Why has the Virginia State Inspection fee increased?

Effective July 1, 2019 the new fee for the Virginia State inspection will increase from $16.00 to $20.00.  Gov. Ralph Northam signed HB 2514,  that increases vehicle inspection costs from $16 to $20.  Shops which offer Virginia Safety Inspections will pay 70 cents back to the Virginia State Police to support its inspector training program. This is the […]

How to Choose a Car Repair Shop

If you are new to an area or taking on responsibility for your vehicle for the first time choosing a good automotive repair shop can be quite overwhelming. Ask yourself what is most important to you: quality of work, customer service, price, the list goes on and on. A good auto repair shop should be […]

An Oil Change is the Best Car Maintenance

The best and most basic maintenance you can do is a simple oil change. Whether its conventional oil or synthetic oil regular services will keep your vehicle running at its best. Most conventional oil changes are needed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil can be changed at 7,500 mile intervals depending on type of synthetic oil or […]

Choosing the Right Tires for Your Car

When choosing new tires consider: The type of vehicle you drive Where you drive, highway, city, back roads, off road Length of daily driving What type of vehicle do you drive? Hybrids: Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, BMW i3   To get the best gas mileage from your Hybrid vehicle you must have low rolling resistance […]

Three Ways get Your Car Ready for Spring

Winter can be a long, harsh season not only on you but on your vehicle. As the cold temperatures break and warmer Spring days arrive here are three ways we recommend get your vehicle ready for warmer weather driving.   Change your wiper blades, over the winter season your wipers work hard pushing rain, sleet, […]

How Do I Get My Car Ready for Winter?

Winter weather brings cold temperatures and sometimes dangerous driving conditions. Long before the temperature turns cold you can prepare your vehicle for comfortable and safer Winter driving. In November and early December we recommend: 1. Measuring Tire Tread depths 2. Testing your Battery 3. Inspecting Windshield wiper blades 4. Inspecting the Windshield for chips and […]

What Makes a Belt Squeal?

Are you the one with the “noisy vehicle” that squeals every time you start your engine? Your engine belts make a screech or squeal noise usually because the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley and just like your tires spinning on the road, this causes noise. The belt may be slipping due to […]

Why Should I Replace my Struts?

Updated May 23, 2016 Struts or MacPherson Struts (named after the inventor) wear gradually so most drivers do not notice the difference in ride quality and braking ability.  The purpose of the Struts is to keep the tires planted firmly on the road at all times. Properly operating struts improve ride quality, braking distance, the […]

What did Winter leave behind?

After the Winter snow has melted we find potholes were left behind on roads, streets, and parking lots. Potholes are caused when freezing water inside of asphalt expands, causing larger cracks and breakage. While they seem more of a bother than harmful, a pothole can cause major damage to you suspension system.   Your Suspension […]

March Car Care Tips

The ice is thawing and Spring in the air… Warmer weather will be here soon. Don’t give up on your New Year’s Resolution. Keep up with your car maintenance and get ready for the coming Spring season. Following Winter’s harsh weather you may experience poor road conditions and notice your vehicle needs a little TLC. […]