But to keep them going, you do need to take care of them.
Subaru maintenance items
Some of the easiest things you can for Subaru maintenance are to change your oil and check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.
You can pull out the air filter to see if it has a lot of dirt and leaves in it. Sometimes, if the particles are big enough, you can knock it on the ground to remove them. If it still looks good enough, you can wait until your next oil change.
Another reason that the air filter needs to be checked and changed is because if the vehicle has a turbo. You don’t want dirt ruining the impeller.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t have a turbo, you do want to have a good air filter to improve your gas mileage.
If you live in a place where there is heavy traffic and dusty conditions, it can actually reduce the amount of time between changing your air filter.
Another maintenance item is to change the fluids. An example of this would be to change the drivetrain fluids, such as the transmission and rear differential, the engine coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
Depending on driving conditions, those may need to be done anywhere from 15,000 to 16,000 miles.
Keeping your tires rotated and checking the brakes can also improve your vehicle’s lifespan.
When choosing an auto repair shop to maintain your Subaru, such as oil changes, filters and fluids, don’t focus just on the price. Consider the best air filter parts, service and warranty when making your decision.
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 important to stay safe when behind the wheel. Checking your tire pressure is one way you can protect yourself and those who are riding with you.
Your tires maintain contact with the road. High quality tires that are in good working condition help you accelerate, brake, and stay in control.
Not only is it a good safety measure, it can also extend the lifespan of your tires (which we will talk more about in a minute).
Having your own tire pressure gauge is a good idea. Not every gas station pump is calibrated, and they can’t be trusted all the time.
When should I check my tire pressure?
Checking the air in your tires on a regular basis can help point out possible tire problems and could keep you from being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire.
How often do your tires need to be checked? We recommend looking at the tire pressure daily.
TPMS light and check engine light on a Mercedes-Benz S550
Most newer vehicles are equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which will prompt the TPMS light to appear on your dashboard when the pressure is low.
If your vehicle isn’t equipped with this, there are some indicators you can look out for. Poor handling and a tire’s side walls being wider at the bottom are some symptoms you may notice.
When a tire has too little or an excessive amount of air, it can lead to uneven tire wear. Under Inflated tires will promote outer tire edge wear. Overinflated tires are just as dangerous, as they can wear out the center of a tire.
More information about why maintaining the right amount of pressure is important can be found in this article we posted.
What are the steps to checking the pressure?
Now that we’ve discussed when and why tire pressure should be checked regularly, let’s go over the steps.
Verify the correct tire pressure. You can find this information on the door jam on the driver’s side of the vehicle or on the sidewall of the tire.
Remove the valve stem cap and use a tire pressure gauge to measure the tire pressure. A basic tire gauge will have a stem that pops out and gives you a reading. You may also use a digital gauge, which will give you a digital number.
Double check the tire pressure. That way you can make sure you don’t have a false reading.
Replace the valve stem cap. Putting the cap back on after checking your tire pressure can prevent corrosion of the valve stem and TPMS sensor, and help you avoid a costly repair.
What should I do if the tire is low?
Say you are checking the tire pressure and notice one or multiple tires are low. Or maybe you can tell when looking at your vehicle. What do you do?
Tire pressure can decrease with drops in temperature and when you have a flat tire.
Apprentice Technician checking the pressure on a Toyota RAV4
If you notice one or all four tires are low, go to a trustworthy auto repair shop and have them confirm that the tires aren’t leaking.
But don’t wait too long to get it checked out, especially if you think you have a flat. Driving on a tire that needs to be repaired or replaced can eventually lead to it blowing out.
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.
Every once in a while, you might hear something out of the ordinary as you drive out of a parking spot or travel down the road.
There are many reasons why these sounds appear.
Car noise can come from anywhere, such as your suspension and tires. They may occur as engine components wear out, belts loosen, and your vehicle experiences normal wear and tear.
What you’re experiencing could be stemming from the air conditioning system or the brakes, as well.
Because they can be symptoms of car problems or indicate that maintenance is needed, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the noises you hear and have an expert look into them.
How we perform noise diagnostics
Determining the source of what’s heard can take time, especially if it can only be heard under certain circumstances.
There is a wide variety of sounds – grinding, squealing, groaning, clicking and others – and one of them could be associated with a number of parts.
Another challenge is the location of car noise, which is sometimes misleading. It might be generated in one part of the vehicle and seem to be appearing in a different spot.
Our diagnostic testing process starts with collecting information about any sounds and behaviors noticed from the customer.
Test driving a Toyota Venza
Then, we take the vehicle for a test drive and try to recreate it. That may mean traveling on certain road conditions, accelerating, slowing down, or making turns.
We also look for any surface level problems through a visual inspection
Once our technicians are able to hear the sound for themselves, they can narrow down where it’s coming from.
When and where you are hearing car noise
The hardest part sometimes is trying to describe the noises to your auto repair shop. So, when something is irritating you, pay attention to when and where the noises are happening.
We’ve had instances when the car only made noises when it was below 45 degrees and they were turning left. Another common noise description is when a driver is in a parking lot and turning the wheel.
Information about how fast you’re going, how far you’re turning the wheel, and whether you’re pressing the gas pedal can help us find your problem faster.
You should also note any other problems (even if they don’t seem related). Did any dashboard lights appear? Do you feel a vibration? Does the vehicle seem to be running rough?
Sharing details about recent events, like hitting a curb or repairs that have been performed, can also be helpful as we look into a car noise.
The other thing to consider when you’re bringing your vehicle into the shop is to schedule time to ride with the automotive technician. That way they can ride with you and you can make the exact condition that produces the noise — which saves time and money when repairing your car.
So, if you still hear noises, and you’re tired of turning the radio up to tune them out (Get it? Radio — tune … ) then try to be descriptive as you can and take a ride with your mechanic.Check out this fun video we created.
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.
Here are a few maintenance checks you should make before heading down the highway.
Vacation preparation checklist
Tire tread
Prior to your trip, you want to make sure that the tire tread is thick enough. The tires are the only things that contact the road, which has everything to do with how well you go and stop. If it’s too low, it could cause issues with stopping, and you might skid across the road when it rains.
Tire tread must be at or above 2/32 of an inch. We start recommending new tires when it hits 4/32 of an inch. After that, you start to lose your wet traction.
Tire pressure
Tire pressure that’s too low could cause damage to the overall tire. If you continue to drive on a tire that’s too low, you can damage the inside of the tire — and then a perfectly good tire has to be replaced. It can impact your fuel economy, as well.
A lot of cars today have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You may also notice symptoms when your tire pressure is low, such as sidewalls that are wider at the bottom.
You can learn about how to check your tire pressure by reading this article we wrote.
Windshield wiper blades
Windshield wiper blades are a wearable component and, as they wear down, they won’t clear as well as they should. If a windshield wiper is torn, it’s not clearing at all.
If that blade comes off, you could scrape your windshield. Most of the time, people don’t check windshield wiper blades before they’re on the road.
It’s important to make sure that your windshield wipers are up to date, especially if you hit any rain on your drive.
Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer fluid is going to help you clear your windshield if it’s dirty. Make sure the fluid isn’t low in the weeks leading up to your next adventure.
Fortunately, if you keep a bottle of it in your vehicle, adding windshield washer fluid is the simplest task to do.
Oil level
It’s important to make sure that your oil level isn’t too low. With the newer types of engines, the oil pressure has a lot to do with engine performance.
Running on too little oil can prevent it from getting to parts. If it’s too low, you can also experience lower fuel economy, rough running and other engine problems.
Watch for warning lights and, if they come on, stop your engine immediately to prevent further engine damage.
Antifreeze level
The antifreeze is what circulates through the radiator and the engine, keeping it cool. It can prevent your engine from overheating.
Before hitting the road, it’s a good idea to check the antifreeze level and confirm there aren’t any leaks.
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 lot of travelers tend to stick with the main roads. However, many adventures can be found along the paths that see less traffic.
Off-roading is an enjoyable task for some. For others, it’s a necessary part of their jobs or hobbies.
Today, there are quite a few vehicles that are built for off-roading, including trucks and Jeeps. Tires are also produced for this purpose.
If you drive an off-roading vehicle and are looking for a new set of wheels, you may want to consider the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire.
This all season tire goes on light trucks, SUVs and CUVs.
All-Terrain traction
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire isn’t just able to weather the elements we see in Northern Virginia on a daily basis. It’s also severe snow certified.
Motorists who choose this option are able to maneuver through soft soil as well as deep snow.
Made up of serrated shoulders, the BFGoodrich Tire offers additional traction when traveling through mud, rocks and snow. Its aggressive, all-terrain traction allows you to travel confidently.
There are also 3-D sipes, which allows it to bite down and provides the tread blocks with more stability. This trait and the optimized tire footprint shape enables the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire to wear more evenly.
This tire is backed by a 50,000 mile warranty, meaning that the average driver will be able to enjoy all of the perks it offers for a few years.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire features tough sidewalls
Because this BFGoodrich Tire has tougher sidewalls, sharp rocks are less likely to puncture it.
Thanks to CoreGard Technology, the rubber on the sidewall is able to withstand bruises and other injuries. The rubber is also thicker and its design causes objects to bounce off.
“What I have found best about the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire is when I’m not paying attention while driving down Dale Boulevard,” HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire Owner ST Billingsley said. “You can run over the curb while going 45 miles per hour and maintain control coming back on the road without experiencing any damage to the side wall.”
Wheel alignments and other tires we recommend
Having a wheel alignment check performed is recommended when new tires are placed on a vehicle.
Placing road hazards on tires is also a good idea, especially if you often drive in construction areas. You’re more likely to pick up a nail that may become lodged in a spot that can’t be repaired.
Owned by Michelin, BFGoodrich produces reliable, high performing tires. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tire is just one we recommend. There’s also the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport Tireand BFGoodrich Advantage Control Tire.
If you’re looking for a different type of tire, reach out to our Woodbridge tire shop. One of our team members can provide some guidance.
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.
You can get the most out of your vehicle’s tires through one check: wheel alignments.
Wheel alignments help prevent premature tire wear. Tires can get out of alignment due to several conditions:
Potholes
Curbs
Suspension wear
Ball joints
Tie rod ends
Lower control arms
Control arm bushings
Idler arms
Pittman arms
Gravel roads
Speed bumps
Small animals
Construction zones
Driving over ice-covered roads
So, having this service performed on a regular basis helps tires last as long as possible. It also allows them to wear evenly across the tread.
We recommend alignments once a year, when you get new tires, or after suspension work is performed on a vehicle.
Other ways wheel alignments help
Making sure tires last and wear the way they should aren’t the only perks of tire alignments.
Through this process, our mechanics are able to see if your vehicle’s steering capability is accurate and make sure the safety features are in good working order.
Alignments can help improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, as well.
We mentioned before that alignments are needed every year or when certain repairs are done. But a bad wheel alignment may also be revealed through a few symptoms.
The alignment may need to be adjusted if you notice that the steering wheel appears crooked or uncentered. With the electronics on today’s vehicles, there could be a steering wheel sensor reset needed. So, the alignment could be correct, but if the sensor isn’t done correctly (or at all) it could cause the steering wheel to be crooked.
Feeling as though the car is pulling to one side is another indicator to watch out for. (However, it’s important to note if this is happening regularly or just on certain roads. It could just be how a road or certain section of it is designed.)
Uneven tire wear can also be a sign that you need an alignment. This could be due to the toe and/or camber setting being out of specification. Over a period of time, that can either cause the edges of the tires to wear out or even get a wavy pattern on the tire.
Performing wheel alignments
Most cars nowadays require a four-wheel alignment. Even though most pickup trucks require a two-wheel alignment, it’s a good idea to make sure all the wheels are checked. This will ensure that something isn’t bent.
Tire alignment being performed on a Hyundai Tucson
A qualified technician will be able to see if the castor, camber and toe are within specifications. They would also be able to evaluate if you need to replace any parts, such as ball joints, lower control arms, tie rod ends, and struts.
Once the alignment is complete, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) – like emergency braking, park assist, and lane departure warning – may need to be reset, depending on the vehicle.
We explain more details about the alignment process in this article.
Wheel alignments may seem like another thing to add on your checklist, but this service will be worth the time and investment in the long run.
Other tire services we offer
HomeTowne Auto Repair conducts wheel alignments on all makes and models. But alignments aren’t the only tire-related service offered.
We also perform tire repair (when an injury can be fixed) and tire replacement. Our autoshop sells many tires, including Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal.
Tire rotations are another service available. This is one of the tasks that’s included in the oil change process. Tire mounting and balancing are provided, as well.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near convenient Manassas, Virginia. Our service area includes 20112. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.
Does it feel like your vehicle is having trouble accelerating?
The symptom could be tied to a few issues.
Sometimes, acceleration problems are linked to the braking system. A disc brake caliper seizing up could be the culprit.
What is the caliper in a disc brake?
The caliper sits on the brake rotor and is attached to the steering knuckle. When you press the brake pedal, fluid goes into it and pushes the pistons against the brake pads and the brake pads against the rotor.
What disc brake caliper problems can occur?
Disc brake calipers can get overheated. Brake fluid is very corrosive, so they can break down from the inside out.
Piston boots can rip and tear and get overheated from high and low spots from the rotor, bad brake pads, or they can get too much moisture inside of them from the brake fluid itself.
A disc brake caliper seizing up is another problem drivers may face.
Ford Expedition rear brake and suspension
What can cause a disc brake caliper to seize up?
A disc brake caliper seizing up is caused by various factors, including dirt, lack of maintenance and rust.
Rust that builds up over time can prevent the brake caliper piston from resending back into the disc brake caliper. It will keep holding constant pressure on the brake pad that pushes against the disc brake rotor, producing heat.
When piston boots rip, it allows air, moisture and dirt to get in. That can lead to a disc brake caliper seizing up or dragging.
There are also brake fluid-related problems.
Issues can stem from the brake fluid moisture content and the brake hoses. If the brake hoses leading to the calipers collapse from the inside, sometimes it will restrict how much brake fluid flows out.
In extreme circumstances, the brake fluid can boil and cause a very low brake pedal. This is one of the reasons why you want to change the brake fluid when automotive technicians are working on your brakes.
What are signs of a disc brake caliper seizing up?
Drivers may notice these symptoms when a disc brake caliper is seizing up:
Lack of acceleration
Burning smell
Smoke or steam coming from wheels
On rare occasions, you might notice a soft brake pedal.
Ford Expedition front wheel discolored from becoming brake caliper seizing up.
When do I replace a disc brake caliper?
It’s hard to say how long a disc brake caliper will last. We have seen them fail at 70,000 miles and make it to 250,000 miles. For maintenance, we recommend new disc brake calipers at 150,000 miles.
When an automotive technician is performing a brake check, they can determine whether you need to replace the brake caliper. You don’t need to have new calipers installed every time, but may want to consider changing them if the vehicle has a lot of age or miles on it.
If you’re having a problem with one brake caliper, you can swap out that one. However, it’s a good idea to replace both on the front or the rear, because if one goes bad — even though the other one is functioning — it’s not a guarantee that it won’t go bad in the near future.
Another way that the automotive technician services the brakes is by lubricating the metal contact points of the disc brake caliper and pads.
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 few signs could mean that there’s a problem with an important vehicle part.
Those who find engine coolant on the ground, notice that their vehicle’s temperature gauge is running higher than normal, or see the check engine light turn on may have water pump issue.
Water pumps help keep engines from overheating by circulating antifreeze through the engine to the radiator.
How to handle water pump problems
It’s recommended that motorists experiencing these issues have their vehicle checked at an automotive service center.
Technicians should do a visual inspection and perform a cooling system pressure test to determine where the leak may be.
“External leaks are easier to find than internal engine leaks, but with today’s cars being so compactly built the technician may need to remove shield and other items to see where the coolant is leaking from,” the General Manager for HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire said.
A Dodge Charger that had a leaking water pump was recently brought to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire.
“To address the issue, we replaced the timing chain and timing chain guides,” the manager explained. “We also used high quality valve cover gaskets to avoid future oil leaks.”
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 diagntics.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge is collecting donations for the Toys for Tots program.
Run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, the campaign provides gifts to children who are in need.
It was founded by Major William L. Hendricks in 1947.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is accepting toys through December 14.
“We are here from Monday through Friday, 7 to 7, and Saturday, 7 through 5,” Service Advisor Jessica Ulrich said. “Come by and drop off a new, unwrapped toy for donation.”
Realizing you have a flat tire can be frustrating and potentially nerve-wracking.
Perhaps it’s noticeably flat or you checked the tire pressure and saw that it’s lower than the rest.
If you find yourself in this situation – and it’s safe to do so – try filling the tire with air and getting it to a nearby auto repair shop.
But be careful – choosing to drive on a flat tire could lead to more tire damage.
Depending on how bad the leak is, you might want to put on a spare tire or call a tow truck. When in doubt, these may be your best (and safest) options.
Once the vehicle has arrived at an autoshop, the technicians can determine if the tire may be salvaged or if it’s time for you to start shopping for a new one.
In this video, Rich talks about tire repair:
Is the tire repairable?
A flat tire can sometimes be fixed. Other times, however, the tire needs to be replaced. Whether a tire is repairable can’t be decided at a glance.
So, what makes a tire repairable? How can you tell if you need a new tire?
Addressing damage on or close to the sidewall isn’t allowed either. The sidewall is much thinner and doesn’t have reinforcement like steel belts. Most sidewalls are single ply. Putting a patch on the sidewall compromises the structural integrity and increases the chance of a blow out.
Plugs also shouldn’t be used on punctures that are more than 45 degrees. When injuries are at too steep of an angle, we are unable to install a patch properly.
Repairs on certain run flat tires are not suggested by manufacturers.
Our tire repair process
When working on flat tires, our technicians don’t use older plugs, which may cause damage to the steel belts. We also won’t put patches on tires that have been previously repaired with plugs.
Keep in mind that even if a tire has been punctured in a safe area, it could still have invisible injuries. To confirm that there are no problems with the inside of a tire, screws, nails and debris must be removed from the tire rim.
On tires that are repairable, technicians apply plug patches with a rubber cement. This prevents water, dust or dirt from accumulating and potentially damage the steel belts.
With patch plugs, we can ensure that repaired tires remain usable for the rest of their lifetime.
Providing safe and effective repairs is a priority for HomeTowne Auto Repair. We want to help protect you, your loved ones and other drivers you come across.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.
