoms of a bad starter?

Aside from a clicking noise, drivers may notice some other indicators when the starter needs to be replaced.

You may also hear a slight grinding noise. When you turn your key in the ignition, the bendex shoots out and spins at a high rate, starting the flywheel. This is what starts your car. A grinding sound could mean the bendex is wearing down.

Another giveaway is if your vehicle won’t start, even when a jumper box or a jumper cable are attached to it. If this is the case, try to jump start your car and turn it over a few times to see if you can hit it just right.

Once you get it started, drive the vehicle directly to a mechanic or auto repair shop, and don’t turn it off until you arrive. If you do, you will have to redo the process of starting your car (and this time, you may need to have it towed).

Keep in mind that sometimes a starter doesn’t show any signs of going bad. It just stops working.

What can cause it to go bad?

There are three culprits behind a starter going bad: corrosion, time and overuse.

Corrosion can build up wherever there is copper. For example, there are copper bindings in this component.

Time is your biggest factor. It’s hard to say how long a starter will last. The lifespan varies, but you can usually make it around 100,000 to 150,000 miles before needing a new one. However, we’ve seen some cars reach 300,000 miles with the original starter.

The longevity is impacted by how often you turn a vehicle on. Do you start it twice a day because you are commuting, or is it more like 6, 7, or 8 times?

Starter replacement cost

Starter replacement cost isn’t set in stone. There are quite a few variables that affect the price tag. Starters themselves can range from $200 to $1,400.

It depends, in part, on where you buy it and the type of vehicle. You will be spending a little more money on a starter for a European car or a vehicle equipped with auto start, which has more features and is a bit heavier duty.

Whether the part is new, used or remanufactured also plays a role in the cost. Remanufactured starters are typically cheaper, and sometimes that’s all you can get for some of these older vehicles.

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Brakes and the Virginia Safety Inspection

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireSeptember 3, 2019

Bringing your vehicle in for the Virginia safety inspection is one way you can protect yourself and others.

The brakes of your vehicle have to be working properly in order to pass the yearly requirement.

Problems with brakes

There can’t be a soft brake pedal.

A hard brake pedal or a vehicle having a hard time stopping can be caught during the state inspection, as well.

This can be caused by a problem with the vacuum. Many vehicles now have electric pressure pumps, rather than old components, such as the vacuum brake booster.

Twisted brake hoses is another problem we keep an eye out for.

Brake hoses can become twisted for various reasons. Perhaps someone who was putting a caliper back on turned it one too many times.

The inspectors ensure that nothing is rubbing on or starting to wear through the brake hoses and they haven’t begun to develop excessive cracks.

A vehicle will fail if any active leaks or oil contamination is found.

Other parts we check

Brake pads must be at or above 2/32 inches.

We may start recommending new brakes at 3/32 or 4/32 of an inch, but they have to be under 2/32 to fail inspection. At 2/32 of an inch, brakes will technically pass, but they might not within a week or a month, depending on your driving conditions.

Rotors need a certain thickness that’s based on a manufacturer’s recommendations.

Excessive rust on the rotors is another symptom we look for.

You could have a caliper that is seized, or maybe a piston is pushing in but a caliper isn’t sliding. This means one pad isn’t making contact with the rotor and the wheel only has half of its braking ability. When we see a lot of rust built up on the rotor, it’s a good indication that the brakes aren’t working correctly.

Vehicle safety inspectors are also checking to make sure the parking brake is able to hold on a slight incline.

Some of the vehicles driven today use an electronic parking brake. They don’t even have a handle that you pull up; instead, it’s run by a computer.

There are different ways that the electronic parking brake needs to be tested during the state inspection.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) light is another component that’s checked. A vehicle can still pass inspection, even if the yellow ABS light is on. However, it will not pass if the red brake light is on, because that could indicate a problem with the parking brake system or fluid.

If it feels like there is a mechanical issue, inspectors can take the car for a test drive.

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When and why you should replace a timing belt

In Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireAugust 27, 2019

A vehicle’s timing belt goes around pulleys — the crankshaft, camshaft(s), tensioner and sometimes water pump.

When everything is correct, the belt keeps the crankshaft and the camshafts in correct timing, and if it fails on an interference engine you could catastrophic damage to the engine, such as bending the valves or breaking the pistons.

Timing Belt Routing

New timing belts should be installed between 50,000 and 105,000 miles. This depends on the make and model of a vehicle, the manufacturer recommendations, and the driving conditions.

From my personal experience, even though it has been recommended to change the timing belt at 90,000 miles, I haven’t had a problem pushing it to 105,000 miles. But these were Toyotas with two-inch-wide timing belts.

If the belt is a one-inch wide belt, you might want to keep it closer to 60,000 miles.

Not to sound derogatory, but the soccer mom — or dad — minivan gets driven hard like a high performance vehicle, just from running around and the stop-and-go driving. So you may want to stay on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Besides, you don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road with a bunch of kids.

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