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Maintenance
October 27, 2022
Why Car Maintenance Is Crucial for NoVA Commuters
You don’t need to work in a car maintenance shop to know that life in Northern Virginia is tough on your vehicle. After all—we’ve got a lot of traffic. How much traffic, you ask? More, in some places, than you will find anywhere else in the United States. And commuters in Northern Virginia spend a […]
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Maintenance
August 22, 2022
Virginia State Inspection Checklist
On any given day, millions of cars and light trucks operating in the United States are due for state inspections. You probably have plenty of experience sitting in line for your Virginia state safety inspection days before your sticker expires! One of the worst things that could happen is that you sit in line for […]
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Maintenance
June 16, 2022
The Best Way to Improve Gas Mileage
We’re all feeling pain at the pump these days, and with gas prices continuing to rise, getting better gas mileage is top of mind. Fortunately, one of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s gas mileage is also the least expensive: keeping your tires properly inflated! With just a few minutes of your time and […]
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Maintenance
April 29, 2022
What Happens When a Fuel Pump Goes Out?
The fuel pump in your vehicle does exactly what you would think— it pumps fuel from the gas tank to the engine to power your car. (There are some other steps in between, but we’ll get to those.) Given the crucial role of the fuel pump in making your car move, it’s a car part […]
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Maintenance
April 5, 2022
Why Is My Car Shaking?
If you notice your car shaking, vibrating, or making any unusual movement, it’s good to diagnose the problem early. Preventative maintenance will usually save you from bigger (and more expensive) repairs down the road. Don’t brush it off as something you can ignore, even if the shaking is subtle or only occurs intermittently. Here […]
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Maintenance
February 1, 2022
Getting a Vehicle Emissions Inspection in Virginia
When the hustle and bustle of the city get to be too much, many Northern Virginians escape to Shenandoah National Park to enjoy nature hikes and mountain vistas. But more often than not, your view will be limited due to smoggy haze drifting through the valley. According to the National Park Service, this is because […]
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Maintenance
August 12, 2021
How Long Should a Car Battery Last?
Every vehicle needs a car battery to start the engine. Your car battery also filters, produces and sustains power for the ignition and electrical systems. Basically, your battery is your vehicle’s lifeline. If your battery isn’t in working order, your car won’t be either. So how long should a car battery last? How Long Do […]
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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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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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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 […]