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Maintenance
July 9, 2021
5 Signs of Bad Spark Plugs
Sometimes all it takes to significantly improve your vehicle’s performance is replacing one of the smallest components—the spark plugs! Small but mighty, spark plugs play a major role in your vehicle. Keep an eye out for the signs of bad spark plugs and get new spark plugs regularly to help your vehicle perform at its […]
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Tires
June 14, 2021
What Do the Numbers on My Tires Mean? How to Read Tire Sizes
Being able to quickly glance at the sidewall of your tire and determine the tire size your specific vehicle needs can save you time, trouble and money. Even still, not many people know how to actually read a tire size even though it’s printed right there on the sidewall. As a mix of letters and […]
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Maintenance
March 15, 2021
How Do I Know When to Replace Shocks & Struts?
Does going over a speed bump make you feel like your car’s a bucking bronco? Or is every joyride a rough ride, no matter how smooth the road is? Then it’s likely time to take a look at your car’s suspension system and consider replacing the shocks and/or struts. What Do Shocks & Struts Do? […]
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Savings
March 5, 2021
10 Life Hacks for Your Car
At Virginia Tire & Auto, it’s no secret that our biggest hack for your car is regular maintenance. But, we also understand that not all car hacks involve oil changes and wheel alignments. We spend a lot of time in our cars. Things can get messy, broken, and even dangerous if you don’t have your […]
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Maintenance
February 9, 2021
What is Engine Braking & Why Should You Use It?
Using the footbrake is the most common way to reduce your speed, both in an emergency and in normal conditions. Depending on how hard you press the brake pedal, you control the speed at which you slow down, when you stop, and when you start again. But using the footbrake isn’t the only way to […]
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Maintenance
February 1, 2021
Why Won’t My Car Start? Troubleshooting the Electrical System
If your car won’t start, the likely culprit is your electrical system—namely, the battery, alternator or starter. Your car battery provides your vehicle with the power it needs to start. When you turn the key, the battery sends an electrical charge to engage the starter motor, which starts the engine. Once your vehicle is running, the […]
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Safety
January 25, 2021
Safe Driving Tips for VA Drivers
One of the first principles we all learn in driver’s ed class is to watch out for the “other guy.” Even if you’re an excellent driver, most people aren’t—and they pose a real risk to you on the roads. This is why defensive driving is so important. Defensive driving is driving in a way that […]
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Maintenance
December 29, 2020
What Is a Driveline Service?
Regular driveline inspections and maintenance are essential if you want to keep your car—and your life—moving. The driveline connects your transmission to the wheels, transforming the power from your engine into the rotation of the wheels. So if any part of it is broken, your vehicle isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. What is a driveline? […]
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Maintenance
December 18, 2020
The Importance of Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are a small part of your car, but they have a big impact on your driving and overall safety. They remove rain, snow, dirt, pollen, frost and other debris quickly and smoothly at the push of a button! The windshield wiper motor moves the windshield wiper arms across the windshield. The metal or […]
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Safety
November 24, 2020
Do I Need to Buy Winter Tires in Virginia?
The weather outside may not be frightful, but ‘tis the season to deck the cars for a winter wonderland! Whether you’re a Virginia native or a new resident, you may be wondering if you need to buy winter tires. We’re here to help! Keep reading to find out our recommendation for which tires to choose […]