Glen Allen and Richmond Auto Repair

Taking care of your car during the winter is essential to ensure its performance, safety, and longevity. Here are some tips to help you prepare your car for the winter season: Check the Battery: Cold weather can be hard on car batteries. Have your battery tested to make sure it's in good condition, and replace it if necessary. Clean any corrosion from the terminals. Inspect the Antifreeze/Coolant: Ensure that your car has the correct ratio of antifreeze to water in the cooling system. This prevents the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures. Check the levels and top up if needed. Check the Tire Pressure: Cold air causes tire pressure to drop, so check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months. Make sure they are properly inflated for optimal traction and fuel efficiency. Switch to Winter Tires: Consider using winter tires, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. These tires are designed for better traction in cold conditions. Inspect the Brakes ... read more

Auto Repairs 2.O Auto repairs refer to the maintenance and fixing of vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition and safe to drive. This process involves diagnosing issues, replacing faulty parts, and performing routine maintenance. Below, is an overview of auto repairs, common repair services, and some tips to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Common Auto Repairs and Services: a. Oil Change: Regularly changing the engine oil is essential to keep the engine lubricated and prevent damage. b. Brake Repair: Brake pads, rotors, and calipers may need replacement to ensure efficient braking. c. Tire Maintenance: Regular tire rotation, balancing, and alignment help extend the life of your tires and improve handling. d. Battery Replacement: Car batteries have a limited lifespan and need replacement when they become weak or fail. e. Engine Diagnostics: Identifying and fixing issues with the engine's performance, such as rough idling or decreased power. f. Transmission Ser ... read more

Why Do My Tires Look Like They Need Air, Often?   Your car’s tire pressure is very important and can be hazardous if not properly maintained. Did you know that your tires can actually lose air pressure over time and in different temperature conditions? Yes, the air molecules can actually leak through the rubber membranes, very, very slowly. Especially if your car sits without driving it over long periods of time or you have drastic changes in ambient temperature. Or you could have a slow leak from a small puncture, broken valve stem or your tire is not sealed on the rim very well. Also check to see if your tires are showing excessive or uneven wear. Make sure you inspect your tires and tire pressure at least on a monthly basis. If they seem low or your car feels like it’s riding hard or soft the air pressure can be under or over inflated ... read more

Does My Car Need New Shocks And Struts? Does your car bounce up and down when going over a bump? Do you feel and hear a thud or clanking noise when you hit a pothole? Does your car seem to swerve or sway when you make a turn? Does it seem to sit higher or lower from the front to the rear? If so, then you should have your car checked out by a certified auto repair technician to determine if you have any damages. Your shocks and struts are parts of your car’s front and rear suspension systems that helps you keep control and provide a smooth comfortable ride. Depending on your specific car, usually your front shocks and struts are most likely to fail first which is where most of the heavy weight is distributed. The damage can range from broken springs and leaking cylinders to uneven tire wear and bumpy driving. You should replace them in pairs or all four at the same time if any have failed. Virginia Automotive Service is your car’s shock and strut headquar ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? What is that awful squeaking, grinding noise from the front of my car? Well, it could be something wrong with your braking system  From brake pads, rotors, brake lines to brake fluid, your brakes are essential for driving safely. Most cars have a brake pad wear alarm and or light on the instrument cluster to alert you of any problems. The majority of the time it’s usually normal brake pad wear and the pads just need to be changed. But sometimes brakes will fail due to caliper, rotor malfunction or even a broken brake line or brake booster failure. Anytime you suspect any of these signs you ... read more