HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Blog

Pitfalls of buying a used car

In Auto Shop Talk by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMay 28, 2020

This is just one of the experiences we’ve had working on a used car.

Our customer had just bought a 2013 Jeep Wrangler off a used car lot at a dealership. It had cool lights and just looked nice, beefy and fun to drive.

They brought it to us after they started hearing a growling noise when driving. After checking out the vehicle, the technician found out that it was the rear differential. After a couple of other checks, we decided it was time to replace it.

How we addressed problems on the Jeep Wrangler

We went with a JASPER remanufactured unit. While we were taking the old rear differential apart and getting ready to install the new one, we learned that the axles had been changed to off road axles that had screw-in studs we needed to find. The old rear differential also had a gear ratio that was different from the Jeep’s original ratio and the front differential ratio.

The new rear differential came in and was installed. During the test drive, the transmission would go into limp mode — which basically means that it won’t shift gears.

We spoke to the customer about this issue and they told us, “Oh yeah, it happened to us a few times after we got it. We’ve only had it two weeks.”

As we were doing more testing, we received codes for a speed sensor problem. Speed sensors are located inside the transmission on top of the valve body. Through other testing, we found the transmission control module was not communicating correctly.

A transmission control module came in and was programmed. We experienced the same problem while test driving, but now we had good communication.

Why you should get a used car checked

To make a long story short, we also needed to replace the transmission and reprogram the PCM back to the correct programming. This time, when we took it for a test drive, everything worked great — just like it’s supposed to.

The differential having a much lower gear ratio in the back, driving in two wheel drive helped mask the problem. Once they started having problems and couldn’t resolve them, they most likely traded it in to give their problems to someone else.

So, if you’re wondering what the moral of the story is: When you’re buying a Jeep that has been fixed up, without an accurate history of its past, you should expect to run into some problems. Maybe not as extensive as this one, but with all the aftermarket parts (we’re not saying they’re bad parts), you may not know what has been installed on the Jeep correctly or incorrectly.

It’s definitely a good idea to get it looked over very well by a mechanic at an auto repair shop. If it’s lifted or highly modified, you may also want to go to a second shop that specializes in Jeep performance and have those components looked at.

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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Why you shouldn’t use cheap brakes

In Brakes by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMay 20, 2020

Updated June 11, 2025

The quality of the parts used on a vehicle can play a large role in how it runs.

Brakes are no exception.

Some drivers may opt for cheap brakes. While this choice may save them a few bucks in the meantime, they could lead to a few problems.

How cheap brakes impact vehicles

We don’t recommend using cheap brakes for a number of reasons.

First of all, they can promote noise, vibrations, and road symptoms — such as rapid wear. These issues might not seem concerning initially, but you will eventually need to address them.

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is another factor to consider. ADAS is programmed to have a certain amount of braking force and the computers know when the brakes are cold or hot.

If you replace them with inferior parts, the control systems can be affected in an emergency situation. They may not grab as hard or they could have too much of a fade, impacting the safety of those in the car.

Drivers could see more brake dust, as well. Cheap brakes are going to throw brake dust all over the wheels – so much so that it can turn a silver wheel black.

Brake measurement on a Kia Telluride. — Brake measurement on a Kia Telluride

After the warranty is up, high quality brakes tend to last much longer and come with fewer symptoms than cheaper ones.

You may not see a difference between the two when you pull out of the auto shop parking lot. What you will notice is the value retention on the more expensive brakes is going to hold its weight.

Brake wear indicators

Brakes are one of the parts checked during the Virginia State Inspection. The minimum Virginia State Safety recommendations is no less than 2/32 of an inch.

Depending on the make and model of the vehicle and your driving conditions, it’s a good idea to start changing your brakes around 3/32 of an inch to 4/32 of an inch. For some vehicles, the manufacturer’s recommendation could be higher.

Brake rotors should be changed with a brake job because most of the rotors on today’s vehicles wear down. Rotors need to be able to dissipate heat so you don’t get a pulsation or vibration type feeling in the steering wheel and brake pedal. That pulsation symptom can impact the ADAS system.

Some indications you may need a brake job are grinding noises and brake pedal pulsation. You may also notice a low pedal or a high end squeak noises, which could be the pad low indicator rubbing on the brake rotor.

Keep in mind, if it has rained or been humid recently, you may notice squeaking when you first start braking early in the morning. If it goes away after you’ve pressed on the brake a couple times, it’s most likely a little bit of rust built up due to the humidity or the brake rotors being wet.

At HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire, part of our inspection process during our oil change is to do a visual inspection of the brakes to see if they’re getting low or if we notice any other problems.

Burnt brake pads and rotors on a GMC Sierra. — Burnt brake pads and rotors on a GMC Sierra

We look into any warning lights and performance problems, as well. The brakes on a GMC Sierra were locking up and glowing red. One of our technicians learned that the brake pads and rotors were burnt.

Many of the vehicles today have electronically controlled components, such as steering and brake callipers, that can hide some of the normal symptoms you would notice in older cars.

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Michelin Defender Tire features long lifespan

In Tires & Wheels by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMay 15, 2020

When it comes to tires, Michelin is top of line.

It produces a bunch of reliable options. One of its products – the Michelin Defender Tire – has become a favorite among drivers.

Many motorists approve of how well it performs across the different seasons. Others appreciate the long lifespan and comfortable ride it provides.

More tire sizes have become available over the years. Not only is it offered for SUVs and trucks, it can also be used by passenger vehicles and smaller cars.

Ready for any season

Having an all season tire that can be trusted in snow and rain

The Michelin Defender Tire excels in all kinds of weather. It offers great traction in dry conditions as well as wet weather.

When you’re driving on wet roads and have less time to brake, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire’s grip comes in handy. It has better snow traction than other tires, as well.

Those using the Michelin Defender T + H Tire can experience control and awesome grip all year, thanks to IntelliSipe technology. This tire also features rain grooves, which reduce the chance of hydroplaning.

Michelin Defender Tire worth the investment

The investment you put into the Michelin Defender Tire is well worth it. It’s designed with EverTread Compound, which helps extend its lifespan.

This quiet tire can last you a while – as long it receives regular maintenance, such as tire rotations.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires go on light trucks and crossovers, and have a 70,000 mile treadwear warranty. Michelin Defender T + H tires, used on crossovers and passenger cars, can last up to 80,000 miles.

So, depending on how much you drive, this tire may not need to be replaced for several years.

The lifespan isn’t the only feature that makes the Michelin Tire a good value. If you purchase the Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire, you could save even more money. Thanks to Michelin MaxTouch Construction, you may save as much as 65 gallons in fuel through the life of this eco-friendly tire, based on comparisons with other tires.

Other tires, tire services offered at HomeTowne Auto Repair

HomeTowne Auto Repair sells tires produced by Michelin Tire and other manufacturers, including BFGoodrich Tire and Uniroyal Tire.

We can give you tire recommendations based on your vehicle and driving conditions. Other great tires include the Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport Tire, and the Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S Tire.

We offer a road hazard warranty that’s good for three years or until any part of the tire reaches 2/32 of an inch or less. If the tire becomes unserviceable because of a road hazard, a replacement tire will be installed. If one isn’t available, a comparable tire will be put on, if it occurs within the first 33 percent of usable treadwear.* Talk to us to hear more details.

Help with changing a flat tire is available. For eligible expenses incurred for services related to flat tire changing, up to $75 will be reimbursed.

The road hazard warranty is good nationwide, so if you’re traveling you don’t have to wait to get in touch with us to access it.

In addition to selling tires, our Woodbridge tire shop performs a variety of tire services. Our technicians are able to repair tires – depending on the injury and where it’s located – and conduct wheel alignments.

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Why are oil changes important?

In Oil Change by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMay 6, 2020

Regular checkups are important to one’s health. The same proves true for vehicles.

Between every 3,000 and 5,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have the oil changed.

This is one way you can maintain your car and its engine.

When changing the oil, our technicians remove the drain plug, which releases oil from the engine.

After we catch the oil, we replace the drain plug and change the oil filter. The oil filter is located on the top or bottom of the engine, depending on the vehicle’s design.

Then, the technicians put the correct viscosity and amount of oil in the car, place a reminder sticker on the windshield, and reset the reminder on the dashboard.

We use full synthetic oil.

When performing an oil change, our technicians also do a courtesy inspection where they check various components, including the lights, tires and brakes.

Why should I get an oil change?

Oil changes help ensure that an engine is functioning properly, and avoiding them can lead to damage down the road.

For example, if your car takes five quarts of oil and you’re running it on three and a half or four quarts, it may run and sound fine. However, you’re destroying the engine, because it’s not reaching every part it’s supposed to.

You may not experience a problem until 30,000 or 40,000 miles later when metal particles are found in the oil. By this point, parts have started to break down.

Earlier this year, one of our technicians discovered metal shavings when doing an oil change on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee SRT8. The engine on the Jeep was replaced soon afterwards.

Many new, fuel-efficient cars have high compression, which means your car may be burning oil without you knowing it.

They also have oil lubricated turbos that can be destroyed overtime.

Another reason it’s extremely important to change your oil is that the engines have much tighter tolerances. A lot of engines have variable valve timing, and if sludge starts to build up that can cause problems with the oil solenoids that control the camshafts and can actually plug return galleries from the top of the engine so the oil can’t get back down to the oil pan as quickly.

Having your oil changed early isn’t a bad idea. We also suggest checking your oil every other time you fill your gas tank, because you can’t tell when you’re driving your car if it’s low.

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Car backup sensor repairs offered at auto shop in Woodbridge, Virginia

In Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireApril 29, 2020

One malfunctioning sensor can throw a car’s system off.

Jason replaced a backup sensor on a 2011 Cadillac CTS. There was a code that the rear object detection system wasn’t working properly.

When this system is disabled, the vehicle isn’t able to identify an object a driver can’t see.

This affects parallel parking and how close the car is to another car, a tree, or a curb.

The rear object detection system is one component we can address through our Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) system.

Driver assist, which can be found in many cars, also includes emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and surround view.

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New subframe installed on Dodge Charger

In Suspension by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireApril 22, 2020

A Dodge Charger came into HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire for a tire alignment earlier this month.

Before performing an alignment, our technicians check the vehicle’s suspension.

During his inspection, Ray noticed clay on the lower ball joints on the left, front side and recommended a new lower control arm and a ball joint.

New subframe needed

When installing the lower control arm, he found the subframe was bent from some sort of impact.

Because the subframe holds the engine, Ray needed to use a special hoist to hold the engine while he put in the new subframe.

This situation is a good example of why you shouldn’t hide or leave out information when talking to a technician or service adviser.

You can save time and money by sharing as much information as possible.

Check out this article we wrote to learn about other reasons why you shouldn’t lie to your mechanic.

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Wheel alignments can help your tires last longer

In Vehicle Alignment by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireApril 16, 2020

Potholes aren’t a rare sight in Northern Virginia, where a lot of road work and construction can be seen.

Because potholes can knock the wheels of your vehicle out of alignment, it’s a good idea to get the tire alignment checked once a year.

An alignment can also be impacted by curbs and suspension wear.

We also recommend having wheel alignments performed when you’re buying new tires. Tires are a large investment in a vehicle and you want to make sure they last as long as possible.

A crooked steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and a car pulling to one side are signs of bad wheel alignments.

If you put off an alignment, it can lead to tire wear problems.

Some issues can be mistaken for a wheel alignment problem. One example is a vibration that’s felt in the steering wheel. (We talk about in this article we published.)

How we perform wheel alignments

Our technicians use computer aided alignment with up to date specifications to make sure your tires are aligned properly.

With today’s vehicles being technically advanced, it’s not just a matter of going under the car with the wrench and adjusting the toe, or the caster, or the camber. It’s also about making sure the steering wheel angle sensors are reset and — in some cases — ensuring the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) are calibrated.

We do have an alignment system for the ADAS systems in a vehicle.

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Replacing tires on a BMW

In Tires & Wheels by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireApril 9, 2020

A BMW I8 recently received a couple of new tires.

The car was brought to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire after its Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light turned on.

The tread depth of the BMW’s rear tires was below 2/32 of an inch, which is the minimum specification for the Virginia Safety Inspection.

When you should be replacing tires

A manufacturer might suggest that you get new tires when the tread depth reaches 3/32 of an inch to 5/32 of an inch.

If you drive a BMW and are in need of tire repair services, we may be able to repair them, depending on the injury and its location.

Learn about when a tire is repairable.

HomeTowne Auto Repair doesn’t just repair tires. We also sell tires, including Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal.

Tire installation process

Before replacing tires on a vehicle, our technicians make sure that they have the correct tires and that they don’t have any punctures.

Then, they use a tire machine to separate the tire from the rim.

Tire paste is used to prevent a tire from tearing as it goes on or comes off the rim.

After that, our technicians balance the tires, place them on the vehicle, and twerk them to the correct specification.

When getting new tires, it’s a good idea to have a wheel alignment performed. We also suggest road hazard warranty for the tires.

Read about how we, as a tire shop, differ from a discount tire place.

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BG Frigi Fresh kills bacteria, viruses

In Cabin Air Filter by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMarch 30, 2020

Do you want to clear the air inside your vehicle?

BG Frigi Fresh, a disinfectant and air freshener, is one product HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire uses to do that.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered product removes odors and kills harmful bacteria, molds and viruses. These germs build up in the climate control system and result in a musty odor and affects allergies.

We spray BG Frigi Fresh into the air intake system when replacing the cabin air filter. It goes through the vent system, including the heater core and evaporator.

What is a cabin air filter?

The cabin air filter blocks some dirt, dust and bacteria from coming into the front of your vehicle.

Most cars use one filter, but some higher engineered vehicles — including Mercedes and BMWs — have two. Other vehicles don’t have any, so make sure to check before setting up an appointment.

There are several kinds of cabin air filters. The cost of a cabin air filter depends on how it’s made, what it’s made out of, and if it gets distorted.

Our technicians use a mid-grade filter, but even better filters are out there.

The Enviroshield Cabin Air Filter clear out various impurities, including pollen, dust, and exhaust system smells from other vehicles.

PureFlow is a filter that gets rid of particles, soaks up odors, and makes germs less effective.

How often you should replace cabin air filters

Cabin air filters should be replaced at least once a year, but — depending on the driving conditions — they could require additional changes.

If you live or travel on a dirt road, you may need to replace the cabin air filter more often than if you typically use major roads and highways.

The amount of pollen can also impact how frequently it’s changed.

There are some signs that a cabin air filter is ready to be replaced. These include a musty smell and the vents not blowing air as strongly.

Technician Tip: Other than regularly changing out your cabin air filter, we also recommend removing leaves and pine needles from the cowling area. If you do not, they can clog up the cabin air filter.

Other air filters

Vehicles can have several filters.

In addition to cabin air filters, there are engine air filters. They filter air that’s entering the combustion chamber.

Overtime, engine air filters become dirty or smushed and need to be replaced. Certain performance filters may be washed and reused. If you don’t change or wash them, the filters won’t work as well. It could also lead to engine damage.

There are also filters for fans on temperature control seats and blower motor filters, which maintain the battery’s cool temperature.

While you’re driving around, you want to breathe in pure air. Changing the cabin air filter and using BG Frigi Fresh are a couple of ways you keep it clean.

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Does my car need a new rear differential?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMarch 19, 2020

The rear differential on a Ford Escape has been replaced.

A bearing noise could be heard. After performing a diagnostic test, one of our technicians determined that the part needed to be replaced.

Located between the rear wheels, the rear differential takes the rotational energy created by the drive shaft and splits it equally to the wheels.

Overall, they’re pretty durable. However, they can go bad overtime, due to normal wear and tear or if you regularly take the vehicle off-roading.

Replacing and maintaining the rear differential

If they wear out and you don’t address the issue, the wheels can lock up.

You may need a new rear differential if you hear noises, there’s looseness, or your car has been damaged in an accident.

One of the ways you can prolong the life of your differential is to replace the differential fluid every 30,000 miles. We suggest using BG Full Synthetic Differential Fluid. Some other vehicles — or depending on use — may have a shorter service time.

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