You hit a pothole a week ago and your car hasn’t behaved quite right ever since. Maybe it’s started pulling to the left or your steering wheel isn’t centered — even when you’re driving straight. That’s when it’s time to get the tires of your car realigned. During a wheel alignment service, an auto shop technician will check and adjust the angle of each of your car’s tires to match each other and the car chassis. But many drivers don’t get their wheels aligned regularly. You might even be wondering how important wheel alignment is in the first place. Read on to find out more about the importance of wheel alignment and why you need to get your tires set straight. How Important is Wheel Alignment?The short answer to “how important is wheel alignment” is: very. Correctly aligned wheels are critical for keeping you safe on the road. Tire alignment ensures that your tires contact the road surface at the proper angle and that they point straight (that means in the same direction as your vehicle’s chassis. It also makes sure that your tires are properly centered in the wheel wells. If your tires are misaligned, your car will not handle properly. After all, how could your vehicle move straight ahead if each of your wheels is pointing in a slightly different direction? The smallest issue wheel misalignment can cause is wearing down certain parts of your car faster. But the problem won’t fix itself, and as it gets worse, misalignment will start affecting your ability to control your car more and more. Needless to say, driving with misaligned wheels can be dangerous — especially on icy Virginia roads in winter. Your safety is the number one reason you need to get your wheels aligned. Things that Can Cause Wheel MisalignmentMost wheel alignment issues stem from your car’s suspension being out of whack. Although the suspension system is there to absorb bumps from the road, it’s not invulnerable to impacts. Strong impacts can wear down or shift suspension components, knocking them out of place. Any of these events could misalign your tires:
It’s a good idea to get your wheel alignment checked after any of these incidents. Your Vehicle Benefits from Wheel AlignmentAccurately aligned tires do more than just keep you safe, though. Wheel alignment brings a whole slew of benefits to both you and your car. The benefits of keeping your tires properly aligned include:
How Do I Know My Tires Need Alignment?Any impact — whether big or small — could throw your wheels out of alignment. But sometimes the tires simply misalign on their own. Your suspension wears down just like any other part of your car, and with each bump on the road, the tires get a bit more twisted. Most of the time, wheel misalignment isn’t visible to the naked eye — and if it is, your car probably won’t be going anywhere without major repairs. But there are still some clear signs that indicate your tires aren’t aligned. Bring your car in for service if you notice any of these most common signs of tire misalignment:
How Often You Should Align Your WheelsNo matter how sharp of an eye and ear you keep on your vehicle, you may still run into mechanical issues, like your tires misaligning. Tires usually get out of alignment very gradually, so most of the time you probably won’t notice how much they’re impacting your driving. As such, you have to get a tire alignment check regularly. Unlike with other maintenance services, like oil changes, you may not find a recommended service interval for wheel alignment in your owner’s manual. The general technicians’ recommendation is to get your wheels aligned annually, or every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you’ve bought new tires, been in a minor accident, or driven a lot on bumpy on uneven roads, you should get a tire check done immediately afterward. What Happens During Wheel Alignment?When you bring your car to an auto maintenance shop for tire service, the technician will ask you to describe the issues you’re having. Using the information detailed above, try to give them as many details as you can. The technician could also ask to take your car for a short test drive to verify the problems. Your car will then go on a hoist and the technician checks the undercarriage for any damaged or worn suspension or wheel parts. They will replace any components showing excessive wear before starting the alignment process. Most service shops use a machine to align your tires. For example, Advanced Automotive provides a computerized alignment service to ensure the tires on your vehicle are absolutely correct. The automated system references your car’s manufacturer’s recommendations to find the right alignment, while also adjusting wheel camber, caster, and toe angles. The length of the service depends on your car and the amount of work the technicians need to do. On average, tire alignment service takes approximately one hour. Different Types of Alignment ServicesDuring the service, the technician may carry out a specific alignment process. The choice depends mostly on what type of suspension system your car has. The most common service types are:
Different Types of Wheel AdjustmentsThe technician may perform different adjustments to your tires, depending on their condition. These adjustments can include:
The Cost of Wheel Alignment ServicesHow much you have to pay for wheel alignment depends on multiple factors. The number of serviced wheels, the car’s make and model, suspension or tire damage and wear, and potential additional services can all affect the total service cost. The average price for a full-service, four-wheel alignment sits in the ballpark of $100-$200. For the exact cost, contact a car technician. A reliable auto service shop will give you a cost-free estimate before carrying out any work. Where Can I Get Wheel Alignment Done in Chantilly & Warrenton?The road conditions in northern Virginia can be challenging. Frequent rain in the summer makes surfaces slick, while ice and snow are our regular guests in winter. For these reasons, drivers around Chantilly and Warrenton need to keep their wheels aligned to handle the difficult weather. Advanced Automotive provides top-notch alignment services at our conveniently located shops in Chantilly and Warrenton. No matter what kind of car you drive, we’ll ensure your tires point in the direction they should. Book a service appointment today, or call our friendly and knowledgeable car repair experts. The post Wheel Alignment: Why It’s So Important appeared first on Advanced Automotive. Via https://advancedautomotiveva.com/importance-wheel-alignment/
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Your brakes are one of the most vital safety features of your vehicle. A well-maintained and well-functioning set of brakes ensures your car comes to a quick and controlled stop when you press on the brake pedal. But brake systems are complex, with many moving parts that could fail and put you, your family, and your car in danger. That’s why you need to get your brakes replaced and repaired regularly. If you understand how car brakes work, you can more easily spot the signs of dangerous wear and tell a technician what’s wrong with your brakes. Read on and find out the things you should check before a brake job and when you should change your brakes. What Do I Need to Check Before a Brake Job?Before you bring your car to a technician, it’s good to give some thought to how your car is behaving during braking. It can help you spot the most obvious problems and inform your technician about them. But you also need to know how car brakes work before analyzing them. Modern cars generally have two different kinds of brakes:
How Do Car Brakes Work?Disc brakes function a lot like bicycle brakes. They consist of three main parts — brake pads, the brake rotor, and the brake caliper. The caliper contains a piston, which presses the brake pads against the rotor when you hit the brakes. This creates friction, which removes your car’s kinetic energy and stops it. Repeated clamping eventually wears out all of these three parts. Drum brakes are the original car brakes. Despite disc brakes offering greater braking power, many non-sport cars still have drum brakes on their rear wheels — and even sports cars often include one for the hand brake. A drum brake has two brake shoes and a piston inside the brake drum. When you brake, the piston presses the shoes against the drum to create friction. A drum brake also has plenty of spings that pull the shoes back when you release the brake. In addition, your car’s brake system contains brake fluid. This hydraulic fluid provides the necessary force to move the pistons when you stomp down on the brake pedal. What Parts Do I Need to Replace Brakes?As you’ve learned, car brakes contain many more or less complex parts. On top of knowing how they work together, being aware of the finer details of each component can make it easier for you to describe your brake issues to technicians. Let’s take a closer look at the most significant brake parts on your vehicle. Brake PadsBrake pads clamp onto the brake rotor to provide the friction needed to stop your wheels from turning and stop the car. They consist of a metallic backplate, on which the manufacturer piles insulation material, adhesive, and the friction block itself. Brake pads may include wear indicators — small pieces of metal that begin to grind loudly against the rotor when the pad is worn down. This noise tells you it’s time to replace your brake pads. Some pads also feature noise reduction shims, which reduce vibration and sound from the brake pads. When shopping for brake pads, you’ll generally find them in three different qualities:
Brake RotorsThe brake rotor is a metal disc that provides a surface for your brake pads to grab onto. They consist of two flat, round metal panels with cooling fins in the middle to dissipate heat from the braking action. Like brake pads, brake rotors have different quality levels. The most noticeable difference is the thickness of the metal plates — cheaper rotors can have thinner and lower-quality plates that will wear through quickly. Economy-grade rotors also may have fewer cooling fins. As a result, they can build up heat that can cause the rotors to degrade faster. Brake CalipersIt’s relatively common to see DIY mechanics reuse old caliper parts when they replace their brakes. This can be a big mistake — the high heat and tension during braking can degrade caliper parts severely. Even if the part looks fine to the plain eye, it may be at its breaking point. Luckily, even high-quality brake caliper parts are inexpensive. You should always replace these crucial but cheap brake components when servicing your brakes. Drum Brake PartsYou should replace the shoes and the drum in drum brakes like you would replace the pads and calipers on disc brakes. The above notes about product quality apply to them as well. It’s the multiple springs and adjusters in drum brakes that are a bigger issue. Like with brake calipers, it might be tempting to tell a technician to reuse the old parts when changing the drum brake shoes. But, once again, these parts endure a lot of heat and wear. You should never reuse your old drum brake springs and adjusters. Other ToolsIn addition to the brake components, there’s plenty of additional equipment a technician requires to service brakes. These include:
When Should You Change Your Brakes?There’s no simple answer to when you should change your brakes. It all depends on the make and model of your car, the quality of your brake components, how much you drive, and your braking habits. Additionally, different parts of your brakes wear down at different rates. Weather is also a big factor in determining how fast your brakes wear down. For example, the humid summers and cold winters in northern Virginia cause extremely varied weather conditions that can wreak havoc on your brakes. For the manufacturer’s recommended brake service intervals, check your car owner’s manual. How Often to Change Brake PadsTo keep wear at a minimum, you should replace your brake pads every 20,000 miles. If you have a new car with a modern, high-quality brake system, though, you may be able to get 50,000 miles out of a pair of pads. How Often to Change Brake RotorsBrake rotors have a lifespan that’s roughly double that of brake pads. To ensure they remain in peak operating condition, change your brake rotors every 50,000-80,000 miles. 5 Signs That You Need a Brake JobThese milestones are just rough guidelines. As we mentioned, car and road conditions and your driving habits can wear your brakes down faster — or make them last a lot longer than you’d expect. For this reason, you should be aware of a few telltale signs of worn brakes. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car in for brake inspection and service immediately.
Active Warning Light: Modern cars have warning lights for both brake and ABS systems on their dashboards. If you see either of these lights, don’t delay getting auto brake service. Where Can I Get My Brakes Done in Chantilly & Warrenton?The roads and weather in Northern Virginia can be poison to breaks. The humid and hot summers and frigid winters can cause dirt and ice buildup in your brake system, which will quickly wear down the components. If you find yourself wondering where you can get your brakes done in Chantilly or Warrenton, VA, come see our friendly technicians at Advanced Automotive. We offer every type of brake repair service to ensure your car stops when it needs to. And while you wait for us to fix your brakes, you can enjoy our A+ rated customer service and free refreshments and Wi-Fi. When you need a professional brake job in northern Virginia, we’re here to help. The post Things to Check for a Brake Job appeared first on Advanced Automotive. Via https://advancedautomotiveva.com/what-needs-when-doing-brakes/ The transmission system is one of the most crucial components of your car. As its name implies, it transmits power from your vehicle’s engine to the wheels. Without a transmission, your car wouldn’t move. Because it’s such an important and complex system, replacing a busted transmission can cost thousands of dollars. That’s not a bill you want to get. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do during everyday driving to extend the lifespan of your transmission.
15 Tips on How to Take Care of Your TransmissionIt’s not difficult to keep your transmission in good shape. Instead of one huge project, good transmission care consists of little things you can employ every time you get behind the wheel. And the best part is that caring for your transmission won’t just save you money — it can also help keep you safe on the road. Here are our tips for keeping your transmission working longer. 1. Keep an Eye on the Transmission FluidTransmission fluid is critical for your system since it lubricates the moving parts of the transmission while also providing hydraulic pressure. Checking the condition of the fluid is one of the easiest ways to know you need transmission service. To check the fluid, idle your car in park, pop the hood, and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check that the fluid level is where it should be. You should also see that the fluid isn’t dirty or dark. 2. Use the Right Kind of Transmission FluidThere are many kinds of engine oils, and the same goes for transmission fluid. For example, automatic and manual transmission require different fluids. There are also differences in the requirements between car makes and models. The owner’s manual will tell you what kind of transmission fluid your car needs. You can also bring your car to a reliable service shop and ask the technician to identify the right fluid. 3. Swap to a Synthetic FluidIf your car has traditional transmission fluid, you may want to consider changing it to synthetic fluid. Synthetic transmission fluids resist heat, cold, oxidation, and shearing much better, extending your transmission’s lifespan. Just make sure you pick the right kind of synthetic fluid. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or a friendly car technician 4. Keep Your Cooling System OperationalExcessive heat will eventually degrade any transmission fluid, synthetic or not. Your car’s cooling system is responsible for keeping the fluid’s temperature in check. For this reason, you need to make sure the cooling system always works optimally. Ask your technician to check the cooler at least once a year. 5. Warm Up Your Car in WinterJust like high temperatures, freezing weather can also harm your transmission. Cold transmission fluid is more viscous and slows gear engagement, which can damage the system. During the cold northern Virginia winters, let your car warm up for a few minutes before you start driving. It might also be a good idea to invest in a transmission heater for the winter months. 6. Get an External Transmission Fluid FilterEvery transmission system has a filter, but they’re often simple fine mesh screens. Adding an external filter can help catch dirt and particles that get through the original filter. Cleaner transmission fluid keeps the system operating better and for longer. Installing an external filter can be a challenge, though, so it’s best to ask a pro technician to do it. 7. Keep Your Foot Off the Brake Pedal During DrivingMany people like to rest their foot on the brake pedal when driving for quicker reaction times. But here’s the thing — don’t do it. Car brakes are sensitive and even slight pressure can partially engage the brakes. As a result, your engine and transmission have to work harder, causing unnecessary wear. 8. Shift Gears AppropriatelyIt goes without saying that not shifting gears the right way can damage your transmission system. Owners of manual transmission vehicles particularly need to learn how and when to engage the next gear. But automatic transmission drivers must be careful, too. Always bring your vehicle to a full stop when shifting into park or from drive to reverse — or vice versa. 9. Use the Parking BrakeThe parking brake is sometimes called an emergency brake, but it’s not just for emergencies. You should always engage the parking brake when you park your car, especially when parked at an incline. If you don’t use the parking brake, your transmission system does a lot of the work to keep your car in place. This extra strain will naturally wear down and damage the transmission. 10. Don’t Accelerate too FastThe harder you drive, the harder your transmission has to work — it’s just logical. If you have a heavy foot on the gas pedal, your transmission will struggle to keep up with your driving. Have mercy on your vehicle and accelerate slowly when you start moving. Your transmission will reward your kindness with reduced wear and longer service life. 11. Engine Brake CautiouslyEngine braking — taking your foot off the gas pedal and shifting into a lower gear to slow down — is a good way to save your brakes. But it’s not a foolproof solution, since you’re shifting the responsibility of slowing your car from the brakes to the transmission. Excessive downshifting and engine braking can cause significant wear to transmission components. We’re not saying you shouldn’t engine brake, but don’t do it all the time. 12. Don’t Be a Towing ServiceIf you have a big truck, your friends or family might ask you to tow their car. It can be hard to say no, but you shouldn’t stand in for a tow truck unless you have no choice.The extra weight of the towed vehicle will put immense strain on everything from your engine to brakes and transmission. So, unless it’s a matter of life and death, consider getting a towing service instead. 13. Don’t Rely on a Spare TireThe spare tire can get your car moving again after you have a blowout. But don’t keep the spare on — get new tires as soon as possible. Spare tires are often smaller than your regular ones, and the discrepancy can cause wear on your transmission. The spare tire can help you in an emergency, but it’s not meant to replace a proper tire. 14. Use Transmission AdditivesThere are additives you can add to your transmission system, like a transmission conditioner. These additives may help with various things, such as maintaining seal health or preventing leaks. Be cautious, though, since using the wrong kind of additives can easily do more damage than it does good. You should always ask your trusted car technician before adding strange liquids into your transmission. 15. Get Your Transmission Checked RegularlyAbove all else, regular transmission inspections will ensure your car stays in tip-top shape. The owner’s manual should specify how often you need to bring your car in for transmission service.As a general rule of thumb, however, automatic transmissions should be serviced every 15,000 miles, or once a year. Manual transmissions can go longer without service, but getting an annual checkup is still an excellent idea. The Most Common Signs of Transmission IssuesBut no matter how lovingly you care for your car, things can still always break. Anything from accidents to hitting potholes could damage any system or component in your car — including your transmission. For this reason, it’s good to be aware of the most common signs of transmission problems. If you notice any of the below symptoms, don’t delay getting your transmission checked. Ignoring them could seriously damage the transmission and land you with a huge repair bill How to Know if Your Car Has Transmission ProblemsThe mechanical parts of your transmission could fail for any number of reasons. These issues let you know that your car has transmission problems:
Gear Slipping: If your car suddenly slips into the wrong gear while driving, your transmission bands may be worn out. It could also indicate a transmission fluid problem. How to Know if Your Car Needs Transmission FluidAny of the symptoms in the previous section could also mean your transmission fluid is low or dirty. But there are also some issues that almost always indicate problems with the fluid. Here’s how to know if your car needs transmission fluid:
Refusal to Switch Gears: If your car simply refuses to switch gears, you’re most likely facing an issue with low or dirty fluid. Where to Get Auto Transmission Service in Chantilly & WarrentonIt’s particularly important to take good care of your car in northern Virginia. Our cold winters are transmission fluid’s worst nightmare, while the hot and humid summers can pack your car internals full of dirt and leaves. Advanced Automotive has been helping Virginians maintain their cars for more than 35 years. The ASE-certified technicians at our convenient locations in Chantilly and Warrenton will diagnose and repair your transmission problems, no matter what car you drive.Book an appointment, call us, or drop by for a surprise visit today. The post Caring for Your Car Transmission: 15 Best Tips appeared first on Advanced Automotive. Via https://advancedautomotiveva.com/how-to-car-care-transmission/ Every car needs oil in its engine. A regular oil change ensures you always have clean oil to keep your vehicle running. But how often do you need to change your oil? How Long Can a Car Go Without an Oil Change?In many people’s minds, “How often should I change the oil in my car?” and “How long a car can go without an oil change?” are the same question. But that’s not quite right. Old Car Oil Change IntervalsOlder vehicles without modern oil monitoring systems should follow the old standard. Owners of old cars should get an oil change every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. It may well be that such frequent oil changes err on the side of being cautious, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. As your car’s engine starts changing, it becomes more and more prone to malfunction. Giving the senior mile-muncher fresh oil is the least you can do. With all that said, modern synthetic oils can extend the oil change intervals even on old cars. For complete safety, check your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil change intervals. New Car Oil Change IntervalsNew cars — that is, cars made in the last 5 or so years — have advanced oil monitoring systems. These sensors will notify you on your car’s instrument panel when you need an oil change. Current oil monitoring systems even take changing driving habits into account. But you shouldn’t blindly trust your car’s computer to tell you when to change your oil. In general, new cars need an oil change every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever you hit first. Some brand-new engines using all-synthetic oil can go even 15,000 miles without an oil change. And — like with old cars — if you’re in doubt about how often you should change the oil in your car, check your owner’s manual. Why Do Cars Need Oil Changes?We already mentioned that running your car with dirty oil can cause damage to your engine. Yet, that’s only one problem you’re likely to face. If you don’t change your car’s engine oil regularly, it will cause many issues, including:
Higher Emissions: Old oil can start burning in your engine and produce toxic and harmful emissions. In the worst-case scenario, these emissions could cause your car to fail its annual emissions inspection. How Do You Know Your Car Needs an Oil Change?Even when you get your car’s oil changed regularly, your vehicle could still run into oil issues. Mechanical failures or regular wear could cause your car to burn through engine oil faster than usual. That’s why it’s good to be aware of the most common signs that indicate you need an oil change. If you notice any of these 6 signs, consider bringing your car in for an oil change service:
“Check Engine” Light Is On: If the “Check Engine” light on your dashboard is on all the time, don’t ignore it. Bad oil is just one possible engine issue the light could be warning you about. Can You Do an Oil Change Yourself?Of course, you can change your own oil! An oil change is one of the most basic DIY car care jobs you can do. Besides, our technicians are only people — if they can do it, so can you. However, changing your oil isn’t just a matter of draining the old oil and dumping in the new oil. You have to make absolutely sure you’re using the right kind of oil. Otherwise, you might risk voiding your car’s warranty or even breaking your engine. You also need to dispose of the used oil properly. Not only is it toxic, but you may also get a fine or even go to jail for recklessly dumping old oil. Recycling used motor oil is the most environmentally-friendly option to get rid of it. If you doubt your mechanic’s skills, the safest choice is to bring your car in for a professional oil change. But here are some tips on how to change the oil in a car. How Do You Know What Type of Oil to Use?There are many different motor oils out there and it’s vital that you use the right type in your car. The most critical feature of the oil is its viscosity or thickness. If the oil is too thin or thick, it won’t circulate properly through your engine. Additionally, every car has different quality standards for the engine oil they use. Some automakers conform to SAE or API standards, while others go by more obscure standards. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will tell you what kind of oil your car needs. Make sure the oil you put in your engine meets the viscosity requirements and quality standards in the manual. How to Change Oil in a CarWe can’t tell you exactly how to change the oil in your car, since different makes and models have a different engine and part configurations. These are the basic steps to a DIY oil change:
Can You Change a Car Oil Filter Without Draining?Yes, you can change a car oil filter without draining the oil. The filter usually sits above the oil pan that holds most of your oil, so removing the filter shouldn’t cause much leakage. Whatever oil leaks out is stuff that has gotten stuck in the filter. Still, some leakage is inevitable. You must prepare a container to catch any spills, just like you would when changing the oil. Also, always check your oil level after replacing the filter. However, before changing your oil filter without draining oil, you should consider if you need to do it. The filter usually gets replaced with the oil, because if the oil is already degraded, a new filter won’t make it better. Can You Change a Car Oil Filter Without Draining?Yes, you can change a car oil filter without draining the oil. The filter usually sits above the oil pan that holds most of your oil, so removing the filter shouldn’t cause much leakage. Whatever oil leaks out is stuff that has gotten stuck in the filter. Still, some leakage is inevitable. You must prepare a container to catch any spills, just like you would when changing the oil. Also, always check your oil level after replacing the filter. However, before changing your oil filter without draining oil, you should consider if you need to do it. The filter usually gets replaced with the oil, because if the oil is already degraded, a new filter won’t make it better. Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?Here’s some good news for EV owners — electric cars do not need oil changes. Electric engines don’t use engine oil in the same way gasoline or diesel engines do, so there’s nothing to change. Although your electric car may not need oil changes, there are other important fluids in the vehicle. These include transmission lubricants and brake fluids, and they could degrade just like motor oil. So, no, you don’t need oil changes for your Tesla. But you should still bring it in for an inspection annually to make sure all other fluids are in good condition. Where Can You Get a Car Oil Change in Chantilly and Warrenton?You now know how long a car can go without an oil change. You may even have learned how to change your own oil. But if you’re looking to get a professional oil change service in Chantilly and Warrenton, VA, Advanced Automotive is here to help you. We provide fast, reliable, and affordable oil changes for all car makes and models. And while we change your oil, we’ll also throw in a cost-free courtesy check for your car’s other parts — just to keep you safe on northern Virginia roads. The post How Often Do You Need to Change Your Oil? appeared first on Advanced Automotive. Via https://advancedautomotiveva.com/how-often-oil-change/ |
About UsAdvanced Automotive has been the go-to car repair service in Chantilly and Warrenton, Virginia, since 1989! Owned and run by the family, our stores take pride in providing our customers with the experience they deserve in auto care. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |