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High quality brake rotors, pad repair service for Audis

In Uncategorized by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

When it comes to vehicle parts, quality is key.

It’s important that Audi owners make sure the parts installed on their vehicles will last.

The quality of brake rotors and pads can play a large role in the longevity of the repair for Audis.

Types of repair for Audis

Audi owners should use a service center that is knowledgeable about how to correctly repair their vehicle.

Depending on an Audi’s make, model and year, a computer and special tools are needed to activate the electronic caliper.

With traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake components, Audis have one of the most high-tech braking systems.

Audi vehicles with hydraulic brake systems still require technical knowledge to make sure that everything works properly.

Making sure that a qualified automotive technician using high quality parts, and up-to-date specifications and procedures is vital to a driver’s safety.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire has the technicians, tools and knowledge to repair Audis and keep their owners on the road.

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Windshield wipers play large role in driving safety

In Car Safety, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

A driver’s safety is largely affected by visibility.

It can be dangerous when something impedes their vision, such as a dirty windshield, according to a release.

A vehicle’s windshield wipers help clear debris and moisture, making them important safety features.

Checking, replacing windshield wipers

According to HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Service Manager Joe Wood, the wipers should be checked regularly.

“Windshield wiper blades should be checked every oil change and for any type of safety inspection,” Wood wrote in an email. “An inspection should consist of checking channels for tears, build up, or ozone cracking (dry cracking).”

A driver’s routine, the climate they reside in, and their driving style can impact how often wipers should be replaced.

However, drivers shouldn’t wait too long before replacing them.

“They wear down like any rubber component whether in heavy use or not,” Wood wrote. “So, it is always a good idea to utilize your washer fluid feature to spray the windshield and actuate your wipers to detect poor performance early, rather than later in a flash rain storm when it is too late.”

Here’s a New Year’s resolution: Take better care of your car

In Cabin Air Filter, Oil Change, Tires & Wheels, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

We’re now in the new year, and it’s time to make the annual commitments to improving your body, spending more time working on something you care about, saving money for vacation, etc.

But what if you made your New Year’s resolution a commitment to taking better care of your car?

It’s a win-win – by taking care of your car, and investing in some basic maintenance items, you’re not only extending the life of your vehicle, but you’re saving money in the long run.

Here are some ways you can take better care of your car this year.

tire pressure is important to your tires lasting a long time and helps save on gas

Tire pressure is important to your tires lasting a long time and helps save on gas

Keep an eye on the tire pressure.

If the air pressure in your tires is too low, it can cause several issues, so it’s important to keep an eye on the pressure level, and keep your tires full per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If your tire pressure is low, it can cause steering issues, which leads to abnormal tire wear. And over time, that abnormal wear means your tires wear down faster. That also means you’ll be spending money on replacing your tires sooner than you would normally.

“Buy a good tire gauge, because some of the cheap ones are like a dollar, and they may not work that well. You need to spend $5 and $20 for a good tire gauge. Therefore, you know you’ll have the correct pressure in the tire,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire owner ST Billingsley.

Billingsley also recommends keeping a 12-volt air pump in your vehicle at all times. That way, if you find one of your tires is low, you can simply add air wherever you are, instead of trying to find a gas station with a working pump that offers air.

Wash your car.

washing your car underneath helps keep the metal from rust and corrosion

Washing your car underneath helps keep the metal from rust and corrosion

It sounds simple, but keeping your car washed regularly is an important part of upkeep.

“The reason you want to wash your car, especially with all of this road salt through the winter time – even in the summertime though – if you wash your car…you’re helping to remove road grime and road salts, whatever you’re picking up while driving,” said Billingsley.

According to Billingsley, when you’re driving, dirt and mud can fly underneath your car and pack in near the car’s ball joints and bushings. If moisture is left to collect there, it can rust the parts and lead to the need to repair and replace these components more often.

Replace your cabin air filters regularly.

People have started to understand the importance of cabin air filters, and how they provide clearer air when driving in your vehicle, but making sure they’re regularly changed is something you need to commit to as well.

cabin air filters clean up the air coming into the passenger compartment of a car or truck

Cabin air filters clean up the air coming into the passenger compartment of a car or truck

According to Billingsley, the key is to change them at least twice a year, depending on manufacturer’s guidance and the environmental conditions where you live.

“You really need to be changing them twice a year. And a good time to change it is right after pollen season, because it’s going to be clogged with pollen, and right before wintertime – right before Thanksgiving,” said Billingsley.

While no one’s perfect, if you commit to making even some of these changes this year, you’ll be on your way to better maintenance and upkeep of your vehicle, which will save you in the long run.

Don’t end up stranded on the side of the road this holiday season

In Automotive Diagnostics, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

checking tire pressure.

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and if you’re like one of the 1.4 million other Virginians planning to travel for the holiday, or throughout the holiday season, then you need to make sure you’re prepared – otherwise you may end up on the side of the road.

According to AAA, the travel numbers for 2017 are up by 44,000 people – a 3.2% increase from the last year. In fact, they’re expecting Thanksgiving to be the most heavily traveled holiday in a dozen years. Totals for Christmas traveling may be even higher.

AAA says that they plan on rescuing more than 330,000 motorists left on the side of the road for the Thanksgiving weekend, primarily due to lockouts, flat tires, and battery issues. And whether you’re going just down the road, or traveling several hours out of state, it pays to be ready.

Here’s what you can do to prepare your vehicle for the holiday season:

  • Check the air pressure in all of your tires, including the spare tire you keep in the back. “If you end up with a flat, and you go to put the spare tire on, next thing you know the spare tire is flat,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire owner ST Billingsley.
  • Check the oil level and fluid levels. These may need to be topped off to prevent overheating and other issues on that long holiday drive.
  • Make sure that you have windshield washer fluid in your wiper blades. “A lot of times when you’re driving on dirty roads, you go to use the windshield wipers, and there’s no washer fluid in there,” said Billingsley.
  • Check for any obvious battery corrosion. This could be a sign that something is wrong with the battery terminals, or that your car battery needs to be replaced before you head out of town.
  • Double-check that you have roadside assistance as part of your car insurance, or through a company like AAA. It’s easy to call the insurance company and check if you have roadside assistance in your plan. Don’t? It’s worth adding it for situations like this.

But even the best laid plans can go awry. If you’re on your travels and end up on the side of the road, here are some things you should have stocked and ready to go in your vehicle: Oil dipstick.

  • Flares or safety triangles. If you are on the side of the road, you want your car to be visible, and make other drivers aware that you’re there for a reason, especially if you need assistance. Make sure you’re careful when placing them on the side of the road during a breakdown, to prevent being injured or hit in the process.
  • Heavy duty work gloves. “Say that your tire’s flat and you’re in the dirt or all that, or you know sometimes it might be cold, grabbing all that metal…it’s just nice to have,” said Billingsley.

And if you’re too busy to do all of the checking and maintenance yourself, consider bringing it in to HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire so we can check it out before you head home for the holidays. Basic checks can be done by any Valvoline windshield washer fluid.automotive shop, although what they check varies from place to place.

At HomeTowne, we check the fluids and top them off, check the air pressure, check washer fluid, check the vehicle lights, rotate the tires, check the brakes, and more.

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HomeTowne gets award from Prince William County Salvation Army

In Community Involvement, The Salvation Army by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire was recently honored for the company’s work to support the Prince William County Salvation Army.

HomeTowne employees have actively volunteer for the non-profit over several years, providing free maintenance service for their vans and vehicles, and have participated in their Angel Tree holiday giving program and their Fill-a-Truck gift collection program.

The award was given at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner that’s held in Woodbridge.

“We’re very proud to receive this award. The Salvation Army here in Prince William County has done excellent work to serve those in need in our community, and we’re happy to do what we can to help them in their mission,” said HomeTowne Owner ST Billingsley.

In Prince William County, the Salvation Army provides several important services including rent and utility assistance, youth enrichment programs, and food donations that they distribute to families weekly in Lake Ridge. To learn more about the organization, visit its website.

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What is a coolant service and why is it important?

In Vehicle Fluids, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

If you’ve brought your car in for service lately, maybe you heard that it’s time for your vehicle to have a coolant service. You may have questions about what it is and why it’s needed. We provide some answers below.

What exactly is a coolant service, also known as a cooling system flush?

A coolant service is where we remove all of the rust, sludge, and dirty coolant (also known as antifreeze) fluid from your car’s radiator, water pump, and water houses. Technicians working on a coolant service will drive the coolant from your vehicle, flush the car’s system, and replace it with a fresh mixture of coolant. Coolant is made up of a mixture of either ethylene or propylene glycol and water – 50/50.

Why is a cooling system flush important?

The most obvious reason would be to ensure that your vehicle’s cooling system is working well, but let’s dig a bit deeper into exactly why getting a coolant service is important. The coolant flows through your radiator and water pump, which is an important piece of keeping your engine cool. Another reason why a cooling system flush is beneficial is that it provides heat through the heater core, and lastly because it lubricates the water pump.

Why does my vehicle’s coolant need to be changed?

As with almost everything in your vehicle, over time things will need to be repaired, replaced, and swapped out – your coolant is no different. Over time the coolant in your vehicle will become contaminated through the contact with the aluminum (think radiators and cylinder heads), iron (your car’s engine block or water pumps), and rubber, and this will lead to material buildup over time in your coolant.

All of that material moves through your vehicle, getting deposited in areas like the heater core and the radiator. Why does that matter? Because with that buildup, it reduces your cars ability to remove hear and can damage the internal pieces of your vehicle due that heat and buildup.

“As the coolant gets contaminated it loses its ability to lubricate which can cause early failure of the water pump. Changing the coolant removes the old fluid and contaminants restoring performance and lubrication of your cars cooling system,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire General Manager Richard Campbell.

How often do I need to change the coolant?

Every vehicle is different, and you should always consult your vehicle’s manual for specific intervals, but it is generally recommended that you have a coolant system flush at 30,000, 50,000, and 100,000 miles. Over the past few years some vehicle manufacturers have been extending coolant service intervals, but getting regular service can help you prevent costly repairs and breakdowns in the long run.

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When should I replace my car battery? Are all brands the same?

In Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Updated November 14, 2024

You know the story – you wake up one morning, get ready for work, start your car and … nothing happens. A car battery going bad is a common occurrence, and one that is often easy to fix.

But if you want to avoid having one of those mornings where your car won’t start, getting your battery checked out regularly identifies problems with your battery early.

The battery helps start a vehicle, provides extra power when needed, and even helps certain computers run after the car is turned off.

Batteries should be checked as part of a normal oil change service. Following the battery test, you should receive information on the health of your battery, so you know if the battery will need a replacement in the near future.

While examining the battery, our technicians check the starter and charging system.

Nissan Altima battery fails battery test.
Nissan Altima battery fails battery test

How long a car battery lasts

How can you tell how well your car battery is doing? Battery power is rated with what’s called cold cranking amps (CCA). 

CCA refers to how long a battery can supply a certain number of amps at 0 degrees, for 30 seconds, while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. The bigger the vehicle, the more amps are needed due to the engine size and power needed to start it.

Through day-to-day use, a battery’s capacity gradually decreases. 

A good battery should last around 5 years. The can depend on different factors, including where the vehicle is driven. If you live in hotter or colder climates, that may shorten the lifespan. 

It may also be impacted by corrosion buildup, the quality of the terminals, and whether a good battery hold down is in place.

Corrosion buildup on a Toyota Corolla battery.
Corrosion buildup on a Toyota Corolla battery

What to keep in mind when buying batteries

If your car is due for a new battery, you’re likely wondering what your best options are. 

It’s important to note that while a few companies make a majority of car batteries in the market, not all batteries and battery brands are the same. There will be slight variations in the thickness of the lead plates, the CCA capacity, and warranties.

HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire is an authorized dealer of Interstate Batteries. Factory batteries usually last 3 or 4 years, while these are rated for 5 years. The warranty also follows the battery.

Another reason why we like using Interstate Batteries is because they secure their batteries so they aren’t sliding around. Batteries that are put in the back of a pickup truck or in a parts car could get jostled around and the plates may crack and break, creating bad cells.

As a rule, you can expect to get what you pay for when it comes to battery replacement. If a battery is super cheap, it’s for a reason. 

When going to a store, unless you know what brands are better it’s going to boil down to group size and CCA.

For example, if you have a Mercedes that requires 750 CCA, it’s because it has more things to turn on. A battery that is of the same group size but only has 500 CCA isn’t going to last.

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.

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What is a throttle body? What is involved in a throttle body repair?

In Automotive Diagnostics by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Updated May 16, 2025

Have you been told that it’s time to replace your throttle body? Before we get into some specifics on repairs and replacements, let’s take a moment to talk about what it is, and what it does in your vehicle.

This component is attached to the air intake system, which connects to the  vehicle’s engine. A throttle body’s function is to control the amount of air that is flowing into the engine, based on how hard a driver is pressing down on the acceleration.

In order for this part – and your car – to run smoothly, the engine needs to have a good mixture of air and fuel. If it isn’t providing enough – or too much air – in the engine that can cause problems with your vehicle.

Now that we’ve explained the purpose behind the throttle body, we’ll cover some symptoms to watch out for and what our diagnostic process looks like.

Signs of throttle body problems

If the check engine light has recently turned on, then the throttle body could be the reason. (Of course, the check engine light can be triggered by a number of other issues.)

A check engine light isn’t the only symptom that may appear when something is wrong.

You might see changes to how your vehicle is performing, too. For example, your car might run rough while in park or have trouble accelerating. Other indicators include a decrease in power or a lower fuel economy.

Jeep throttle body hold throttle position senssor and MAP sensor.
Jeep throttle body hold throttle position senssor and MAP sensor

Long story short – your vehicle is either going to give you a light or you will feel a symptom. 

These signs could mean that the throttle body is going bad. However, they can also be a result of a bad sensor, leaks or carbon buildup.

If you notice any of the indicators we mentioned, bring your car to an experienced shop that can track down the cause.

Diagnostic testing

For an automotive technician to get to the root of the check engine light problem, diagnostic testing will need to be performed. This helps us hone in on the culprit – whether it’s the throttle body or another source.

During this process, we would connect a scan tool and look for certain codes. These can include codes for the throttle position sensor (P0121), throttle actuator control motor (P2101), and throttle actuator control throttle body (P2119).

Sometimes, the position sensor is built into the throttle body. Our testing procedure would help us determine if we can replace them separately or if they need to be changed as a unit.

Nissan Sentra throttle body with EVAP test port and intake boot.
Nissan Sentra throttle body with EVAP test port and intake boot

When looking into a performance concern, our technicians aren’t focused on one particular item. Instead, they would start with the mass airflow sensor, even if there isn’t a mass airflow code, because they have to set a benchmark of what’s normal. 

Then, they look at the throttle position in comparison with the pedal position. Once we get back to the throttle body, we’re going to test basic circuitry and see if the plate is closing all the way. After we have our initial data, we will most likely clean that throttle body to check for any changes to the information.

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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What is a tie rod? What does it do in my vehicle?

In Auto Parts, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Updated December 26, 2024

A car’s steering system contains many parts that require their own form of maintenance.

Tie rods are one of the components you may have heard a technician or service advisor mention. This item might have worn out or broken from daily use and needed to be replaced.

Unless you work in the automotive field or know someone who does, you might not be sure what a tie rod end is and its purpose.

Well, a tie rod is a part of the steering mechanism inside of your vehicle. It’s the piece that connects the steering linkage – or rack and pinion – to the steering knuckle. This combination is what pushes or pulls the wheel to the right or left when you’re steering.

Inner tie rod, center link, and outer tie rod on a Jeep.
Inner tie rod, center link, and outer tie rod on a Jeep

You’ve got two kinds of setups – rack and pinion and steering box. The gearbox is one solid unit and it has drag links or center links that reach all the way across the chassis and back. 

Meanwhile, the rack and pinion is a long tube that has a pinion inside of it. When you turn your steering wheel, the steering shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the rack turns and rotates the pinion back and forth.

There are two types of tie rods – an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod. They have joints that are typically ball and socket. Over time the socket can become worn allowing movement that results in tire wear and unintended movement in steering, which is unsafe.

Signs of a bad tie rod

When tie rods start to go bad, it can cause steering control issues and prevent you from driving smoothly down the road.

Different symptoms can appear when tie rods are going bad.

Bent tie rod end on a rack and pinion.
Bent tie rod end on a rack and pinion

Drivers may notice certain noises, like a clicking when turning. Creaking and popping sounds are possible if the lubrication dries up.

Worn tie rods can throw off your wheel alignment too, causing the tires to wear out prematurely. This could also result in an off center steering wheel or the vehicle pulling to one side. If the toe adjustments are out severely, the car could dance all over the road.

Loss of steering could occur if tie rods fail completely.

How to maintain tie rods

If you’re worried about your tie rods, have your autoshop check them out. Inspecting tie rod ends is something our technicians already do as part of our preventative maintenance check during an oil change.

Tie rod adjustment during a wheel alignment.
Tie rod adjustment during a wheel alignment

We also look over steering and suspension parts when performing a Virginia State Inspection.

If an automotive expert you trust recommends replacing tie rods or another component, don’t wait too long to have a new one installed.

You will also want to make sure the tie rod ends remain lubricated. Back in the day, tie rod ends used to have zerk fittings that would be greased regularly. Newer vehicles come with unserviceable zerk fittings. When they have reached the end of their lifespan, we replace them with serviceable zerk fittings.

By equipping your vehicle with high quality tie rods and taking care of them, you can ensure that your travels remain smooth and safe.

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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Wheel Alignment – What happens during a wheel alignment?

In Tires & Wheels, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire

Wheel Alignment on a Dodge Neon.

Wheel Alignment Dodge Neon

When you bring your vehicle in for a wheel alignment, you’re likely wondering what happens during the alignment service.

During an alignment, a vehicle is put on the rack and the wheels are rotated and adjusted, so they’re properly aligned to fit your vehicle, driving preferences, and manufacturer recommendations.

With the alignments, the wheels can have camber, caster, and toe adjustments done. Camber refers to how much a tire tilts inward and outward from the vehicle. Caster is how much a tire is angled forward or backward. Toe is how much a tire is tilted inward or outward from a bird’s eye view.

Another thing that may happen during a wheel alignment is resetting a vehicle’s steering angle sensor.

BMW 328 wheel alignment, getting a tire alignment after replacing lower control arms.

BMW 328 wheel alignment, getting a tire alignment after replacing lower control arms

“The steering angle sensor measures the position of the vehicle steering wheel and the rate of turn. The steering angle sensor plays a role in steering pressure along with braking and acceleration in many of today’s vehicles,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire General Manager Rich Campbell.

The speed of your vehicle will determine how hard that sensor must work to keep your vehicle stable. If you’re on the highway driving at a high speed and the tire moves, you’ll want to be sure that the sensor is in working order as it can help with braking, reduce steering pressure, and reduce acceleration for more driving control.

Wheel Alignment on a Dodge Pickup after installing new tires.

Wheel Alignment on a Dodge Pickup after installing new tires

If you get an alignment and the steering angle sensor is not reset, you may see a warning light illuminate on the dash, that you’ll want to get checked out right away as it will disable certain safety features.

To learn more about alignments and tire maintenance, click here.