Best Auto Repair Downtown Phoenix, Arizona | Virginia Auto Service

Complete Car Care - Certified Technicians

Japanese & European Imports, Domestic Cars, Light Trucks & SUVs

Call: 602-266-0200

Phoenix Arizona Auto Repair Shop Schedule appointment

Where to Find Top Tier Gasoline in Phoenix, AZ

Many vehicle manufacturers recommend that you only use “Top Tier” gasoline to refuel your vehicle.

Where to find top tier gas in Phoenix

What is Top Tier Gasoline?

Top Tier gasoline has added detergents that minimizes deposits on fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers which helps your engine to burn cleaner. This reduces wear and tear on your vehicle as well as is good for the environment.

In order to be approved as Top Tier the gasoline must be rigorously tested. Only gasoline that meets that Top Tier standards is approved as Top Tier gasoline.

Top Tier Gasoline retailers in Arizona include:

For more information about Top Tier gasoline retailers in Phoenix go to TopTierGas.com.

Call us today at 602-266-0200 to get a free second opinion about your recommended service or repair or schedule an appointment online.

4 Common Power Steering Problems to Watch Out For

common power steering problems

Make sure you know these warning signs to keep your power steering operating smoothly.

The job of the power steering unit in your car is to make steering easier and the various components work together to achieve this goal.  The power steering unit is a hydraulic system that uses the build-up of pressure to push the wheels in the direction indicated by the steering wheel.  If one of the components isn’t working properly, the pressure may not be able to build-up properly instantly making the car much more difficult to steer.   But loss of pressure isn’t the only power steering problem your car can experience.  Here are the most common power steering problems so you know when it is time to see your repair technician.

  1. A Leak in the Power Steering Unit

A leak within the power steering unit is the most common power steering problem.  There are some easy to recognize signs that you have a power steering fluid leak.  The first is that you will see fluid on the ground on the driver’s side of the car after it has been parked there for awhile, similar to what you would see with an oil leak.  Another sure sign that you have a leak is a car that makes a grinding noise whenever it is turned.  This indicates there is a serious problem with the level of power steering fluid that must be addressed before the car is driven.  Failing to do so can cause serious damage.

  1. A Drive Belt that is Slipping, Worn, or Loose

The second most common power steering problem is a slipping, worn, or loose drive belt.  If you hear a loud screeching noise whenever you make a sharp turn, there is a very good chance your drive belt is slipping.  In newer cars, this may be a problem with the serpentine belt, which is used instead of a drive belt.  Get this problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid damage.

  1. A Cracked, Peeling, or Worn Hose

One of the most common sources of power steering fluid leaks is damaged and worn-out hoses.  The hoses convey the power steering fluid throughout the system.  Over time, they can become cracked or damaged, begin to peel, or simply wear out.  If you are driving and it suddenly becomes very difficult to steer, there is a good chance a busted hose is to blame.  The best way to avoid a leak is to routinely inspect your power steering hoses, especially once your car has been in use for several years.

  1. The Hose Coupling is Creeping Off

Over time, the coupling on the hose that carries the power steering fluid throughout the unit can begin to creep off.  You should be able to identify this problem with a simple visual inspection.  If the coupling creeps all the way off, you will lose power steering fluid and experience the problems above.  If the coupling seems to be creeping, take it in and have the tech at your repair shop check it out.

Related articles

7 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked

signs you need your brakes fixed

Follow these tips to make sure your car brakes are working properly, especially when you need them!

Everyone knows how important it is to get your oil changed, but this is only one of the important maintenance tasks you need to perform regularly to keep your car running and on the road.  Another important maintenance task that is not necessarily as well known is getting the brakes checked.

Your brakes are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your car and it is critical that you keep them in good condition so that they can perform when you need them to.  But most of us don’t speak the same language as our brakes.  This means we can’t tell when they are trying to let us know that something is wrong.

Here are 7 signs that something may be wrong with your brakes.

  1. You press the brake pedal, nothing happens

If you press down on the brake pedal and the car doesn’t slow down or stop, this is a sure sign that there is something wrong with the brakes.  Use your transmission to downshift and slow the engine and try not to hit anything.  Then, read the rest of these signs so that you will know what to look for next time so you don’t let it go until your brakes stop working all together.

  1. Illuminated Brake Light or Indicator

You may not even realize that you have a brake light in your dash, but most modern cars have a light whose sole purpose is to indicate that there is a brake problem.  This light can indicate that your brakes are worn down, that the anti-lock brake system isn’t functioning, or that you have the emergency brake on.

  1. Stuttering

If you feel the car stutter when you press the brakes, even if it seems to be stopping normally, you need to get the brakes checked.  This can indicate that the brakes are worn down and is a precursor to brake failure.

  1. Change in Pedal Pressure

If you realize that you have to press the pedal down much harder than you used to in order to engage the brakes, you need to have them checked.  The same holds true if the opposite happens, and the pedal is hard to depress.

  1. Screeching And Squealing

Another sure sign that there is a problem with the brakes is hearing tell-tale screeching noise whenever you hit the brakes.  This indicates the pads have worn down and that you need to get them checked and replaced before other brake components are damaged.

  1. Black Dust

Finally, if you notice black dust on you rims, it can signify a problem.  This dust which is also called brake dust is a sign that the brakes are worn down and need replacing.

  1. Time

If you are lucky and you haven’t had any issue with your brakes that required them to be checked for the last 12 months, it is a good idea to take it in and have a tech check them out.

Related articles

Three Common Heat Related Car-Problems in Phoenix, Arizona

With summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceeding 100 degrees, your vehicle is undergoing a lot of excess wear and tear. It is best to do some preventative maintenance checks throughout the summer and make some special considerations to keep your car functioning optimally. Here are 3 common car problems often experienced in Phoenix, Arizona’s summer heat.

common heat related car problems phoenix, az
  • Blowing out a tire. As the air temperature increases, so does the pressure in your car’s tires. A change in internal air pressure can make tires more susceptible to getting blown out while you are driving. To avoid tire problems in the summer heat, do the following:
    • Keep tires properly inflated. A big difference between daytime and night-time summer temperatures can cause the air pressure in your tires to fluctuate. Check the air pressure in your tires, making sure the pressure doesn’t exceed the recommended amount based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Because tire pressure is so critical in the summer in Arizona, you should check your car’s tires daily, first thing in the morning.
    • Check tires for wear and tear. Asphalt on the roadways can reach scalding temperatures in the summer. You should regularly inspect your tires for loss of tread, punctures, bulges, or tears. Replace faulty tires immediately.
    • Clean and treat tires and wheels. Regularly applying a good tire dressing will protect your tires from dry rot or cracking on the scalding hot roadways.
  • Damaged hoses and belts. Hot temperatures will increase the likelihood that one of your car’s belts or hoses is faulty. You can look under the hood to check for any problems.
    • Check the belts for cracks, fraying, or dry rotting. Look to see if the rubber has any spots with a slick or glazed appearance that can cause the belts to slip. When the engine is cool, gently pull on the belts to check the tension level. There should be no more than one half to one inch of give.
    • Check the hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. Squeeze the hoses near the clamps with your thumb and forefinger. Feel for any soft spots and look to see if any fluid is leaking. It you see a hardened, glassy surface on any of the hoses, this is a sign of heat damage. Replace any faulty belts or hoses right away.
  • Battery problems. Summer temperatures can damage the wiring and speed up corrosion of your car’s battery. Extreme heat can also damage the internal structure of the battery by causing fluids to evaporate. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and then clean them with a wire brush. You should also look for any signs of swelling in the battery case. The voltage of the battery should be checked by an automotive professional to make sure that it falls within the desired range. Since a faulty battery can cause problems to your car’s electrical system, be sure to replace it immediately.

Virginia Auto Service will take care of all your summer auto service and repair needs in Phoenix, Arizona. We have won some prestigious awards that recognized us for our leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Just schedule an appointment online or call us at (602)-266-0200.

Know Your Rights in Arizona When Pulled Over by the Police

At some point, just about everyone is going to get pulled over by the police. Since every situation is different, it is important that you know your rights as a driver, and the best way to handle a traffic stop. As a disclaimer, we are not attorneys, but have thoroughly researched the law in Arizona to give you the most accurate information and what to expect when stopped by the police.

what to do when you're pulled over by the police in Arizona
  • You have the right to safety. When you see an officer driving behind you with the car lights flashing, you are supposed to pull over right away. But you are not required to pull over on a busy highway or a dark, winding road if you think it looks unsafe. If that is the case, turn on your hazard lights, and start to slow down so the officer knows that you are trying to comply. Proceed a short distance until you can stop safely.
  • Officers need probable cause to pull you over. For a legal traffic stop, police need to demonstrate probable cause to take a closer look at you and your vehicle. The officer should tell you the reason you are being pulled over right away. If you are unsure about why you have been pulled over, politely ask for clarification.
  • An officer does have the right in Arizona to ask you and your passengers to step out of the vehicle. A failure to comply could result in additional charges.
  • You have the right to make a video recording of a traffic stop if for any reason you feel uncomfortable or that your rights might be infringed upon, as long as you are on public property.
  • An officer cannot search your vehicle without probable cause. If the officer has not identified a probable cause, you may assert that you do not consent to a search. The smell of marijuana coming from the car would count as a probable cause.
  • Since the state of Arizona does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon, be sure to let an officer know right away if you have a weapon in your vehicle. The officer can take possession of your firearm but will return it once the traffic stop is complete.
  • You can refuse to take a roadside sobriety test. If an officer asks you to blow into a breathalyzer during a traffic stop, you have the right to refuse. However, be aware that Arizona has a statute called “implied consent”, which means that your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 6 months if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test. In addition, if the officer has probable cause, you can be taken to the police station or a nearby hospital to receive urine or blood tests.

Reliable car maintenance and repair with professional auto experts! If you are looking for professional and credible repair service for your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment with us online.

What Women Need to Know About Caring for Their Car

women car care

If you are a woman, don’t be overwhelmed at the thought of maintaining your car. Know these tips!

Even though most women are involved in deciding when to take their car in for maintenance and where it should be taken, a Jiffy Lube survey shows that these decisions may not be based on the most accurate information.  For example, only 22% of women knew that the correct tire pressure for their car was located somewhere other than the tire or wheel and nearly half of those surveyed thought that switching to synthetic oil meant you could drive more miles between oil changes.  Even minor misunderstandings like these can cause real trouble on the road.  Here are the most important things women need to know in order to properly maintain their car.

  1. Look Before You Leave

Before you back out of your driveway, there are a few things you need to check on every single day.  According to Matt Allen, you should visually inspect your tires to ensure that none of them look low or flat before you leave.  Matt also recommends glancing at your dashboard lights to make sure there aren’t any warning lights like the check engine, low oil, or tire pressure problem, illuminated.

  1. Pay Attention to Your Senses

When it comes to taking care of your car, you need to pay attention to the messages coming from all your senses.  There are many problems that you can catch early on because you can see that something isn’t working or that a light is on or you can smell something unusual or you hear a new noise or you feel the car pulling to one side or riding differently.  Don’t assume that if you don’t know cars, you can’t tell when something isn’t working properly.  Just listen to what your senses are telling you.

  1. Know Your Car

For the most part, when your car is having a problem, it will let you know.  The differences may be small or subtle at first but as the problem gets worse, the difference will be more pronounced.  If you pay attention to things like how your car handles, what it sounds like, and what kind of gas mileage it gets when it is working properly, it will be easier to see the small signs that something might be wrong.

  1. Check Your Spot

One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong is also one of the most signs most of us miss because we aren’t watching for it.  On a regular basis, you need to check the spot where you park your car to see if it has any leaks.  Cars that drip oil, anti-freeze, and even water need to be checked out at a repair shop as soon as possible.

  1. Change the Oil

Even though everyone knows how important it is to change your oil, it is still the maintenance task that is most frequently delayed.  The problem is that not changing the oil as soon as it is needed has no immediate consequences.  While you could not continue to drive a car with a flat tire or with faulty brakes, a car in need of an oil change can keep going and going.  However, eventually, it will stop going and when it does, it is very likely that you will need a new engine rather than just an oil change.

Related articles

Tips to Maintain Your Car’s Air Conditioner Throughout the Summer

As the hot summer months continue, it is important to keep your car’s air conditioner functioning optimally. Perform these preventative maintenance tips every two weeks throughout the summer to keep from having to have your car’s AC serviced.

  • Do a simple test of the air conditioner to be sure it is working properly. Turn on the AC while the car is running. Put the flow setting on fresh air (not recirculated). You should feel cold air blowing out of the vents into the car. The air should not start cold and turn warm or blow warm air intermittently. Then, change the air pressure settings to see if the airflow changes accordingly. Open and close each of the vents to be sure that all of them are blowing out air. Listen for any unusual sounds coming from the AC. Finally, smell the air coming out of the vents for any strange odors that could indicate a leak.
  • Clean all the carpeting and mats in your car. Dirt and grit from inside the car can get into the AC duct and clog it. Vacuum the carpeting, spray it with a carpet cleaner, and scrub it with a hard-bristled brush. Rinse with water and pat dry with clean towels. The car mats can be removed and cleaned with warm water and some laundry detergent.
  • Check the AC filter. The filter catches carbon and dirt particles to make sure the air inside your car doesn’t become polluted. If the filter has debris built up inside, it will no longer function properly. Cleaning an AC filter requires removing it and using an air compressor with the right amount of pressure. If you are not able to do this properly, having the filter replaced is a relatively inexpensive solution.
  • Look under the hood at the AC compressor. If the air pressure is normal but the air coming out of the vents is warm, there might be a problem with the compressor. Visually inspect the compressor clutch to see if it is engaging properly. The compressor is usually located towards the front of the engine, just inside the grill of the car. The tension on the belt of the compressor should be tight. If it is loose, your car needs a new compressor belt.
  • Check for any leaks in refrigerant. Look for any oily residue on the hoses that attach the components of your car’s AC. If you find any oily spots indicating a leak, you will need to hire a professional to repair it.
  • Check for freezing. If your car’s AC blows cold air initially but then the air stops being cold after a while, this could indicate freezing of the system components. This can only happen if moisture has gotten into the AC’s system, indicating faulty hoses, pipes, or seals. If this is the case, bring your car to a mechanic to perform a full leak check of the AC.

If you have found any problems with the functioning of your car’s AC, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

How Do You Maximize Fuel Efficiency?

Fuel efficiency is a major area of concern for all car owners, regardless of the make and model of their vehicle. And as environmental concerns take center stage, the need for better fuel economy is the need of the hour.

One of the best ways of ensuring better fuel efficiency and overall health for your car is preventive maintenance. This means you’ll have more money to put towards things that really matter!

To know more about how you can maximize fuel efficiency, continue reading.

Check your Tire Pressure on a Routine Basis

Driving with under-inflated tires can put more pressure on the engine and lead to faster fuel consumption. If your tires don’t have the recommended tire pressure, then the turning resistance of the tires increases, and you might end up making more runs to the gas station.

  • We recommend you check your tire pressure once a month or at least once every two months.
  • You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car in your owner’s manual.

Replace Your Air Filter as Recommended

If you live in dry, arid areas with a lot of dust, then you might need to check and replace your air filter more often. Replacing the air filter is based either on years, or it could be mileage based. Either way, for the best replacement schedule, check your owner’s manual.

Check the Health of Your Engine

During preventive maintenance, your car technician will conduct a complete examination of your car engine.

Some of the tasks such as replacing the oxygen and fuel filters or changing the spark plugs or even replacing any other damaged components will keep your car engine running in good condition and help maximize your fuel economy. 

Ensure Your Battery Cables are Corrosion-Free

Corroded battery cables again are a top factor for reduced fuel economy. If the batter cables are corroded, then the alternator will function under greater stress – leading to increased gas consumption levels.

If you are comfortable checking the battery cables by yourself, go ahead. If not, your car service technician will examine your car engine and check the batter cables for damage from corrosion when you take your car for routine preventive maintenance.

Idling Eats Up Gas

Turning your car off and on between stops will help in conserving gas. The amount of gas your car burns can be substantial when idling for long periods of time. Make sure the idling period does not extend to more than a minute. If you must stop for longer than a minute, it is best to turn off your car engine.

Always Use the Recommended Octane Gas and Motor Oil

Make sure you check your owner’s manual for the recommended motor oil and gas. Premium gas does not necessarily lead to improved levels of vehicle performance.

Keep in mind that only certain car models need premium gas – so if your owner’s manual does not specify otherwise, stick to the recommended grade of motor oil and gas for better fuel economy.

Improve Your Driving Habits

While the above-mentioned tips are a part of preventive maintenance and overall car health car, another factor which impacts your fuel economy is the way you drive. 

Consider the following:

  • Avoid driving on rough, bad roads.
  • Drive in a smooth and steady manner – constant speeding and heavy braking can burn more fuel.
  • Avoid tailgating – this ties back to the earlier point about avoiding constant speeding and heavy braking which can easily lead to increased fuel consumption.
  • Revving the engine prior to turning the engine off is an action best avoided. When you rev the engine, not only are you wasting fuel, but the action will wash oil down from inside the cylinder walls, making them dry – impacting the next engine start-up.
  • If you are in the habit of resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the pressure, even if it is very slight, can lead to an increase in the “mechanical drag” on various components within the engine, thereby leading to increased fuel consumption.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Are you looking for a reliable and professional car service for your car? If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for professional maintenance service or for a speedy resolution to all your car troubles. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at convenience.

Is it bad to wash your car every week?

The most important and best kind of care for your car is routine preventive maintenance. It can keep your car in good condition for years to come.

However, there is another important aspect of car care – washing and cleaning your car on a regular basis. After all, you don’t just want the inner workings of your car to in top condition. You want your car to look good and clean from the outside as well.

Why is it important to keep the exterior of your car clean always?

As you drive around on a daily basis, your car gets hit by dirt, dust, and all kinds of debris and contaminants such as bird poop, pollen, dust, leaves, gravel, and mud.

If you don’t clean your car regularly, over a period of time, these elements can settle on your car walls and dull the paint. Even a brand new car, if not cleaned regularly, can end up looking really dull and dirty.

Related Article – 3 Cleaning Tips for Car Seats and Upholstery

If you are considering selling your car somewhere down the line, you want to keep it in good condition both on the inside and the outside. (And even if you are not considering selling your car, driving a dirty car does not make for good optics!)

Without regular cleaning, the only option left would be to repaint your entire car. However, repainting a car does not come cheap. Washing your car on a regular basis and keeping it clean takes a little time and effort, but it is a far more cost-effective option compared to repainting your car.

Regular Car Washing is Integral to Routine Preventive Maintenance

Most car owners don’t consider washing or cleaning their car to be a part of preventive maintenance. For most people, car cleaning involves simply hosing their car down with water.

However, proper car cleaning is a detailed task – you need to wash and clean everything from the windows and body of the car to your tire hubs and treads. This kind of extensive cleaning involves a sponge, warm water, and soap.

If, however, you are hard pressed for time, you can simply drive down to your regular professional car wash and get the job done for anything between $10 and $20.

Regardless of what option you choose, what matters is that you keep your car clean at all times. This then brings us to the next important question –

How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

The best rule of thumb to follow is to never wait until it starts to actually look dirty. If you drive your car on a daily basis, washing your car once a week or once every two weeks is recommended.

However, if you drive on dirt roads or bad roads, then you might need to wash your car more often.

If you live in a hot desert climate or dry arid zone like Phoenix, Arizona; sand and dust can cover your car from the outside, it can clog the engine, and settle in the cracks and crevices of the car body.

Even if you live in a city with a more temperate climate, or if you live in a zone with cold freezing winters, the daily commute will expose your car to carbon contaminants or salt (which is often used to cover ice roads) – both of which can dull your car’s exterior appearance.

If it affects the paint, then the exposed metal will quickly form rust.

In each of these instances, washing your car on a weekly basis might be the best option. Not only will it keep your car clean but it can also help keep the paint intact for a longer period.

If however, you don’t use your car too often and keep it parked in a garage, it is best that you wash your car once every two weeks or at least once every three weeks.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Are you looking for a reliable and professional car service for your car? If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for professional maintenance service or for a speedy resolution to all your car troubles.

You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

How Do You Keep Tires from Dry Rotting?

Your car tire tread is the one part of your car which faces a lot of pressure from constant contact with the road.

As the number of miles that you log goes up, the degree of wear of your tire tread also increases.

However, the tire tread compound is also influenced by other factors such as road conditions, seasons, and temperature. And we know how hot a Phoenix summer is!

Although tires undergo stringent quality tests, the life of your tire is not finite, and they can sustain damage in different forms.

So, while normal wear and tear is expected, sometimes tire wear can happen prematurely. One of the most common factors for this happening is dry rot.

Dry rot refers to a type of tire decay which can occur in aged tires and is quite common. Tire dry rot can also happen if the tire is regularly exposed to harmful substances such as certain types of petroleum-based tire cleaners as well as due to environmental conditions.

Tires with dry rot damage can suffer from leaks and holes, as well as blow-outs or in extreme cases, the tread can separate from the tire completely!

What is tire dry rot?

Do your tires sport little cracks that run along the sidewall and up to the tread? If yes, then it could be because of tire dry rot.

Dry rot occurs when the rubber of the tires becomes brittle and hard. With time, the oil present in the rubber dries up and the chemical bonds start to break down – something that can happen in used tires.

Tires with a manufacturing date that goes back several years can start to unwarp. This of course happens regardless of whether the tires have been in use or not.

Other reasons that can lead to dry rot of tires include – high mileage, low tire inflation, improper storage, and constant exposure to a heat source.

Exposure to the sun is a common cause for dry rot of tires; this is something that you need to watch out for if you live in Phoenix, Arizona or any place which has a hot desert climate as already indicated. If left exposed too long, the deterioration rate of your tires increases.

How long can tires remain unaffected by dry rot?

Is there a specific timeframe within which dry rot sets in? Well, we cannot provide an accurate or specific timeframe – it mostly depends on the above-mentioned factors. These factors primarily determine how much mileage you will be able to extract out of your car tires.

Having said that, most car technicians will tell you that the cut-off point for any brand of tires is around ten years.

Beyond ten years, the structural integrity of your tires, even if they don’t display any damage from dry rot, will start to weaken.

The tire tread compound of tires that are more than ten years old in most cases would have expired or at the very least, the tread compound would have lost its effectiveness.

4 Ways You can Prevent Tire Dry Rot

Lack of use is another common reason for tire dry rot. So, if you are not going to be using your car for an extended period of time, do the following:

  1. Make sure you park your car in a garage with climate control if that is possible which in most cases it’s not.
  2. Check the tire pressure at least once a month – certainly when you want to drive your car on the highway again after it has been parked for so long.
  3. Ensure the tires are parked on boards – not pavement.
  4. Inflate the tires as per the recommended pressure.

Note – Checking tire pressure at least once a month and maintaining tire inflation are two steps that should be undertaken as part of routine maintenance.

Can tire dry rot be repaired?

Driving your car with damaged tires is not something we or any other professional car technician or service will recommend. If dry rot damage is minor, the damage can be fixed with a tire sealant – but this is a job that should be best left to a professional car technician.

If, however, you find that the tire dry rot has reached an advanced stage, it is best to simply replace the tires.

It is not safe to drive your vehicle if the tires are damaged due to dry rot – when the tires run, they generate heat which causes the rubber to expand.

If, however, the integrity of the tires is damaged, then the tire can fall apart while you are driving.

Reliable car maintenance with professional auto experts!

If you are looking for professional and credible car repair service for your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online.