auto care Archives

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem. If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The Top 4 Reasons for Preventative Maintenance

Often, vehicles become unreliable or require expensive repairs because they do not receive regular maintenance. Having regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle will keep it running newer for longer. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are the top four reasons for preventative maintenance.

Ease Your Mind

Having regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups allows for you to be certain that your vehicle is running optimally and will get you to all your destinations safely. Avoiding regular maintenance could result in a blown tire in the middle of nowhere, or perhaps an overheating engine on your way to work!

Safe Operation and Reliability

Driving a vehicle can be dangerous, especially if parts are at risk of malfunctioning. Preventative maintenance will make sure that the components of your vehicle are in their best condition and functioning properly. When you skip an oil change or forget to replace vital fluids, mechanical parts of your vehicle will wear out more quickly and require you to have them replaced sooner. Preventative maintenance helps you get the most life out of the mechanics of your vehicle, which means less or no breakdowns.

Serious vehicle trouble, like engine or transmission failure, can also be prevented when regular maintenance is performed. Refer to your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule recommended for your specific vehicle make and model, then follow it closely.

Improve Gas Mileage

Preventative maintenance helps to ensure that your vehicle gets the best gas mileage that it can. Should you fail to have the motor oil and engine air filters replaced on schedule, your gas mileage will be reduced and could cause unnecessary wear on the engine. It is usually recommended that vehicle’s using conventional oil have it changed every 3,000 miles. If the vehicle uses synthetic oil it can go up to 6,000 miles. However, the exact mileage will depend on your exact vehicle, so you should refer to your owner’s manual. Tire care and rotations are also important to gas mileage. Check the inflation of the tires monthly, and have them rotated and balanced ever 10,000-15,000 miles. Another part that affects gas mileage are the spark plugs. Standard copper spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles, and iridium plugs every 100,000.

Save Money

If you do not have regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle you risk having simple repairs turn into large, expensive problems. Even the simple act of neglecting oil changes could result in engine failure. Replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles and the serpentine belt every 40,000 miles will also help prevent costly engine problems. Putting off, or skipping tire rotations could throw off your alignment, which could end up damaging the suspension and other components. Having the battery inspected and cleaned at each oil change will save you the cost and hassle of being stranded with a dead battery. The list of money-saving benefits of preventative maintenance goes on and on.

Regular maintenance will help guarantee that your vehicle is performing optimally. For further information on how preventative maintenance can benefit you, please contact our experienced mechanics today. Virginia Auto Service is here to help you with your preventative maintenance needs. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The Top 5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

You rely on your car for a lot of things, such as getting to work on time and transporting the kids to and from soccer practice. It’s easy to see why problems can arise if your car refuses to start.

There are literally dozens of reasons why your vehicle may not start. However, it can be fairly easy for our expert auto repair technicians to diagnose the issue depending on the symptoms.

The following are the five most common offenders of automotive no-start situations, and advice on how to ensure your vehicle stays in tip top shape.

You Have a Dead Battery

The most common reason for a car not starting is a dead battery. It is especially common after a long, hot summer. There are several factors that can contribute to a dead battery in a vehicle including its age, loose wires, leaving the lights on, and more. If you determine that your car is not starting because the battery has died, your first step would be to check and make sure the terminals are clean and connected tightly. If they are good, you will want to try and jump-start your vehicle. If the jump-start is successful, then your battery wasn’t completely dead but is on its way out. At this time, you should consider bringing your vehicle in and having the battery inspected by an automotive technician.

You Have an Empty Gas Tank

Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. If your vehicle was running on fumes and you forgot to refuel, you may not have enough gas left in the tank to get it started the next time you need it to. Try not to be embarrassed, you aren’t the first driver to let your gas level get too low. Though it is embarrassing and more than a little inconvenient, it is a very fixable and affordable problem. Grab your wallet and a gas can then catch a ride to the nearest gas station. And, don’t let it get so low next time.

You Have a Clogged Fuel Filter

If your fuel filter is clogged, the gasoline won’t reach the engine. The fuel filter is responsible for keeping the fuel lines clear and blocking dirt and debris from reaching the engine. When the filter is clogged, several problems can arise, including a vehicle that won’t start. Most fuel filters require changing every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. For details specific to your vehicle, you should refer to your owner’s manual.

You Have a Bad Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the area in which you insert your key, and it can malfunction. This may be the case if you know your battery is fine, yet your car isn’t turning over. If you are unsure, you can try turning on your headlights. If they work, then the battery is fine, and the ignition switch is the likely culprit. If you have a broken ignition switch, this kind of repair can be proven to be difficult. It is made that way to prevent theft. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll fix it for you.

You Have a Broken Starter

A broken starter is another common reason your vehicle won’t start. The starter is a small motor that provides the turning force necessary to get the engine running. If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key, it may indicate a broken or weakened starter. This problem may be temporarily fixed with a jump-start, but to completely fix it, you will need to bring it in to be repaired or replaced.

If your car won’t start, chances are it’s because of one of the above five problems. Whether a dead battery or a bad ignition switch is to blame, you can trust the certified automotive technicians at Virginia Auto Service to fix the problem. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Monsoons

Ready or not, here they come! Though the monsoons have been slow to start this year, they are on their way. Make sure you take the extra time Mother Nature has given you this monsoon season to help ready your vehicle for the dust storms and torrential downpours headed your way.

Driving during the monsoons poses bigger risks just a longer commute. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, more than 5,000 crashes occurred in 2015 due to rain in Arizona. For this reason, it is important that you have your vehicle ready to handle the roads as safely as possible.

Before the monsoons start, check off these seven items on your vehicle maintenance to-do list:

Check your tires. Make sure your tires are rotated and aligned every 6,000 miles. Check for the proper inflation levels, your vehicle specific recommended psi can be found in your owner’s manual. The tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Inspect your tire tread and replace your tire if it is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less. Don’t forget to inspect your spare!
Change your wiper blades. The wipers are an often-overlooked safety feature of the vehicle. They are what allow motorists to see the road clearly in a storm. It is recommended that you check your wiper blades every six months and replace them once a year, or whenever you notice a decrease in visibility. Replacing wipers before the start of the monsoons is a good idea, as being caught in a storm with failing wipers can be extremely dangerous.
Inspect the battery. A dead battery is not a pleasant experience, especially during monsoon season. Check that the battery is clean and free of corrosion and that everything is tightly secured. Have your battery tested to make sure it is properly holding its charge. If your battery is over three years old, you may want to consider having it replaced. Remember to never handle a battery unless you know how to do so safely.
Check the lights. Visibility is extremely important during the monsoons. You need to make sure you can see, and that you are seen. Make sure all exterior lights (head, tail, reverse, and indicator) are working correctly. Repair cloudy headlight lenses, and for even better visibility, consider using high-intensity halogen headlights.
Inspect your belts and hoses. Make sure there are no cracks, tears, or glazing, and that everything is tightened properly. Summer heat is hard on the hoses and belts so it is important to monitor them closely this time of year to avoid any potential damage.
Check the air filters. It is dusty this time of year, which is hard on both your cabin and engine air filters. Have them checked then replace if needed.
Inspect your brakes. Being able to stop safely is extremely important at all times, however, in inclement weather conditions, we rely even more heavily on the abilities of our brakes. Before the rains start, have a brake expert inspect your brakes to make sure they are in top condition. Your life and the life of other motorists depends on it.

Virginia Auto Service is here to help you make sure you are driving a vehicle that can safely handle monsoon weather conditions. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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