The windshield is an integral part of your vehicle, but it is not just there for aesthetics. It protects you and your passengers from the wind, dust, and other flying debris.

The windshield also contributes to the aerodynamic resistance of your vehicle, so you can drive at high speeds without your car becoming unstable.

Windshields are made of glass. Therefore, they are susceptible to cracks and chips. Rocks, birds, hail, and those terrible Arizona sandstorms can lead to windshield damages.

Although minor cracks and chips on your windshield may seem harmless, it can jeopardize your safety and potentially put you at the wrong end of the law. Here are a few reasons why you need to immediately address chips and cracks on your windshield.

A. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: The aphorism that “a stitch in time saves nine” rings true for damage to windshields. A minor crack in your windshield may seem like something you can ignore, but it weakens the entire structure.

This means a chipped or cracked windshield is likely to be severely damaged if it sustains a strong impact. This could lead to some serious injuries and could require hundreds of dollars to be replaced.

Under some circumstances, a small chip or crack may not necessitate the replacement of a windshield. It could be repaired at a relatively cheap price. However, when you ignore the crack or chip, and it becomes severe, it would be impossible to fix, and a full replacement of your windshield would be required.

B. Safe Driving: If there is damage to the windshield that is obstructing your view of the road, you run the risk of getting involved in an accident. It is essential to have a clear vision of the road to drive safely.

However, this is impossible if there is a chip or crack on your windshield. Sometimes, it is not that you do not see a portion of the road, but that your overall visual accuracy is affected.

For example, depending on the location and angle of the crack on your windshield, you may misjudge the distance of other cars or pedestrians. A cracked windshield may even prevent you from seeing obstacles on the road until it is too late to avoid them.

Your ability to drive safely could also be compromised by debris flying in your face if you have a hole in your windshield. Ultimately, the price of repairing or replacing a windshield pales in comparison to the cost and troubles involved if you get in an accident because your vision was undermined.

C. Protection: It may come as a surprise that your windshield contributes to the overall protective features of your car.

For example, if you are in a collision and your car’s airbags are released, they bounce off the windshield in the process. If your windshield is cracked or chipped, the force could break it into pieces and cause injuries.

Your windshield could also prevent you from being flung out of your car if you are in a serious accident. However, if the structural integrity of your windshield is compromised, its ability to protect you in this way is weakened drastically.

D. Traffic Violation: In some states (including Arizona), you could be cited for traffic violation if driving around with a cracked or chipped windshield. The penalty that you can be charged for a damaged windshield may be way less than what it costs to fix the crack or chip. But having a run-in with the law doesn’t just cost you money, it also ends up costing you precious time.

These are just a few of the most prominent reasons you must not hesitate in fixing damages to your windshield. Some other reasons include:

1. It can break your car’s seal and leave it susceptible to damage from the climate as well as affect the efficiency of your car heater or air conditioner.
2. Your interior cabin my not be so quiet when driving with a windshield that has its integrity compromised.
3. It detracts from the overall appearance of your car.

A Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop

If you are in Phoenix, Arizona or neighboring cities and you are looking to have your windshield fixed, Virginia Auto Service is your best choice. We are a full-service auto repair shop with over 25 years of experience.

At Virginia Auto Service, we put a priority on providing excellent customer service. Give us a call today on 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The lifespan of a car battery is normally between 4-5 years. However, a lot depends on how often you drive the car.

Having said that, there can be several factors for a car battery to drain prematurely. And old batteries are not the only batteries that can drain when they should not. Any number of mechanical or electrical faults could also cause a brand-new or relatively new battery to drain before it should.

Also, if your car battery keeps dying, then there could be other underlying issues which might need urgent attention. The battery is a critical component in starting the car engine. If your car battery is failing or losing power too soon, it could be due to any of the following reasons:

Car Battery Keeps Dying. What Is Causing This?

Common reasons your car battery keeps dying could be because of charging problems, loose or damaged/worn out battery connections, an electrical drain, or even extreme weather conditions. Here are some examples that could be the issue —

1. Parasitic Drain

Ideally, once you turn off the car engine, it should also shut down your car’s electrical system. However, if the electrical components continue operating, even after the engine has been shut down, it is called a parasitic drain.

• If the system continues powering the security system or the clock for a little while, for instance, after the engine has been shut off, that is not strange.
• If, however, the system is powering other components (for 10 minutes or longer) like the dashboard computer screens, headlights and trunk lights, or the glove box; then the issue could be with the electrical system.

2. The Battery is Worn Out or Battery Connections are Loose or Corroded

The battery of your car is charged by the alternator. However, if your car battery is worn out, it won’t charge fully or be able to hold power.

• A poorly maintained battery again won’t be able to hold enough charge.
• If the battery is weak, even a small drain like using the car radio will cause the battery to die prematurely.
• Loose or corroded battery connections are another reason behind why the battery could be repeatedly draining, since it hinders the charging system from topping-off the battery while driving.
• Typically, you should schedule a battery change every 4-5 years.
• If your car battery is worn out or old, the best option is to replace your battery.

3. Issues with the Alternator

If your car alternator is causing the battery to lose power, the battery will die on you.

• The role of the alternator is to deliver power to your car’s electrical components.
• If the alternator is unable to provide the necessary power, then the car will use the battery to maintain the power supply instead.
• Since the battery can only meet the power demands of the various components for a limited period, it will eventually drain out and die.

4. Head Lights or Dome Lights Were Left On

One of the most common reasons for batteries to die is when the lights are left on overnight. It is human nature to forget sometimes or if you are in a hurry, to leave the lights on. Some cars will allow you to do that – not everyone drives a new car.

• If you forgot to turn off the headlights or the dome lights, the battery will die overnight.
• If your car lights are on after 5 minutes of the engine being off, for instance, you need to take that seriously.
• If the door or the trunk wasn’t shut properly.
• When this happens, the battery will drain overnight, and you will wake up to a dead battery.

Something to Take Seriously

Figuring out why a brand-new or relatively new battery won’t hold a charge or what is causing the battery to die is not easy. If, however, you find your car battery is repeatedly draining too quickly or at all, then it is best to have your car checked by a mechanic.

A careful and professional assessment will help in identifying if the fault lies with the electrical system or if the reason lies elsewhere.

Providing Professional Auto Care Since 1995!

Frustrated that your car battery keeps dying? Worried about being stranded with a dead battery? You don’t have to worry anymore. We can fix it! Just give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

A car that vibrates or shakes while driving needs a closer inspection. You might experience the vibrating movement either while driving, when you apply the brakes, or even when the car is idle. Or maybe in all three of those circumstances!

In most instances, the issue is not a serious problem with the engine. Instead, it could be because of tire balancing, a bad engine mount, or worn suspension parts.

Sometimes the vibration might settle down and go away. However, if the shaking or vibrations get stronger and more intense, then it could be due to one of the following reasons.

Here’s Why Your Car Shakes and Vibrates When Driving or Braking

Tires are typically balanced at the time of installation. However, if you suspect a tire balancing issue, then consult with your mechanic right away.

• A professional mechanic will use a special machine to inspect and ensure the weight of the wheels is balanced perfectly all the way around.
• Most car vibrations can be easily fixed by having the tires balanced.
• If the wheels are unbalanced, even with a tiny weight difference, you will feel vibrations.
• If this condition is not addressed, it could also cause premature wear and tear of the tires.

Bad Engine Mount

The engine mount plays a very important role in ensuring your car runs smoothly.

• In addition to connecting your car’s engine with the car body, the mount also links the transmission to the car body.
• Furthermore, it is the mount which is responsible for absorbing any shocks or vibrations that are generated while the car is in motion.
• Any time the mount sustains damage, or becomes worn out, it will fail in absorbing the shocks and vibrations. This, in turn, could lead the entire body of your car to shake.

Tire Treads are Worn Out

Tire treads provide grip, so your car has the necessary traction and stability while speeding up, turning, as well as slowing down or braking.

However, because the tires are continuously spinning, and because they are constantly in contact with the road surface, they tend to wear out and become flat.

• If the tire treads get worn out, the car will start to shake and vibrate.
• You will notice the vibrations tend to get stronger as you accelerate.
• The only way to resolve this issue is by replacing the worn-out tires with new tires.

Loose Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings allow the wheels to spin freely while also providing a mount to the car.

• Any time the wheel bearings become loose or worn out, the car will start to shake and vibrate.
• Since the vibrations are generated from the wheels, the car will become less stable driving at any speed. This can be extremely dangerous.
• In certain cars the wheel bearing can be adjusted. A professional mechanic will be able to easily help you with this.
• If the wheel bearing is mounted on the hub of the wheel and the hub has play, then the part will have to be replaced.

Brake Pulsation

Sometimes the shaking and vibrations you experience could also be caused by your car’s brakes. Especially if you’re feeling those vibrations when you decelerate.

• If the brake rotors or the brake drums are not perfectly flat, it can cause brake pulsation.
• Any time the brake pads push against the rotor, their ability to apply constant, continuous pressure is diminished.
• This can lead to a sudden vibration in the car, which will reduce in intensity when the car starts decelerating and comes to a complete stop.
• Brake pulsation will effectively extend the distance it takes to bring your car to a halt and can even limit the control you have over your vehicle.
• Any issue or problem which involves the brake should never be ignored since it is a matter of your safety. Consult with a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Don’t Ignore This

Driving a shaking or vibrating car can be very frustrating. More importantly, if the vibration is caused due to a major component, like the braking system, the danger only increases. Even if the shaking is not consistent and it comes and goes, it is best to have your car checked by a professional mechanic.

Auto Experts you can Trust!

Are you worried about your car vibrating and shaking while driving or braking? We can help. Call Virginia Auto Service today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

Any kind of problem with the steering of your car should be cause for serious concern. After all, it is the steering which serves as the main navigating tool in a car.

So, if you start noticing problems with your steering, if it is slow or hard to turn, or if it becomes unresponsive, you won’t be able to effectively control the movement of your car. Worst-case scenario, this could lead to a serious accident.

While there are several issues which could impact the working of a car’s steering, a common complaint is the steering is slow or hard while the vehicle is moving at low speeds.

If you don’t address this issue as soon as possible, the problem could get compounded and lead to even more severe problems.

Why do I find it Hard to Turn the Steering Wheel at Low Speeds?

As mentioned above, steering problems could pop up due to a number of reasons. However, the most common reasons for this condition will be discussed below.

Power Steering Oil is Low, needs to be replaced, or there is a Leakage

A car is a complicated piece of machinery. A large number of assorted metal and non-metal parts make up the body and structure of the car.

When so many parts, especially metallic parts, work together there is bound to be friction and heat. The one way to keep friction and generated heat from impacting the overall performance of a car is by routinely lubricating the various parts with a quality lubricant.

In this respect, your power steering system is no different. This is why:

• You need to replace the lubricating fluid periodically (as stated in your owner’s manual) to ensure the system runs smoothly.
• The problem starts when the lubricating fluid is not replaced.
• Once the power steering fluid gets thick or if the fluid quantity falls below the required level, it loses its ability to effectively lubricate the power steering system–leading to steering becoming difficult or slow to respond.
• If the level is low or if the fluid is thick, replacing the fluid to the required level will fix the issue.
• However, if you notice that the problem returns quickly, and your fluid levels are low again, check to see if your power steering fluid is leaking.
• If you detect a leak, have it fixed quickly.

Damaged or Worn- out Serpentine Belt

The power steering belt, which could either be a V-belt or the serpentine belt as it is commonly known, is a crucial part of the power steering system. What you need to know about the belt:

• It is the belt which delivers the power to the steering.
• If this belt gets worn out, or if it cracks and breaks, or even becomes loose, the power supply to the steering gets cut off.
• One of the first signs of damage to the belt is when you hear a squeaking or grinding noise generated from the front of your car.
• In addition, the belt could be slipping.
• If left unchecked, the belt could completely break off.
• When this happens, you won’t be able to turn the steering wheel.

Unless you are comfortable checking the steering belt by yourself, the best way to deal with this issue is by having it checked by a professional mechanic.

In addition to replacing the belt, your mechanic will give the entire power steering system a complete check up to avoid any further issues with the steering system.

Faulty or Failed Steering Pump

The pressure for the power steering system is generated and maintained by a steering pump. When the required pressure is generated, the power steering system will function seamlessly.

Problems manifest themselves when the steering pump is damaged or fails to generate the required pressure. This could impact the working of the steering. Watch out for the following symptoms:

• If you hear a whining noise from the power steering system, or if the steering makes a squealing noise when you turn it, it could indicate a leak in the pump or a failing pump.
• If the steering becomes stiff in cold weather while driving at low speeds, it could also indicate a failing pump.
• If the noise generated from the steering pump gets louder over a period of time, it is a sure indication that the pump needs to be checked immediately.

A Possible Result

Slow or hard steering at low speeds might not seem like a major issue at the beginning. However, the problem could get worse and in a worst-case scenario, you could end up with completely unresponsive steering.

Always remember that the dangers associated with slow or unresponsive steering in the middle of busy traffic can lead to fatal consequences not just for yourself, but also for other drivers and perhaps even cyclists or pedestrians.

Auto Experts you can Trust!

Do you find your car steering is hard to turn or slow at low speeds? Is the power steering system generating a whining or grinding noise? If yes, it is time to have your steering checked up. Call Virginia Auto Service today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

There are a number of reasons why a car misfires. Before moving on to what those reasons could be, it is essential to understand what the term “misfire” means.

The term “misfire” simply refers to incomplete combustion in the cylinder of a car. When the condition becomes severe, you will feel a jerking action from the engine.

Here are 5 reasons that could cause the internal combustion to not complete inside the cylinder.

• Ignition Misfire

One of the most common reasons behind why your car experienced a misfire could be because of problems in the ignition system.

Over a period of time, it is natural that the ignition cables and coil, the spark plugs, and the distributor cap or rotor experience a certain degree of wear and tear. This could lead to a dilution in their ability to transfer the spark required to ignite the air-fuel mix inside the combustion chambers.

While in the initial stages, the misfire is usually weak and difficult to identify, however, once the issue becomes severe then you could feel a jerk, or your car engine could even backfire producing a loud popping sound.

For this reason, it is essential to conduct routine maintenance work or take your car in for scheduled servicing.

• Imbalanced Air-fuel Ratio or Lean Misfire

An imbalance in the air-fuel ratio or lean misfire, as it is also called, can cause your car to misfire. You will feel the misfire more when the car is idling as opposed to when the engine picks up speed and the car is running.

Successful combustion requires the fuel ratio to be higher compared to the air mix. If you have a bad air sensor, a weak fuel pump, or a fuel filter that is clogged up, it could lead to an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio.

• Mechanical Misfire

In certain cases, the reason behind a car misfiring could be mechanical in nature. So, if there is wear and tear in parts such as the piston rings, valves, camshaft lobes, or cylinder walls, then the car could misfire.

This could also happen when there is an intake manifold gasket leak. Other mechanical issues could include a bad fuel injector or any kind of damage or wear and tear to the rocker arms. You should also check the timing belt to ensure the installation is correct and to make sure it has not slipped.

Anytime the misfire is caused due to mechanical issues you will feel a thumping sensation from the car. Unlike in a lean misfire where the condition gets weaker or disappears as the engine picks up speed, you will feel a continuous thumping even at high speeds if the misfire is mechanical.

• Powertrain Misfire

A problem in the transmission could also cause your car to misfire. If you find that your car is jerking around, the problem could be the transmission is unable to shift up and down properly.

The condition will be felt when you are cruising at high speeds and it could be because of a problem in the functioning of the overdrive gear. If you feel the car jerking when decelerating, it could be because of hard transmission downshifts, or a problem with the brake pads. A proper check-up of the car will help in identifying the problem area.

• Problem with the Engine Control Module

If the engine control module (ECM) of your car has bugs or if there is a software glitch, it could lead to your car misfiring.

A problem with the ECM or the central computer of the car could affect the combustion process which in turn could lead to the misfire. However, to reverse any problems with the ECM all you must do is disconnect the battery of your car and then reconnect it.

If the misfire was caused due to a minor glitch in the computer system, then doing this should be able to effectively address the misfire.

If however, even after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, you find the issue to be unresolved, it is best to visit your dealership and have the central computer examined thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

Identification of the real reason behind a car misfiring can only happen after detailed inspection. If the real issue is unidentified, or a wrong diagnosis of the problem is made, it could lead to a need to replace the entire engine!

For your automotive repair and maintenance needs, call on the experts at Virginia Auto Service. We have been Phoenix, Arizona’s go to shop for quality, reliable automotive care for over 20 years. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.