HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when buying new tires?

What kind of vehicle you are driving such as a car, SUV or truck, what kind of weather conditions that you normally drive in rain, snow etc. and whether you are looking for performance, all season or economy tires. All these are things to consider when purchasing new tires. Click here to learn more...

How should I dispose of old tires?

You can bring them to us and we will dispose of them for you, there is a $4.00 per tire fee for doing so. If you are a resident of Prince William County you can dispose of 4 tires at the Landfill for free.

How do I know when it is time to buy new tires?

When your tires have around 4/32 of an inch of tread left it is a good idea to seriously start thinking to replace them, even though Virginia State Safety Inspection says tires under 2/32 of an inch fail, the ability to move water and braking distance greatly diminishes at this point. You can always do the quarter test to check tread depth. Click here to learn more...

How can I avoid tire damage?

Try not to over or under inflate the tires. The correct tire pressure is listed on the vehicle placard & can be found in the following places:

• In the car owner's manual
• Under the gas tank lid
• Along the driver's side door edge
• Along the door post

Why do I need to rotate my tires?

When you rotate your tires it helps to ensure that the tires wear evenly, this also helps you get the most life out of the tires. Front tires often wear more quickly than the back tires. We recommend rotating your tires every 5,000-6,000 miles.

How do I know when it's time to get an oil change?

We typically recommend changing your oil and filter every 3-5,000 miles depending on the type of driving you do and the type of oil being used. Check your owner's manual for information specific to your vehicle or give us a call.

What is the difference between regular and synthetic oils?

Regular oil is mineral-based and refined from crude oil taken from the ground. Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds that are artificially made.

Synthetic oils:

• are all season and have multi-viscosity properties, some flowing as much as seven times faster than regular oil.
• can stand extremes of engine temperature (some above 400°F) more efficiently.
• can boost effective horsepower more effectively than thinner regular oils.
• can be used for as much as 10,000 miles before requiring an oil change, however, we recommend changing the oil filter and rotating the tires every 5,000 miles)
• contain fewer contaminants like sulfur, wax, and other elements that contribute to sludge build-up.

How often should I change my oil filter?

We recommend changing the oil filter at every oil change. There are some instances where you may need to change the filter in between oil changes.

What are the signs that will tell me I need new brakes?

Brakes often give off a high pitched squealing sound when pushed on to let you know the brake pads are running low. Some Vehicle manufactures put a metal tab on the brake pad that also makes a high pitched squealing noise when the pads are worn down enough for the tab to contact the brake rotor. Additionally, if reaction time becomes slower when you hit the brakes this is a sign it's time to have them looked at. Grinding, growling or vibration when using brakes are all signs that there is a problem.

Is brake flushing really necessary?

Brake flushing helps to ensure that you have clean fluid and removes moisture that gets built up in the brake fluid. Brake fluid that has excessive moisture can boil under extreme braking and cause the brake pedal to go soft. Performing a brake fluid flush also helps the ABS (antilock brake system) components to last longer helping keep repair costs down. Brakes should be flushed approximately every 30,000 miles.

Why and when do I need a transmission flush?

Transmission flushes should be done around every 30,000 miles. We use BG Products which has a cleaner and an additive to help remove contaminates from the torque conveter and solenoid valves inside the transmission and a conditioner to help rejuvenate the seals and helps the transmission fluid perform better longer.

How do I establish a fleet account?

Call us at (703) 594-4646