Virginia Auto Service

Complete Car Care - Certified Technicians

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

Call: 602-266-0200

Auto Repair Phoenix Arizona

4 Signs Your Car has Electrical Problems

Car electrical Problems

Here are 4 signs your car may have an electrical problem (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

Electrical problems are less common in today’s cars than other kinds of problems but they are also more difficult to diagnose than most mechanical problems. This is one area where you should rely on the expertise of your chosen repair shop to determine the problem and recommend the best solution to fix it.

The complicated nature of electrical issues generally requires the use of specialized diagnostic equipment to identify the root cause of the problem. This equipment can access the data your vehicle’s computer stores about how the different components are operating. This data can then be used to pin down the exact problem so that the technician can make the required repairs.

Unlike brakes that squeak or an engine that rattles, electrical problems don’t always announce themselves in a way that is easy to understand.   The electrical system is compromised of several components including the battery, battery cables, alternator, starter, and computer system. Problems with any of these components can cause problems with the vehicle’s operation.   To help ensure you know what to look for, here are some of the common signs there is something amiss with your car’s electrical system.

  1. Car Won’t Start

This is the most likely electrical problem you will experience in your car. If the car won’t start, there is a good chance you have a problem with the battery, the alternator, or the starter. If you turn the key and nothing happens, check to see if the interior lights came on when you opened the door. If the lights aren’t working and the car won’t start, the problem is likely a dead battery. If the lights are on but nothing happens when you turn the key, the problem is likely your alternator. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, the problem is likely the starter. All of these problems require a visit to the auto repair shop for final diagnosis and repair.

  1. Visible Damage or Leakage from the Battery

Inspect the battery from time to time to look for corrosion stains or buildup around the terminal. Both can be signs that the battery is leaking, experiencing a problem, or nearing the end of its life. Be careful if you notice any signs of damage or leakage as the contents of the battery are corrosive and they will damage bare skin.

  1. The Lights Work, But They Dim While Driving

If you notice that the dashboard lights or the headlights seem to dim when you are driving at low speeds or when the car is idling, there may be a problem with the battery, the alternator, or the voltage regulator. If the battery is on its last legs it may be charging slower or have trouble holding a charge which can result in dimming headlights under certain conditions. Problems with the alternator or voltage regulator can also cause the lights to be dimmer under some circumstances.

  1. The Car Runs Fine But the Brake Lights Don’t Work

If you have replaced the bulbs in both brake lights to no avail, the problem may not be the bulbs at all, it may be a fuse. If some specific part of the vehicle like the brake lights or the radio isn’t working, check to make sure you don’t need to replace a fuse.

Related articles

6 Tips for Getting Your Car to the 200,000 Mile Mark

Car 200,000 miles

Follow these tips to help your car reach 200,000 miles. (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

For most of us, it seems like the days of buying a new car every couple years are gone. The average age of a car driving on today’s roads is 10+ years. This shows that we are keeping our cars longer than ever.   While today’s cars are designed to last longer than their predecessors, it still takes work to keep them running and ready to go, especially once the mileage hits 6 digits. Whether you are hanging on to your car for financial reasons or simply because you want to drive it until it dies, these tips will help you take care of your car so that it will make it to the 200,000 mile mark, and beyond.

  1. Change the Oil On Time, Every Time

One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your car is change the oil when it is supposed to be changed, every time it needs to be changed. If you already have 6 digit plus mileage, ask your repair tech if you need to switch to oil made specifically for high mileage cars.

  1. Follow the Maintenance Schedule

One of the other most important things you can do is to follow the recommended schedule of maintenance provided in your car’s owner’s manual. Keeping up with maintenance tasks will make your car last longer and help protect you from costly repairs.

  1. Turn it Off

Some people believe that it is better to leave the car running than it is to turn it on and off when you will be sitting for longer than it takes for the red light to turn green. This is just not true. Running the engine without driving the car puts a lot of stress on the engine components and can cause them to break down more quickly than they normally would.

  1. Pay Attention

If you pay attention to your car, it will tell you when something is not working the way it is supposed to and this is incredibly important with a high mileage car. Listen for unusual noises, pay attention to strange smells, and make note of how it feels to drive the car. All of these things can provide clues that something isn’t working properly long before that problem becomes a major repair.

  1. Take Care of Your Tires

You will have to replace your tires several times on your way to 200,000 miles but you still need to take good care of each set while they are on the car. Rotating your tires, keeping the wheels aligned, and checking the tread on a regular basis all help protect your tires and the other parts of the car they are attached to.

  1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

While we already covered the need to follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule of maintenance and repairs, it is important to point out another recommendation you need to follow. Always use the type of gas and oil recommended by the manufacturer. This recommendation can also be found in the owner’s manual.

Related Articles:

How to Deal with Engine Difficulties

car engine

Keep your car running smoothly with by following these car engine maintenance tips.

There isn’t anything worse for a car owner to hear than the news that their car needs a new engine.  But the truth is sometimes the engine in your car simply dies.  While there are things you can do to help keep your engine healthy and your car on the road, it is also important to know what signs might signal trouble ahead.  According to the Car Care Council’s website the following are all signs that there may be a problem brewing in the engine.

  • Excessive smoke pouring out of the tailpipe
  • Using excessive amounts of oil
  • Strange sounds like knocking or tapping
  • Low oil pressure
  • Oil getting into places it shouldn’t be like the air cleaner or radiator
  • Low engine compression
  • Water in the oil

If any of these problems happen, you need to take the care to your local repair shop immediately to have the engine looked at and any problems addressed.  This can make it possible for you to catch a problem early enough that it doesn’t result in having to completely replace the engine.

There are several things that can cause engine problems.

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Not performing regular maintenance like oil changes
  • Lubrication issues
  • Constant overheating

It is important to remember that ignoring engine problems is never going to make them go away or get any better.  In fact, most of the time, ignoring it will only make it worse.  And you may end up with an engine that simply dies.  If this happens to you, you will need to decide if it is worth replacing the engine.  For some cars, the high costs associated with engine replacement paired with the value of the car make engine replacement a bad investment.

But before you consign your car to the scrap heap, make sure you know all the information.  First, you need to know how much your car would be worth with a replacement engine.  Then, you need to know what the engine replacement will cost.  Factor in what you owe on it and if replacing the engine leaves you with a good car that is worth more than what you owe plus the cost of the engine replacement, getting it fixed is the wiser choice.

If you choose engine replacement, you need to understand the different terms you are likely to encounter in order to make the best possible decision.  If you have to replace the engine in your car, you may want to consider using a rebuilt or remanufactured engine rather than buying something brand new.    These engines are rebuilt to specific standards and specifications by highly skilled technicians.  In some cases, a rebuilt engine may actually be better than the original engine installed when the car was built.  So don’t overlook this kind of engine replacement options as being less than something new.  The key is to find a repair shop you can trust who will recommend the best possible parts to get you back on the road.

Related articles

Car Battery Trouble Shooting: What is wrong with my battery? What should I do?

car battery

Here are some helpful tips to keep your car battery functioning properly 

What is wrong with my battery? What should I do?

We have all been there.  We put the key in the ignition, turn it, and…nothing happens.  Most people would assume that this means the battery is dead and while that may be true, there are some other things that can act like a dead battery.  To help you figure out the source of your problem so that you can figure out what to do next, let’s look at the different battery related problems and how to solve them.

  1. It is, in fact, completely dead.

A dead battery means a battery that no longer contains enough of a charge to provide the electricity required to start the car.  Batteries lose their ability to hold a charge over time and most batteries, according to Firestone, only last for 3-5 years.   The climate you live in and the way you drive will affect how long your battery lasts.  If your car is a couple years old, a dead battery could mean it is time to replace it.  If your battery dies, you jumpstart it and drive it, and the next time you go to start it the battery is dead again, there is a good chance it needs to be replaced.  Have your tech check the charge and replace the battery if needed.

  1. It is only drained.

Batteries can also lose their charge in a short amount of time if something that requires the battery is left on after the car stops running like the radio, headlights, or interior lights.  If you are able to jumpstart the car, look around to see if you left anything on that could have drained the battery.  If the car starts easily the next time you go to drive it, it is likely something was left on that drained the battery the first time and no other action needs to be taken.

  1. It isn’t the battery at all.

If your battery dies and your attempts to get the car started using jumper cables doesn’t work, there is a good chance the problem is not the battery at all.  In addition to the battery, the starter and the alternator must be functioning in order for the car to start.  If you turn the key and all you hear is a clicking sound, you may have a problem with your starter.  If you turn the key and hear a whining sound or nothing at all, it may be a problem with the alternator.  Your repair shop will be able to diagnose the problem although you may have to have it towed there if you can’t get it to start.

So, if you are having trouble starting the car, don’t assume it is the battery.  Your best bet, whenever the battery dies, is to have your repair shop take a look so that you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

Related articles

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

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Fuel Pump

Your vehicle is made of many components that work together to keep it running smoothly. One such component is the fuel pump.

Most people are aware of the existence of the fuel pump, but they don’t give it much thought. However, as the fuel pump plays an important part in ensuring your vehicle operates efficiently, it should not be ignored.

What is the purpose of the fuel pump?

As you know, your engine is on the opposite side of your vehicle than your fuel tank. The fuel pump, which is located either next to or inside of the gas tank, is meant to bring fuel to the engine of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electrical fuel pump which transfers a continuous stream of fuel at the correct pressure and volume from its fuel tank to the fuel injection on its engine. This is what allows the engine to perform properly under various driving conditions and degrees of fuel consumption. If your fuel pump is properly cared for, it can last for the life of your vehicle.

How can you take care of your fuel pump?

As we stated above, your fuel pump is likely to last for the life of your vehicle, so long as it is properly cared for. But how do you take care of a fuel pump? The answer is actually very simple- keep your car fueled up. It is recommended that you never let your fuel level drop lower than a quarter of a tank. The fuel that is in the tank helps to keep the fuel pump cool. If your tank is allowed to get to empty, the fuel pump can overheat. If you continuously allow the tank to get too low the fuel pump will eventually wear out.

Another way to help maintain your fuel pump is to change your fuel filter, which is located in the fuel line, as recommended. You can find specifics on your vehicle in your owner’s manual, but a general recommendation is around every 50,000 miles. The fuel filter helps clean the fuel that goes to the injectors. The less dirt and debris that collects and builds up on your fuel pump, the longer it will last.

How can you tell there is something wrong with the fuel pump?

There are a few things that indicate there may be a problem with your fuel pump including:

  • A noise coming from the pump area
  • Long engine crank before starting
  • Lack of power
  • Stalling
  • Vehicle fails to start regardless of the motor turning over

Unfortunately, in some cases, there may not be any warning signs. However, if you are performing regular maintenance and keeping your gas tank filled past a quarter of a tank, you shouldn’t have any problems with the fuel pump.

If you are noticing any of the above complications with your vehicle or to schedule regular maintenance, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

 

What Does ASE Certified Mean?

In the automotive industry, there are a lot of different organizations and certifications. The purpose of these is to hold automotive repair professionals to a higher standard. Of these special certifications, the National Institute for Automotive Excellence, or ASE, is considered one of the best.

ASE Certification has been around since 1972. According to the ASE website, they are an “independent, non-profit organization” whose purpose is to certify individual automotive technicians as well as service advisers and not the entire shop. Certification is given after a series of tests, and the skill level and ethics of each individual are observed. To become an ASE Certified location there must be several mechanics and supervisors that are ASE Certified on site. We are proud to say that, here at Virginia Auto Service, most of our automotive repair professionals are ASE Certified.

When you find a shop or technician that is ASE Certified it gives you a little insight into the level of expertise the professionals who work on your vehicle have. The certification offers our customers proof of our knowledge and abilities, allowing you peace of mind when you leave one of your most valuable possessions in our care.

To even qualify for ASE Certification, an automotive tech needs to have at least two years of on-the-job training or one year of on-the-job training and a minimum of a two-year degree in automotive repair. If these qualifications are met, then the technician can take the certification tests. These are not easy, and really test a person’s automotive repair and technology knowledge. In fact, the ASE website states that one in three test-takers will not pass the test on their first try.  After a technician is ASE Certified, they are required to retest every five years. This helps to ensure that they are knowledgeable in even the most up-to-date auto repair technologies. There are more than 40 separate tests, which are designed by a panel of automotive repair experts, that focus on different automotive repair specialties. These specialties range from collision repair to school buses and more. It’s easy to see why ASE Certification is a true symbol of excellence in the automotive repair industry.

To learn more about ASE Certification and how it is beneficial to you as the consumer, as well as to us as professionals, you can check out the ASE Certification website here. Or, feel free and ask any of our ASE Certified technicians on your next visit to Virginia Auto Service. It would be our pleasure to expand on what the certification means to you and us.

The team at Virginia Auto Service is happy to provide our community with the best automotive maintenance and repair. For over 20 years we have been Phoenix, Arizona’s go to shop for quality, reliable automotive care. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

What are people saying about Virginia Auto Service?

  • “Stopped over for an oil change, Robert was very helpful and arranged a shuttle ride back to work and someone picked me up when my car was ready. A full inspection was done complete with pricing to complete other maintenance needed on my car. I will be using Virginia Auto Service again in the future. By far the most convenient oil change I have ever gotten.” -Margaret Lucero, Phoenix, Arizona
  • “The service performed on our vehicle was again top notch! We will be returning without hesitation when the time arises. Their location couldn’t be any better, it’s within a perfectly comfortable walking distance from our house. “-Andrew Jamrogiewicz, Phoenix, AZ

 

What to Do If You Have a Radiator Leak

Most people are guilty of putting off auto repair at one point or another. For some issues, this may be okay for a short time. For others, you never want to delay repair. One such item of repair that you never want to delay would be a leaking radiator.

Your radiator is a key component in your vehicle’s cooling system, which means it helps to keep the engine running cool. If a leaking radiator is not repaired quickly it could result in your engine overheating- which could mean expensive engine repair or even replacement. Should you at any point notice the temperature gauge rising on your dashboard and/or steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. Even overheating for a short time can result in head gasket damage or possibly even engine failure.

What causes leaking radiators?

In most cases, radiator leaks are a result of failing to regularly maintain the vehicle with things such as coolant flushes- which permit oxidation of the cooling system. Another major cause of radiator leaks is over-pressurization. This occurs when the thermostat sticks, or a head gasket fails.

Most radiator leaks are found at a joint that is between the radiators tank and core. To make vehicle’s more fuel efficient, today they are made with materials like “plastic-based” composites, which means they can crack easier. If the tank is cracked it could be from a blown head gasket which lets highly pressurized exhaust be pushed into the cooling system.

How do you know if you have a radiator leak?

  • Low coolant levels. When you are performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, take a moment to check to see if your coolant level is sufficient. If you notice lowered levels of coolant, it is possible that you have a leak.
  • Fluid under the vehicle. If the leak is bad enough, you won’t have to look under the hood to know it’s there. Instead, you will see a pool of yellow/orange, pink, or green fluid under your vehicle.
  • Increased engine temperature. If your engine temperature rises it is usually a warning sign that you have a radiator leak.

If you think that you have a leak in the radiator it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service can help determine how large your leak is and where it is located.

Should you use radiator sealant?

To use these products is like using a band-aid when you need stitches. They don’t quite get the job done, and we certainly don’t recommend them for long-term use. Not all the glue will make it to the location of the leak and will stick to other places, potentially causing a blockage. If you are going to use them, only do so in the event of an emergency to help you get your vehicle to our mechanics.

Dealing with radiator leaks quickly can prevent further and more expensive damage to your engine. If you experience complications with your vehicle, contact the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

 

Related Posts:

Why Your Engine Overheats

Top 10 Things That Are Bad for Your Engine

How to Identify the 6 Common Fluids That Leak from Your Vehicle

 

 

 

 

 

 

When to Replace Your Water Pump

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your water pump may be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system. When your vehicle is running, your drive belt helps to operate the water pump allowing it to continuously pump water and coolant into your engine. Without a properly working water pump, your vehicle would overheat, which could easily result in expensive engine damage.

Tucked out of sight under the timing belt cover, the water pump is easy to forget about. For this reason, as far as maintenance and repairs go, the water pump will not often cross a vehicle owner’s mind. Water pumps are, thankfully, built to last for quite some time. Depending on what vehicle you have, a water pump should last you between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. (You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your vehicle.) Unfortunately, there may be times when the water pump will stop working early, without notice. Regular maintenance and automotive check-ups can help you spot a failing water pump before it has the chance to do some serious damage.

Signs That it is Time to Replace the Water Pump

There are a few ways you can spot a failing water pump including:

  • Coolant leaking from your vehicle onto the ground
  • Coolant leak near the timing belt
  • Vehicle overheats – or a sudden change in the temperature gauge
  • The water pump makes a squeaking noise
  • When you look under the hood, you see coolant -even if it’s just a little bit- dribbling out from the water pump weep hole

Other factors that can affect the functionality of your water pump include a loose shaft and bearings or the pump impellers fail. If the bearings and shaft are loose, when you pull back and forth on the water pump pulley there will be some play, or it may actually move back and forth. If this is happening, then the water pump will be ineffective. If the impellers have failed, the water pump will still pump or spin, but it will stop moving water and coolant through the system.

Water Pump Replacement

As they are located under the timing cover, there is a lot of work involved in replacing a water pump. It is not a simple garage DIY.

Timing belts and water pumps have about the same lifespan. So, if a mechanic needs to change one, they will likely change the other at the same time. With the water pumps placement where it is, this only makes sense. You may not have to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, but it is more cost effective to do so. Changing the water pump is labor-intensive and therefore can be a little expensive.  If you have your timing belt replaced then later have to go back in and replace the water pump, you are spending money that could have been saved had you done both at the same time, as you are paying for labor twice.

When you deal with water pump problems quickly, you can prevent any further damage to the cooling system or engine. If you notice any of the signs listed above or experience other complications with your vehicle, please get in touch with the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

 

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.