automotive repair Archives

5 Things Every Vehicle Owner Should Know

One of the biggest investments a person makes in their life is their vehicle purchase. For drivers old and new, owning a vehicle is a huge responsibility, one that should never be taken lightly. If you are lucky enough to own a vehicle, there are some important things that you should know to remain safe and to keep your investment running in its best condition. Fortunately, the knowledge is not hard to come by.

Here are five things every vehicle owner should know:

Basic Automotive Maintenance

Every vehicle owner should understand how to perform your basic automotive maintenance. This includes being able to check things like the antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, and windshield wiper fluid. You should also learn how to jump-start a vehicle and change a tire in case of emergency. Investing a little time to learn such things can save you time and money later.

How to Read and Use the Owner’s Manual

Vehicle manufacturers know that it is not realistic to expect every driver to know every little thing about their vehicle, so they supply you with a vehicle owner’s manual. This manual provides you with information specific to the needs of your exact vehicle make and model. Never lose your owner’s manual! This manual will let you know what maintenance tasks should be prioritized and provide guidelines on how often maintenance tasks should be performed. It will also tell you what each dashboard light indicates in your vehicle.

Insurance and Registration

To drive in Arizona, you need more than just a valid drivers license. You also need to have your vehicle registered and insured. Once you have done this, you need to keep your information in a safe place in your vehicle in the event you have been pulled over or there was an accident. Keep all the information together in one easy to reach spot, and don’t let it expire.

What to Have in Your Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have an emergency kit in the trunk. A first aid kit, blanket, spare tire, flashlight and jumper cables are all very important, but along with these things, you should include gear that could be important in the climate in which you reside. In the Phoenix area, extra water, sunscreen, and even Chapstick may be some items you want to consider. Always remember, safety first!

A Reliable Mechanic

Read online reviews, and look around until you find a mechanic that will work with you and makes you feel comfortable. One that is honest and direct with you about the state of your vehicle and has the knowledge and technology necessary to take care of your vehicle. If you are near the Phoenix area, we know just the place for you to begin, here with the automotive repair professionals at Virginia Auto Service. At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you.

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.

What is Motor Oil Sludge – And How Can You Prevent It?

Motor oil is often considered the lifeblood of your vehicle. Having regular oil changes is probably one of the most important maintenance tasks performed on your vehicle.

Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and keeping the engine cool. When the oil is new and unused it is a transparent and easily flowing liquid that combines a base stock with various additives. The additives hold soot and other particles while maintaining the consistency of the oil. With use, the oil builds up contaminants such as fuel, dirt, water, coolant, etc. It also oxidizes due to the intense heat of the engine. The combination of contamination and oxidization turns the oil into “sludge,” a gel-like fluid that can seriously damage your engine.

A basic understanding of how motor oil works:

Motor oil is either synthetic or conventional and absorbs and protects the engine from contaminants. However, after a period of time, the oil will reach its absorption capacity. When this happens, instead of carrying contaminants away, it will deposit them on the engine surfaces and any other parts in which it circulates. It will stop lubricating the engine and reducing friction and, instead, cause heat to build up in the engine. Clean motor oil acts as a sort of coolant for the engine, however, when it becomes oxidized sludge, it acts as the opposite. When the oil becomes overly oxidized and contaminated, turning into this sludge, you will notice that the oil pressure falls and that you get lower gas mileage.

Motor oil sludge development:

Motor oil sludge first accumulates on the top of the engine, in the oil pan, and the valve cover section.
Then it blocks the oil screen siphon and prevents oil from circulating in the engine.

When motor oil sludge develops you risk serious engine damage as well as damaging the timing belt, gaskets, radiator, and cooling system. If not taken care of, motor oil sludge could cause the engine to stall completely.

How motor oil turns into motor oil sludge:

When it is exposed to oxygen under high-temperature conditions, the motor oil oxidizes. The oxidation occurs more quickly when the motor oil is heated for longer time periods.
When the oil oxidizes, the motor oil molecules break down and combine with the dirt, metallic particles, fuel, gases, and other contaminants forming the thick, sticky sludge.
Heavy stop-and-go traffic can contribute the buildup of motor oil sludge, as well as frequent short trips.

How to avoid motor oil sludge build up:

Have regular oil changes performed per the intervals laid out in your vehicle specific owner’s manual.
When you start your car, check the dashboard for the Check Engine light and/or the Oil Change notification light. Either light may indicate the need to replace your motor oil.
Avoid driving in stop-and-go driving as much as you can. Also, avoid taking too many short distance trips. Walk, bike, or consider public transportation when possible.
If the gauge on your dashboard shows that your vehicle is heating up, make sure your mechanic checks for motor oil sludge.
If you see the oil pressure is low, avoid adding engine oil and instead have your vehicle inspected for motor oil sludge. If the oil pressure light is on, you should have it inspected and/or replaced completely as soon as possible.

The most important thing you can do for your vehicle is to make sure that you are always following the maintenance guidelines laid out in your owner’s manual. This is especially important when it comes to the motor oil, or you risk serious and expensive engine damage.

If your Check Engine light or Oil Change notification is on, schedule an appointment with Virginia Auto Service. We will check the engine for signs of motor oil sludge build up and let you know if your motor oil needs replacing. We may also check for other reasons why the light has come on. We will relate any findings to you and thoroughly go over your repair options and costs.

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