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.
Many of us are on the road for extended periods – whether it’s for road trips, commuting, or weekend activities.
With the amount of time we spend traveling, we might as well feel comfortable while embarking on those adventures. Plus, it can help the miles melt away for drivers and their passengers.
This is possible when you’re using a high quality tire, like the Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire.
The comfortable, quiet ride it provides – a trait that can be attributed to the tread design – is one of the all season tire’s perks.
Reliable in wet, snowy conditions
The ride that the Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire offers isn’t just comfortable and quiet. It’s a confident ride, as well.
Made up of wide, circumferential tread grooves and an all season compound, it can be trusted in dry and wet conditions.
The Uniroyal Tire also features traction snow bars, allowing it to provide good traction in areas that see some winter weather.
This makes it a good option for those living or working in Northern Virginia, where the winters tend to be pretty mild. Other than a snowstorm that occurs every once in a while, the region typically gets a little snow and ice.
Virginia weather can be a bit unpredictable – freezing temperatures one week and feeling like summer the next. It’s nice to have a tire that can handle both.
Simply put, the Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire does what a lot of drivers need it to – perform well in any season.
Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire lasts up to 50,000 miles
The last thing you should be concerned about when driving down the road is whether your tires are going to make it to your destination.
Anyone who purchases the Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire doesn’t need to be concerned about it wearing out anytime soon.
Tru-Last Technology handles stress this Uniroyal tire experiences, enabling it to wear evenly and over a long period of time. Because it comes with a 50,000 mile warranty, it can last the average driver a few years.
The Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTZ All Season 2 Tire comes in a wide range of sizes and can be found on vehicles that use a sporty size tire, including Mercedes, Audis, or Honda Civics.
Uniroyal Tire has been around for many years. It produces dependable tires that enable drivers to stay on budget. The Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S Tire is another great option.
If you aren’t sure what tire is best for your vehicle and fits your budget, contact a local tire shop near you. The staff should be able to share the different options available and discuss the benefits they offer.
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.
As the upcoming season approaches, it’s important to make sure that it’s prepared as much as possible.
Here are a few items you should check as the cooler months begin to settle in:
Windshield wipers: One of the things that you’ll want to look at are your wiper blades to see if they are streaking on the windshield, or if the ends are cracked or damaged.
Windshield washer fluid: You’ll want to take a look at your washer fluid to make sure it’s set for the correct temperature levels. Around here, – 20 is good. There’s another good reason why the windshield washer fluid should be checked – sometimes, drivers will pre-dilute it during the warmer months. This can result in the tank freezing and cracking as colder temperatures set in.
Defroster and heat: Speaking of the windshield, make sure to test the defroster, which is especially handy on those mornings we see frost and after we get some snow. We also recommend you check to see if you have any car heater problems.
Antifreeze: Checking your antifreeze level and also the protection level of the antifreeze are a couple of other ways you can get your car ready for winter. Just because the antifreeze may look green, or red, or blue – depending on the car – you actually want to make sure that the temperature protection level is good.
Coolant: Coolant is another important fluid that needs to be looked at. This fluid helps the engine continue to run at a safe temperature, preventing it from overheating.
Car battery: Check the level in the battery, make sure that it’s alright. Weak batteries often die in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Some of them don’t have a way for you to check the water, but you can actually have a little eyelet that shows green or red if it’s good.
Tire pressure: It’s a great time to check your tire pressure, because the PSI can drop with the temperature. If you notice that the tires seem lower than usual, this is probably the issue. Only one tire looking low, however, could mean that you have a flat. It’s OK to run maybe 1 pound extra, just for the temper variation with the Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), trying to keep that light out as the temperature drops.
Lights: With it getting dark as early as it is right now, it’s a great time to check the lights, but especially your headlights – making sure that they’re working and that the lenses are clear.
If you aren’t sure whether something needs to be repaired or serviced or have any questions, reach out to a repair shop near you. It’s best to take care of it now, rather than trying to figure it out on the side of the road or when you need to be somewhere.
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.
Having tires that you can count on whether it’s sunny or snowing is important.
The Michelin CrossClimate SUV tire is an all season tire available for SUVs and crossovers.
Featuring wet and dry traction, it is certified for snow traction.
This tire’s V-shaped tread design, deep sipes and emerging grooves enable it to last longer in wet and snowy weather.
It has a 50,000 mile tread life warranty and provides great grip in the warmer and cooler months.
In addition to the CrossClimate SUV, Michelin also produces the CrossClimate 2 tire and CrossClimate Plus tire.
All of these tires and more options can be found at HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire.
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.
Car maintenance isn’t just about oil changes and wheel alignments. It also extends to your brake system.
When you step on the brake, the brake pad and brake rotor press against each other, creating heat and moisture. They don’t move very far, and neither does the brake fluid between them.
The moisture that accumulates causes corrosion to build up. Corrosion can destroy a brake system from the inside out.
We recommend brake fluid exchanges every 30,000 miles. Because this typically coincides with brakes, which should be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have both services done at the same time.
Why you should get a brake fluid exchange
Regular brake fluid exchanges prolongs the life of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which prevents the brakes from locking up during emergencies, allowing you to maintain steering control.
This maintenance option also ensures that your brake pedal is firm.
If you wait too long for a brake fluid exchange, corrosion can build up on the inside of the calipers, which may result in the calipers dragging. Internal seals will deteriorate and prevent the calipers from pushing in and out correctly.
Another consequence is that the inside of the soft brake hoses will break down, restricting brake fluid flow.
The bleeders, which enable mechanics to perform a brake fluid exchange and release air, can also rust shut if they aren’t moved every once in a while.
Signs that you need a brake fluid flush
It can be hard to know if you need a brake fluid flush, but there are some indicators. A low brake pedal is one of them. Another sign is a soft brake pedal, which can be caused by moisture in the system that’s starting to boil.
You also need to look into testing the brake fluid for contaminants and moisture. Just because the brake fluid looks dark – rather than clear – doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad.
However, if the fluid is very dark and you can see particles floating in it, that’s the rubber material from the master cylinder or ABS that’s starting to come apart and mix with the brake fluid. That’s a good indicator that you need to change it.
Test strips and true boiling point measure for moisture are ways you can determine if you need a brake fluid flush.
For most cars, every 30,000 miles is a good time to have this service performed. How often you have it done also depends on the manufacturer. If you are at 50,000 or 55,000 miles when you go in for your first brake job and a brake fluid exchange hasn’t been performed yet, you definitely need to do it.
A lot of cars have computerized brake systems, such as ABS and traction control, where the manufacturer is starting to recommend brake fluid exchanges every 18 to 24 months to ensure the brake system is working correctly. So, you need to check your owner’s manual.
Brake Fluid Exchange
What happens during brake fluid exchanges
During a brake fluid exchange, our technicians connect a pressurized machine to the master cylinder. After adding new brake fluid to the machine and setting it to the appropriate pressure, they go to each wheel and remove the old brake fluid.
We use BG DOT 4 Brake Fluid, which aims to combat moisture, prevent rust and provides protection to the brake system.
If you are considering a brake fluid exchange, it’s also important to make sure your vehicle doesn’t have electric brakes, which don’t require it.
How well a vehicle runs and lasts is determined, in part, by its maintenance. By staying up to date on braking fluid exchanges and other services, you can get the most out of your car.
You can learn more about brake fluid exchanges by checking out this video:
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.
Many factors can lead to brake failure – cheap brakes, brake parts installed incorrectly, and brake wear are among them.
Several symptoms indicate that brake repair is needed.
Indicators of brake failure
Grinding, squealing, rattling and groaning noises are all signs that there is a problem with your car’s brake pads.
The causes range from loose parts to a lack of lubrication, depending on the sound.
You should be watchful for excessive brake dust on the wheels. Brake dust can be a normal wear condition – as brakes wear down, they produce dust. But if you see a lot of brake dust on one or more wheels, that could be an indicator that your brakes may be getting low. If you have an excessive amount of brake dust on one wheel, you could have a brake caliper issue.
Cheap brake rotors and significant wear of pads and rotors could cause problems, as well.
If you’re driving down highway, or hills, or in traffic and you notice the brake pedal is pulsating, or moving back and forth, it’s an indication that your brake rotors have an excessive amount of run out, usually due to significant heat.
This can be the result of age and components becoming worn over time. Cheap brake parts may not have the same tolerances as your O.E. fitment parts and hold up to the heat as well. In addition, they could also give you a pulsating feeling sooner.
Not using high quality brake pads will wear more quickly than high quality ones. Whether their organic or semi-metallic will also determine how quickly they wear out.
TIP: One thing you don’t want to do is drive with two feet, with one resting on the brake pedal. Even resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause a small amount of pressure on the brake pads, causing them to wear faster. The pads putting constant pressure on brake rotors could cause excessive heat and warp your rotors. There are many times we’ve ridden with a customer who was wondering about having brake issues, and they didn’t realize they were driving with two feet.
A vehicle’s Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) warning light is another sign that something is wrong.
ABS warning light
The ABS prevents brakes from becoming locked in an emergency. This enables you to keep steering control.
Various issues could prompt this light to turn on. These include a bad hydraulic pump or ABS module, malfunctions with the speed sensor or bulb check, and low brake fluid.
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.
Your car heater can be just what you need on chilly winter, fall or spring days. However, there may come a time where you flip it on and feel cold air blowing through the vents – even after the vehicle has been running for a while.
What can cause this unpleasant occurrence? Well, a car heater blowing cold air can be the result of a few problems. It could indicate:
More coolant is needed
There is a problem with the heater core
The thermostat isn’t functioning correctly
The heater control has become blocked or broken
Below is more information about these different issues.
Car heater problems? Here’s what it could be.
It needs more coolant: Hot air generates from the heater core. Coolant, which runs through the engine and heater core, becomes hot. Coolant has to go somewhere, so if you need to add coolant, it’s likely that there’s a leak. Coolant leaks, which are also known as “water leaks”, can develop anywhere – the heater core, radiator, heater hoses, thermostat, and other areas.
Problems with the heater core: The heater core can become blocked by scale, which is debris created by a chemical reaction. If the heater core is blocked, coolant isn’t able to enter it and send cold or hot air through the vents.
The thermostat is malfunctioning: The thermostat expands and contracts, depending on the coolant’s temperature. If it’s stuck open, too much coolant is flowing, causing the engine temperature to stay too low. This can cause cold air to come through the vents. If the thermostat is stuck closed, the engine temperature becomes too hot.
Heater control is broken or blocked: The blendor actuator, or “blendor switch” – the knob on your dashboard – tells the actuator how much to open the door. This determines how hot or cold the air that enters your vehicle is. If it breaks or gets clogged, air – or the type of air you want – won’t flow through. Blockages may be caused by papers, mouse nests or other objects. If the car heating problem is occurring on an older car, there might be something wrong with the cables for the heater control.
What do I do if my heater is blowing cold air?
When you realize you have a car heater problem, take a few minutes to look at the heating system. You or one of your passengers could have accidentally pressed the wrong button or adjusted the settings.
Once you have confirmed that everything appears to be set correctly, contact a nearby car repair shop. They may be able to help you troubleshoot it. They can also have one of their mechanics take a look if it seems to be a deeper issue, or diagnostic testing is needed to resolve the problem.
HomeTowne Auto Repair offers car heater repair services. Our automotive technicians can help you figure out where the trouble lies and restore that precious heat to your vehicle.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.
The check engine light could indicate that the catalytic converter isn’t working right. This was the case with a Dodge Caravan we worked on last year.
Problems with the circuit, catalyst system and coolant system are also reasons why it turns on.
A misfiring engine is a more serious problem that the light would point out.
Before dropping your car off at an auto repair shop, make sure the gas cap isn’t loose. Loose fuel caps can trigger it, as well.
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.
They can become lodged in your car’s cabin air filter or the cowling area.
Cabin air filters clean the air that goes into the front of vehicles and prevent bacteria, dirt, dust and pollen from entering.
They keep the heating core and evaporator from getting blocked, as well.
Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to clean out and vacuum the cowling area, where leaves, sticks and pine needles can build up.
Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to clean out and vacuum the cowling area, where leaves, sticks and pine needles can build up.
The windshield wipers hook up at the cowling area and water from the windshield drains into it before running off the sides under the car.
It also houses the windshield wiper motor and air intake for the heating and air conditioning system and cabin air filter.
Why you should clean the cowling area
Cleaning the cowling area can help keep your cabin air filter clean and prevents your car from smelling moldy.
It’s important to have the cabin air filter replaced regularly. If it isn’t, it becomes more clogged and may add more stress to the blower motor.
In addition to leaves, cabin air filters may become home to animals that are seeking warmth or shelter.
One indicator that your cabin air filter isn’t working properly or it’s blocked by too many leaves or a mouse nest, is that particles will come out of the vent when you turn the air conditioning or heat on the highest setting.
Cabin air filters should get changed every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on the car’s make and model and where it’s driven.
A vehicle that travels down a dirt road every day may need to be replaced more often than one that goes from a driveway to the interstate.
It’s like getting an air filter for your house – you can buy a $3 air filter or $30 air filter.
Depending on the make model of the vehicle, you can spend $3 to 5 or up to $75 or $80 for a cabin air filter.
How the air filter is made, if it will get distorted, and the materials the filter is made out of also impact the price.
On some vehicles, like BMWs and Mercedes, they may have a charcoal filter built into them, which are going to be more expensive. Some vehicles have two cabin air filters, others have none.
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.
When dropping off your vehicle at an auto repair shop, it’s important to provide as much information as possible – whether it’s a noise you hear, work that has been done, or a recent incident.
The driver of a Dodge Avenger brought their car in for a wheel alignment and explained that they had hit a curb.
Before performing alignments, our technicians complete a free courtesy inspection. During courtesy checks, they check various components, including the brakes and lights.
When looking over the Dodge Avenger, we noticed that a wheel and tire were damaged and that the wheel would shift back and forth when the brakes were applied. The lower control arm was broken, as well.
Broken lower control arm
Lower control arms are responsible for linking the frame with the suspension.
As one of the technicians removed the broken lower control arm, he saw that the subframe was bent and needed to be replaced.
Old subframe
How sharing information with an auto repair shop helps
Providing details to your mechanic gives them an idea of things they should be watchful for and steps they need to take to care of your car.
It can also prevent more damage from occurring.
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.
